Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including events for Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, The First Omen and Palm Royale.
Human Rights Campaign dinner
Jean Smart and Sterling K. Brown were honored at Human Rights Campaign’s annual Los Angeles dinner on Saturday, which also featured a keynote speech from First Lady Jill Biden.
Jean Smart Tarell Alvin McCraney and Sterling K. Brown
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire premiere
Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens and Brian Tyree Henry joined director Adam Wingard at the L.A premiere of their MonsterVerse movie on Monday.
Adam Wingard, Brian Tyree Henry, Fala Chen, Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle and Dan Stevens
Palm Royale Paley Center event
On Tuesday, The Paley Center for Media hosted “Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett: A Night with Apple TV+’s Palm Royale” at The Paley Museum in New York,...
Human Rights Campaign dinner
Jean Smart and Sterling K. Brown were honored at Human Rights Campaign’s annual Los Angeles dinner on Saturday, which also featured a keynote speech from First Lady Jill Biden.
Jean Smart Tarell Alvin McCraney and Sterling K. Brown
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire premiere
Rebecca Hall, Dan Stevens and Brian Tyree Henry joined director Adam Wingard at the L.A premiere of their MonsterVerse movie on Monday.
Adam Wingard, Brian Tyree Henry, Fala Chen, Rebecca Hall, Kaylee Hottle and Dan Stevens
Palm Royale Paley Center event
On Tuesday, The Paley Center for Media hosted “Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett: A Night with Apple TV+’s Palm Royale” at The Paley Museum in New York,...
- 3/29/2024
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New York Women in Film & Television hosted its 44th annual Muse Awards on Wednesday afternoon in New York City. More than 700 guests gathered at Cipriani 42nd Street to celebrate the achievements of honorees Fran Drescher, Alex Borstein, Kyra Sedgwick, Tantoo Cardinal, Latasha Gillespie, Millicent Simmonds, Michèle Stephenson and Oscar-winner Raney Aronson-Rath.
SAG-AFTRA executive vice president, Linda Powell, accepted an award on behalf of Drescher, who wasn’t able to make it to the gala due to her father’s recent death.
Powell read directly from a statement written by the SAG-AFTRA president, who pointed out personal challenges she faced in 2023 during the historic Hollywood strikes. “I couldn’t escape the misogyny that plagued press coverage of the strike and our negotiations,” Drescher wrote. “It was disgusting, but I refused and will always refuse to conform to masculine expectations.
“Even during the most challenging weeks at that strike, I remained...
SAG-AFTRA executive vice president, Linda Powell, accepted an award on behalf of Drescher, who wasn’t able to make it to the gala due to her father’s recent death.
Powell read directly from a statement written by the SAG-AFTRA president, who pointed out personal challenges she faced in 2023 during the historic Hollywood strikes. “I couldn’t escape the misogyny that plagued press coverage of the strike and our negotiations,” Drescher wrote. “It was disgusting, but I refused and will always refuse to conform to masculine expectations.
“Even during the most challenging weeks at that strike, I remained...
- 3/28/2024
- by Elizabeth Taylor
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher, Kyra Sedgewick, Frontline’s Raney Aronson-Rath and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel’s Alex Borstein will among those honored at the New York Women In Film & Television Muse Awards later this month.
Aronson-Rath, editor-in-chief and executive producer of PBS Frontline, whose doc 20 Days in Mariupol won an Oscar Sunday, will receive the Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism. The Made in NY Award from Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment will be presented to actress, writer, and producer and star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Alex Borstein.
Honorees also include actress Critics Choice Award and BAFTA Rising Star Award-nominated actress Millicent Simmonds (A Quiet Place), who will receive the Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award; Michèle Stephenson (Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project), a filmmaker, artist and author, awarded the Nancy Malone Directing Award.
Cardinal, and Latasha Gillespie,...
Aronson-Rath, editor-in-chief and executive producer of PBS Frontline, whose doc 20 Days in Mariupol won an Oscar Sunday, will receive the Enid Roth Award for Excellence in Journalism. The Made in NY Award from Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment will be presented to actress, writer, and producer and star of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Alex Borstein.
Honorees also include actress Critics Choice Award and BAFTA Rising Star Award-nominated actress Millicent Simmonds (A Quiet Place), who will receive the Loreen Arbus Changemaker Award; Michèle Stephenson (Going To Mars: The Nikki Giovanni Project), a filmmaker, artist and author, awarded the Nancy Malone Directing Award.
