ABOUT
AGA Productions
Corey McCartney and Khalid Abdulqaadir bring a wealth of experience and creative expertise to AGA Productions, making it a powerhouse in storytelling and film production.
Together, Khalid and Corey embody the spirit of innovation, community impact, and cinematic excellence, making AGA Productions a leader in transforming powerful stories into unforgettable films.
Meet the founders
Corey McCartney and Khalid Abdulqaadir bring a combined 20+ years of experience in filmmaking, production, and storytelling to AGA Productions. Friends since high school, their paths diverged as Corey established himself in the film industry, producing music videos, shorts, and viral sensations, while Khalid pursued a distinguished career in the Navy, academia, and screenwriting. Reuniting in Kansas City, they merged their unique talents and shared vision to co-found AGA Productions, creating impactful films that resonate globally while elevating their local community.
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Co-Founder
With over a decade of experience as a producer and actor, Corey McCartney has cemented his place in the film industry. He earned a B.A. from the University of Missouri and trained at the Peter Wise Actors Studio and the Sanford Meisner Center in North Hollywood. As the founder of Kansas City-based AGA Productions, Corey has produced for FOX Entertainment, PBS DS, MLB, NFL, BET, and more. His notable works include the viral sensation Bel-Air, which garnered over 1 billion views and led to a multi-season series on Peacock TV, and The Unexpected, a film raising awareness about global human trafficking, now being developed as a feature by G-Base. Corey’s collaborations include After These Messages, produced with Oscar-winner Kevin Willmott and Grammy-winner Talib Kweli, which won at the American Black Film Festival. In 2024, Corey premiered the feature film My Cherie Amour, produced entirely in Kansas City.
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Co-Founder
A Navy Veteran and former Intelligence Officer, Khalid holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, an MBA, and a Master of International Relations. Currently pursuing a PhD in American Studies with a focus on film and literature, he is also certified in Advanced Russian Language Studies and proficient in Japanese and Arabic. Khalid’s writing credentials include a Professional Screenwriter Certificate from UCLA, a graduation from the Writers Guild Foundation's Veteran Writing Project, and a certification as a screenplay analyst at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. As an essayist, his works have been featured in the New York Times and Boston Globe. In 2017, Khalid adapted his autobiography into a screenplay, Affection of a Tiger, which placed in the top 10 of BET and Viacom’s "Project Cre8" competition. He has since written, directed, and produced 20 film projects, earning accolades such as a placement in the Sundance Writer’s Lab and finalist positions in multiple Screencraft competitions. In 2024, Khalid’s film was recognized at the American Black Film Festival.
our values
Building Community
We believe storytelling has the power to inspire change, and our projects are designed to make a meaningful impact beyond the screen. By fostering "Community Wellness Ecosystem," we aim to reduce gun violence, enhance workforce development, and create opportunities for economic growth. Our approach goes beyond filmmaking—it’s a strategy for building stronger, safer, and more vibrant communities.
Through strategic partnerships, media initiatives, and programs that raise awareness, we’re committed to using our platform to drive real-world impact. Articles like those featured in the Kansas City Star highlight our work in uniting communities and paving the way for a brighter future. We’re not just making films; we’re making a difference.