Cardinal, and Latasha Gillespie,...
- 3/13/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Hello, and welcome to the Scene 2 Seen Podcast. I am Valerie Complex, an associate editor and film writer at Deadline.
In today’s conversation I chat with Latasha Gillespie, the Head of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video and Freevee. In her role, she is responsible for the development and management of all content-related and customer-facing Deia work for the organization.
Under her leadership, Amazon MGM Studios created the entertainment industry’s first Inclusion Policy and Playbook, and standardized Deia into its Greenlight Process. Latasha also created the Howard Entertainment Program, the first of its kind partnership between a major studio and an Hbcu.
Prior to her current role, Latasha led the Global Diversity and Inclusion organization across Amazon, where she worked with Jeff Bezos and regularly briefed both the Board of Directors, and Congressional members on Amazon’s Deia Strategies and progress. In addition,...
In today’s conversation I chat with Latasha Gillespie, the Head of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video and Freevee. In her role, she is responsible for the development and management of all content-related and customer-facing Deia work for the organization.
Under her leadership, Amazon MGM Studios created the entertainment industry’s first Inclusion Policy and Playbook, and standardized Deia into its Greenlight Process. Latasha also created the Howard Entertainment Program, the first of its kind partnership between a major studio and an Hbcu.
Prior to her current role, Latasha led the Global Diversity and Inclusion organization across Amazon, where she worked with Jeff Bezos and regularly briefed both the Board of Directors, and Congressional members on Amazon’s Deia Strategies and progress. In addition,...
- 2/2/2024
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Amazon MGM released a report today detailing the progress it has made in supporting increased diversity in front of and behind the camera for its TV series and films. It shows significant growth in representation of women and people of color in creative roles and onscreen gains for women, people of color and Lgbtqia+ talent.
The report (read it here) highlights changes driven by the studio’s Inclusion Policy and Playbook, which launched in summer 2021 to codify Amazon MGM Studios’ existing Deia practices with the aim of creating content that is more inclusive and representative of U.S. audiences, the company said.
“One of the most important things the data has shown us is the importance of being in business with diverse decision makers,” said Latasha Gillespie, global head of Deia for Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video and Freevee. “Representation increases in every area — from onscreen talent to Heads of...
The report (read it here) highlights changes driven by the studio’s Inclusion Policy and Playbook, which launched in summer 2021 to codify Amazon MGM Studios’ existing Deia practices with the aim of creating content that is more inclusive and representative of U.S. audiences, the company said.
“One of the most important things the data has shown us is the importance of being in business with diverse decision makers,” said Latasha Gillespie, global head of Deia for Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video and Freevee. “Representation increases in every area — from onscreen talent to Heads of...
- 12/14/2023
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
Three studios and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences laid off or lost top diversity execs in the past 10 days, which gives the impression that the industry is placing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (Dei) on the back-burner.
The drive for diversity that picked up prominence with 2020’s Black Lives Matter movement seems to have run its course after just three years.
Were these roles merely lip service all along? As “A Black Lady Sketch Show” actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “I guess all those black boxes after George Floyd was murdered were for nothing,” referencing 2020’s social media blackout that was supposed to be in support of the BLM movement.
Also Read:
Disney Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton to Exit
Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, a six-year veteran, was the first of the four to go. On June 20, the company said that...
The drive for diversity that picked up prominence with 2020’s Black Lives Matter movement seems to have run its course after just three years.
Were these roles merely lip service all along? As “A Black Lady Sketch Show” actress Yvette Nicole Brown tweeted, “I guess all those black boxes after George Floyd was murdered were for nothing,” referencing 2020’s social media blackout that was supposed to be in support of the BLM movement.
Also Read:
Disney Chief Diversity Officer Latondra Newton to Exit
Disney’s chief diversity officer and senior vice president Latondra Newton, a six-year veteran, was the first of the four to go. On June 20, the company said that...
- 7/1/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
If the warm vibes between Keke Palmer and Amazon Studio’s Global Head of Deia Latasha Gillespie continue, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship.
The pair came together at a Cannes Lions panel this afternoon and Palmer – a growing force in the industry, as podcaster, actress, musician and now CEO of her own KeyTV production company – demonstrated her passion to make inclusion a cornerstone of her work.
She explained to Gillespie one of her focuses with KeyTV: “Not only do we obviously want to give entertainment, but we really want to democratize the industry. And also let people, especially young people, know that there are other jobs. And people of color. That you don’t have to just be the person in front of the camera. We need more people behind the camera. These are good jobs a lot of kids don’t have the resources to understand,...
The pair came together at a Cannes Lions panel this afternoon and Palmer – a growing force in the industry, as podcaster, actress, musician and now CEO of her own KeyTV production company – demonstrated her passion to make inclusion a cornerstone of her work.
She explained to Gillespie one of her focuses with KeyTV: “Not only do we obviously want to give entertainment, but we really want to democratize the industry. And also let people, especially young people, know that there are other jobs. And people of color. That you don’t have to just be the person in front of the camera. We need more people behind the camera. These are good jobs a lot of kids don’t have the resources to understand,...
- 6/20/2023
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV
The Hollywood Reporter hosted the inaugural “Raising Our Voices” luncheon, sponsored by The Golden Globes, Wallis Annenberg GenSpace, and East West Bank at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion on Wednesday, May 31.
Eva Longoria speaks onstage during The Hollywood Reporter Raising Our Voices Deia Luncheon
Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images
“Raising Our Voices” brought together the industry’s most influential and inspiring executives, storytellers and thought leaders for a groundbreaking series of discussions on the state and future of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in Hollywood.
During the program, keynote speaker Taika Waititi (Academy Award-winning screenwriter (JoJo Rabbit)), Emmy Award-nominated television producer, actor and filmmaker) was introduced by Bird Runningwater (Executive Producer and Activist). During his speech, Waititi spoke about the journey of moving forward to foster more diversity in the entertainment world and his beliefs on the best practices for incorporating representation within movies and film.
Eva Longoria speaks onstage during The Hollywood Reporter Raising Our Voices Deia Luncheon
Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images
“Raising Our Voices” brought together the industry’s most influential and inspiring executives, storytellers and thought leaders for a groundbreaking series of discussions on the state and future of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in Hollywood.
During the program, keynote speaker Taika Waititi (Academy Award-winning screenwriter (JoJo Rabbit)), Emmy Award-nominated television producer, actor and filmmaker) was introduced by Bird Runningwater (Executive Producer and Activist). During his speech, Waititi spoke about the journey of moving forward to foster more diversity in the entertainment world and his beliefs on the best practices for incorporating representation within movies and film.
- 6/8/2023
- Look to the Stars
“As you can tell, there’s a writers strike on, so I didn’t write shit,” Taika Waititi joked upon grabbing the mic at The Hollywood Reporter’s second annual Raising Our Voices luncheon on Wednesday, teasing he initially had chatGPT take a first pass at his speech and it quickly pointed out Hollywood’s issues in diversity and representation. “Now if AI can do that in eight seconds and it gets it, what’s taking so long? This thing can tell me what the problem is and what we need to do to fix it in eight seconds, and there’s a lot of people in this town who still don’t get it and still kind of refuse to get it and want to be told.”
Waititi, who also appeared on this week’s THR cover, served as keynote speaker for the luncheon, where Eva Longoria and Niecy Nash-Betts were honored as 2023 Trailblazers.
Waititi, who also appeared on this week’s THR cover, served as keynote speaker for the luncheon, where Eva Longoria and Niecy Nash-Betts were honored as 2023 Trailblazers.
- 6/1/2023
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2023 Scad Savannah Film Festival (Savff) and Amazon Studios have partnered to launch the Savff LGBTQ+ Short Film Competition, which will premiere during the festival’s Oct. 21–28 run.
According to an official press release, the new partnership “creates a platform for emerging queer filmmakers to share their stories and gain mentorship and exposure, while onsite programming will offer networking and educational opportunities and drive conversation around equitable filmmaking. It is a practical application of Amazon Studios’ Inclusion Policy and Playbook, which builds Deia into the content greenlight process and invests in programs to grow talent from historically excluded communities at all stages of the career pathway.”
“At Amazon Studios we have long prioritized amplifying underrepresented voices; it is part of the equity work we are committed to doing,” Latasha Gillespie, global head of Deia for Amazon Studios and Prime Video, said. “We recognize the joy, complexity and power of Lgbtqia...
According to an official press release, the new partnership “creates a platform for emerging queer filmmakers to share their stories and gain mentorship and exposure, while onsite programming will offer networking and educational opportunities and drive conversation around equitable filmmaking. It is a practical application of Amazon Studios’ Inclusion Policy and Playbook, which builds Deia into the content greenlight process and invests in programs to grow talent from historically excluded communities at all stages of the career pathway.”
“At Amazon Studios we have long prioritized amplifying underrepresented voices; it is part of the equity work we are committed to doing,” Latasha Gillespie, global head of Deia for Amazon Studios and Prime Video, said. “We recognize the joy, complexity and power of Lgbtqia...
- 5/15/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
As an extension of its partnership with the Latino Film Institute (Lfi), announced in October 2022, Amazon Studios is providing a finishing fund for three indie filmmakers to complete their narrative or documentary features.
Directors and independent production companies can submit their picture-locked cuts to the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival Works in Progress, which will evaluate based on unique directorial voice, cultural significance and commercial viability. Winners will be announced June 4 during closing night of Lfi’s Laliff. The exact split of the $50,000 inaugural fund will be based on each of the three winning projects’ postproduction needs, as determined by a jury of post professionals.
“By supporting this program, Amazon is supporting our work as we continue to elevate Latino voices in a landscape where it’s difficult for filmmakers from our community to secure postproduction funds,” Lfi founder and Laliff co-founder Edward James Olmos said in a statement.
Directors and independent production companies can submit their picture-locked cuts to the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival Works in Progress, which will evaluate based on unique directorial voice, cultural significance and commercial viability. Winners will be announced June 4 during closing night of Lfi’s Laliff. The exact split of the $50,000 inaugural fund will be based on each of the three winning projects’ postproduction needs, as determined by a jury of post professionals.
“By supporting this program, Amazon is supporting our work as we continue to elevate Latino voices in a landscape where it’s difficult for filmmakers from our community to secure postproduction funds,” Lfi founder and Laliff co-founder Edward James Olmos said in a statement.
- 4/7/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon Studios has partnered with IllumiNative to create the IllumiNative Episodic Directors Program.
Over the next year, the inaugural cohort of early- and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers will shadow directors on the upcoming second season of the streamer’s neo-Western series Outer Range, which includes an Indigenous character among its main cast. The participants will be paid for their work, with travel and accommodations covered. Although the filmmakers will not be hired to direct an episode as part of their program participation (a component first introduced by NBCU Launch and subsequently adopted by other studios such as Disney), Amazon says that it will consider program alumni for future gigs.
“Amazon Studios is intentional in developing accurate stories and characters by and about Native peoples, and IllumiNative has been an invaluable resource in this work,” Amazon Studios and Prime Video global head of Deia Latasha Gillespie said in a statement. “We are...
Over the next year, the inaugural cohort of early- and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers will shadow directors on the upcoming second season of the streamer’s neo-Western series Outer Range, which includes an Indigenous character among its main cast. The participants will be paid for their work, with travel and accommodations covered. Although the filmmakers will not be hired to direct an episode as part of their program participation (a component first introduced by NBCU Launch and subsequently adopted by other studios such as Disney), Amazon says that it will consider program alumni for future gigs.
“Amazon Studios is intentional in developing accurate stories and characters by and about Native peoples, and IllumiNative has been an invaluable resource in this work,” Amazon Studios and Prime Video global head of Deia Latasha Gillespie said in a statement. “We are...
- 3/28/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Sheryl Lee Ralph has delivered one rousing acceptance speech after another, all awards season long.
But the newly crowned Emmy, Critics Choice and Golden Globe-winner saved something special for Essence’s 16th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on Thursday afternoon.
Presented the award by her “Abbott Elementary” co-star and creator — and 2022 Essence Black Women in Hollywood honoree — Quinta Brunson, Ralph whipped the audience into a frenzy with a 13-minute speech that ranged from an subdued, yet soul-stirring rendition of “Endangered Species” to an impassioned rallying cry to remember who paved the way for where Black women in the industry have come from and where we’re going.
“I have joy. I have happiness. I have love that I get to share with all of you. Just looking at you, and looking at you, I tell you this all the time,” she said, turning briefly to Brunson.
“The fight to get all of you here,...
But the newly crowned Emmy, Critics Choice and Golden Globe-winner saved something special for Essence’s 16th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon on Thursday afternoon.
Presented the award by her “Abbott Elementary” co-star and creator — and 2022 Essence Black Women in Hollywood honoree — Quinta Brunson, Ralph whipped the audience into a frenzy with a 13-minute speech that ranged from an subdued, yet soul-stirring rendition of “Endangered Species” to an impassioned rallying cry to remember who paved the way for where Black women in the industry have come from and where we’re going.
“I have joy. I have happiness. I have love that I get to share with all of you. Just looking at you, and looking at you, I tell you this all the time,” she said, turning briefly to Brunson.
“The fight to get all of you here,...
- 3/10/2023
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Winners and special honorees were celebrated at the 14th Annual Aafca Awards at the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills on March 1. Prior to the festivities, Gold Derby associate editor Latasha Ford caught up with a few of the night’s presenters and honorees on the red carpet.
Watch her chats with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” director Ryan Coogler, Aafca President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson, “Emancipation” star Charmaine Bingwa, “Double Cross” star Ashley A. Williams, “Black Beauty Effect” executive producer C.J. Faison, Amazon Studios Head of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Latasha Gillespie and “Till” star Jalyn Hall above.
“The Woman King,” “Till,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” each won two Aafca Awards with “The Woman King” taking Best Picture and Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood, “Till” for Best Actress (Danielle Deadwyler) and the Emerging Face award (Hall), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever...
Watch her chats with “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” director Ryan Coogler, Aafca President and Co-Founder Gil Robertson, “Emancipation” star Charmaine Bingwa, “Double Cross” star Ashley A. Williams, “Black Beauty Effect” executive producer C.J. Faison, Amazon Studios Head of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Latasha Gillespie and “Till” star Jalyn Hall above.
“The Woman King,” “Till,” “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” each won two Aafca Awards with “The Woman King” taking Best Picture and Best Director for Gina Prince-Bythewood, “Till” for Best Actress (Danielle Deadwyler) and the Emerging Face award (Hall), “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever...
- 3/3/2023
- by Latasha Ford and Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The Black Women Film Network will honor Danielle Deadwyler, Gina Prince-Bythewood and Tabitha Brown at its eighth annual awards luncheon March 25.
Cas Sigers-Beedles, Tammy Williams and Latasha Gillespie will also receive recognition at the in-person event, Bwfn Summit, which celebrates the voices of Black women in film and television.
Prince-Bythewood will receive RainmakHER award; Deadwyler will be recognized with the Black Woman Rising Award; Brown with the InfluenceHER Award; Gillespie with the Beacon Award; Sigers-Beedles with the StorytellHER Award; and Williams with the TrailblazHER Award.
This year’s theme is “Her Mic is On: Black Women Owning the Moment,” which, according to the organization, will pay tribute to the “high-profile moments of powerful speeches and words of wisdom that Black women have given to the world in recent years.”
The Summit was originally launched during Women’s History Month and will return to Atlanta for a full day of expert speakers,...
Cas Sigers-Beedles, Tammy Williams and Latasha Gillespie will also receive recognition at the in-person event, Bwfn Summit, which celebrates the voices of Black women in film and television.
Prince-Bythewood will receive RainmakHER award; Deadwyler will be recognized with the Black Woman Rising Award; Brown with the InfluenceHER Award; Gillespie with the Beacon Award; Sigers-Beedles with the StorytellHER Award; and Williams with the TrailblazHER Award.
This year’s theme is “Her Mic is On: Black Women Owning the Moment,” which, according to the organization, will pay tribute to the “high-profile moments of powerful speeches and words of wisdom that Black women have given to the world in recent years.”
The Summit was originally launched during Women’s History Month and will return to Atlanta for a full day of expert speakers,...
- 2/24/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival, in partnership with Prime Video/Amazon Studios and The Hollywood Reporter, hosted “Reflections” on Friday, a luncheon geared toward discussing women of color’s rise to the C-Suite.
The hybrid networking event and panel discussion dealt with the realities, challenges and beauty of being women of color in leadership positions in the entertainment industry. THR editorial director Nekesa Mumbi Moody guided the conversation and was joined by Stephanie Tavares-Rance, founder of the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival; Latasha Gillespie, head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios; and Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios.
Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival Women C-Suite Luncheon
The conversation began with the question of how things have changed in the last couple of years following the murder of George Floyd, which animated many conversations among the public, but more specifically what true representation and...
The hybrid networking event and panel discussion dealt with the realities, challenges and beauty of being women of color in leadership positions in the entertainment industry. THR editorial director Nekesa Mumbi Moody guided the conversation and was joined by Stephanie Tavares-Rance, founder of the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival; Latasha Gillespie, head of Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios; and Zola Mashariki, head of Audible Studios.
Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival Women C-Suite Luncheon
The conversation began with the question of how things have changed in the last couple of years following the murder of George Floyd, which animated many conversations among the public, but more specifically what true representation and...
- 2/4/2023
- by Evan Nicole Brown
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
New data from Illuminative, the Native women-led social justice organization, and Nielsen’s Seen on Screen case studies reveals the number of indigenous people in lead roles across TV and streaming has expanded over the past two years, but there’s still much room for growth.
The findings claim the number of indigenous lead recurring roles increased 100 between 2021 and 2022, despite overall representation of indigenous people remaining below population parity. Only 1 of shows across all platforms feature indigenous representation as a lead or recurring character.
“Visibility is power, and we as Native peoples know firsthand the importance of being seen and shown on screen in an authentic and equitable way,” said Crystal Echo Hawk, founder and executive director of IllumiNative. “We’re so grateful for the researchers at Nielsen who helped bring this data to light and reaffirm what we’ve already known – Native representation and Native-led content is good for business.
The findings claim the number of indigenous lead recurring roles increased 100 between 2021 and 2022, despite overall representation of indigenous people remaining below population parity. Only 1 of shows across all platforms feature indigenous representation as a lead or recurring character.
“Visibility is power, and we as Native peoples know firsthand the importance of being seen and shown on screen in an authentic and equitable way,” said Crystal Echo Hawk, founder and executive director of IllumiNative. “We’re so grateful for the researchers at Nielsen who helped bring this data to light and reaffirm what we’ve already known – Native representation and Native-led content is good for business.
- 1/21/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Nielsen, the audience measurement, data and analytics organization unveiled today the findings of their case studies on Native content at a panel discussion in the Indigenous House at Sundance Film Festival, presented by IllumiNative, the Native woman-led social justice organization dedicated to building visibility and representation for Native peoples.
The panel discussion explored the demand for Native content and how the need for Native-led storytelling has helped revitalize streaming and audience retention, as well as the nuance and complexity that Native-led shows bring to the screen. Featured speakers included Crystal Echo Hawk, Founder & Executive Director, IllumiNative, Tazbah Chavez, Writer/Director, Latasha Gillespie, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for Amazon Studios and Prime Video, and Patricia Ratulangi, VP, Global Communications, DE&I, Nielsen.
“Visibility is power, and we as Native peoples know firsthand the importance of being seen and shown on screen in an authentic and equitable way,...
The panel discussion explored the demand for Native content and how the need for Native-led storytelling has helped revitalize streaming and audience retention, as well as the nuance and complexity that Native-led shows bring to the screen. Featured speakers included Crystal Echo Hawk, Founder & Executive Director, IllumiNative, Tazbah Chavez, Writer/Director, Latasha Gillespie, Global Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility for Amazon Studios and Prime Video, and Patricia Ratulangi, VP, Global Communications, DE&I, Nielsen.
“Visibility is power, and we as Native peoples know firsthand the importance of being seen and shown on screen in an authentic and equitable way,...
- 1/21/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The MacRo Lodge is back in time for the weekend.
The sixth annual MacRo Lodge opens today in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with a slate of (invitation-only) programming of inclusive screenings, panels and parties, many of which serve to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location on Main Street over four days.
Presented by Chase Sapphire and hosted by MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King and his chief brand officer wife Stacey Walker King, the MacRo Lodge will host appearances by Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Byers, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor, William Catlett, directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler, Thembi Banks, producer Erick Peyton, writer-producer Tracy Oliver and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s annual late night bash and signature party event,...
The sixth annual MacRo Lodge opens today in conjunction with the Sundance Film Festival in Park City with a slate of (invitation-only) programming of inclusive screenings, panels and parties, many of which serve to champion inclusion and people of color at its prime location on Main Street over four days.
Presented by Chase Sapphire and hosted by MacRo founder and CEO Charles D. King and his chief brand officer wife Stacey Walker King, the MacRo Lodge will host appearances by Algee Smith, Daniel Dae Kim, Grace Byers, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Lena Waithe, Logan Browning, Meagan Good, Misty Copeland, Pinky Cole, Sanaa Lathan, Sierra Capri, Teyana Taylor, William Catlett, directors A.V. Rockwell, Boots Riley, Nneka Onuorah, Peter Nicks, Ryan Coogler, Thembi Banks, producer Erick Peyton, writer-producer Tracy Oliver and more.
Midnight MacRo, MacRo’s annual late night bash and signature party event,...
- 1/20/2023
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Under Latasha Gillespie, Executive Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios, Amazon rolled out its new inclusion playbook in June of 2021.
Since then, the streamer launched its biggest, most expensive series, “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” which was met with great acclaim and, sadly, with social media furor over the epic fantasy series’ diverse casting. And body-positive reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” was nominated for six Emmys, winning three, including one for Outstanding Competition Program and one for director Nneka Onuorah.
Gillespie recently spoke to TheWrap about how she and her team, and various creatives like Viola Davis and “One Day at a Time” co-creator Gloria Calderón Kellett, came up with the playbook, how’s it’s been implemented, and how embracing diversity in front of and behind the camera benefits Amazon’s bottom line, even if a certain segment of...
Since then, the streamer launched its biggest, most expensive series, “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” which was met with great acclaim and, sadly, with social media furor over the epic fantasy series’ diverse casting. And body-positive reality show “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls,” was nominated for six Emmys, winning three, including one for Outstanding Competition Program and one for director Nneka Onuorah.
Gillespie recently spoke to TheWrap about how she and her team, and various creatives like Viola Davis and “One Day at a Time” co-creator Gloria Calderón Kellett, came up with the playbook, how’s it’s been implemented, and how embracing diversity in front of and behind the camera benefits Amazon’s bottom line, even if a certain segment of...
- 10/14/2022
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
Amazon Studios is formalizing its commitment to the Latino community in Hollywood and beyond by partnering with Edward James Olmos’ Latino Film Institute, the Youth Cinema Project and local non-profit LA Collab, working together to strengthen the Hollywood pipeline.
“As we strive to be a global entertainment destination, we acknowledge the power and importance of Latino audiences. In order to tell their rich and dynamic stories authentically, we need their skills and creative power both in front of and behind the camera,” stated Latasha Gillespie, global head of Deia for Amazon Studios, Freevee and IMDb, in a press release announcing the news. “Partnering with Lfi and LA Collab is not a charitable endeavor, it is an equitable endeavor. It is our responsibility to remove barriers and open doors so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
As such, Amazon Studios has signed on as the exclusive sponsor of its Youth Cinema...
“As we strive to be a global entertainment destination, we acknowledge the power and importance of Latino audiences. In order to tell their rich and dynamic stories authentically, we need their skills and creative power both in front of and behind the camera,” stated Latasha Gillespie, global head of Deia for Amazon Studios, Freevee and IMDb, in a press release announcing the news. “Partnering with Lfi and LA Collab is not a charitable endeavor, it is an equitable endeavor. It is our responsibility to remove barriers and open doors so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
As such, Amazon Studios has signed on as the exclusive sponsor of its Youth Cinema...
- 10/4/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Right in the middle of Latino Heritage Month, Amazon Studios has announced partnerships with Latino Film Institute and LA Collab, two community organizations working to boost U.S. Latino representation in the entertainment industry.
For the Edward James Olmos-founded Lfi, the studio will serve as the exclusive sponsor of its Youth Cinema Project Alumni Program for the current 2022-23 school year and also fund the first-ever Ycp Fellowship, which will give 15 aspiring film school students, aged 14 to 18, the resources needed to make a team short film to bolster their school and scholarship applications. The short will screen at Lfi’s Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival next year. Ycp is a curriculum conducted in 4th to 12th grade classrooms in low-income, under-resourced public schools in which students learn to make a film themselves, from concept to screen, over the course of the academic year.
Right in the middle of Latino Heritage Month, Amazon Studios has announced partnerships with Latino Film Institute and LA Collab, two community organizations working to boost U.S. Latino representation in the entertainment industry.
For the Edward James Olmos-founded Lfi, the studio will serve as the exclusive sponsor of its Youth Cinema Project Alumni Program for the current 2022-23 school year and also fund the first-ever Ycp Fellowship, which will give 15 aspiring film school students, aged 14 to 18, the resources needed to make a team short film to bolster their school and scholarship applications. The short will screen at Lfi’s Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival next year. Ycp is a curriculum conducted in 4th to 12th grade classrooms in low-income, under-resourced public schools in which students learn to make a film themselves, from concept to screen, over the course of the academic year.
- 10/4/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amazon Studios Partners With Latino Film Institute And LA Collab To Help Redefine Hollywood Pipeline
Exclusive: Amazon Studios embarked on two entertainment collaborations that mark a real and differentiating commitment to supporting the U.S. Latino community.
The studio has joined forces with Edward James Olmos’ Latino Film Institute and is the exclusive sponsor of its Youth Cinema Project Alumni Program for the 2022-2023 school year. Ycp’s alumni program connects more than 300 program graduates from low-income, under-resourced public schools to hands-on access and learning opportunities across the industry, including mentoring and assistance with college applications.
Amazon Studios is also funding the inaugural Ycp Fellowship, which will provide 15 college-bound students with resources to make a high-quality short film as a team to strengthen their film school applications and scholarship opportunities. The film will then screen at next year’s Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
“As we strive to be a global entertainment destination, we acknowledge the power and importance of Latino audiences. In order...
The studio has joined forces with Edward James Olmos’ Latino Film Institute and is the exclusive sponsor of its Youth Cinema Project Alumni Program for the 2022-2023 school year. Ycp’s alumni program connects more than 300 program graduates from low-income, under-resourced public schools to hands-on access and learning opportunities across the industry, including mentoring and assistance with college applications.
Amazon Studios is also funding the inaugural Ycp Fellowship, which will provide 15 college-bound students with resources to make a high-quality short film as a team to strengthen their film school applications and scholarship opportunities. The film will then screen at next year’s Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
“As we strive to be a global entertainment destination, we acknowledge the power and importance of Latino audiences. In order...
- 10/4/2022
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Bullet Train, Easter Sunday, Prey and A League of Their Own.
Bullet Train Los Angeles premiere
Sony’s Bullet Train stopped in Los Angeles on Monday, where stars Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Zazie Beetz and Logan Lerman walked the red carpet.
Logan Lerman, Masi Oka, Hiroyuki Sanada, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Zazie Beetz, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick and Andrea Muñoz Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Tony Vinciquerra and Brad Pitt
Easter Sunday premiere
Jo Koy debuted his family comedy Easter Sunday on Tuesday at the Tcl Chinese Theatre alongside costars Jimmy O. Yang and Tiffany Haddish, producer Dan Lin and director Jay Chandrasekhar.
Here’s a look at this week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings in Los Angeles and New York, including red carpets for Bullet Train, Easter Sunday, Prey and A League of Their Own.
Bullet Train Los Angeles premiere
Sony’s Bullet Train stopped in Los Angeles on Monday, where stars Brad Pitt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Joey King, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio (Bad Bunny), Zazie Beetz and Logan Lerman walked the red carpet.
Logan Lerman, Masi Oka, Hiroyuki Sanada, Brian Tyree Henry, Bad Bunny, Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Zazie Beetz, David Leitch, Kelly McCormick and Andrea Muñoz Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment Tony Vinciquerra and Brad Pitt
Easter Sunday premiere
Jo Koy debuted his family comedy Easter Sunday on Tuesday at the Tcl Chinese Theatre alongside costars Jimmy O. Yang and Tiffany Haddish, producer Dan Lin and director Jay Chandrasekhar.
- 8/5/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
This is the first in an ongoing series on the status of progress with inclusion in Hollywood.
***
Latasha Gillespie remembers having a doctor’s appointment on May 30, 2020. It was five days after George Floyd was suffocated by a police officer, his excruciating nine-minute, 29-second death — captured on video and witnessed by millions around the world — igniting an unprecedented social response of outrage and horror. Gillespie, like many other heads of inclusion in Hollywood and at companies across the country, had been working nonstop since that moment, meeting with leadership to provide guidance and messaging and with employees to listen and hold space.
“I was in heavy mode doing this,” says the Amazon Studios head of global diversity, equity and inclusion of her state of mind upon showing up at the doctor’s office. The last section of her new patient forms, on mental health,...
This is the first in an ongoing series on the status of progress with inclusion in Hollywood.
***
Latasha Gillespie remembers having a doctor’s appointment on May 30, 2020. It was five days after George Floyd was suffocated by a police officer, his excruciating nine-minute, 29-second death — captured on video and witnessed by millions around the world — igniting an unprecedented social response of outrage and horror. Gillespie, like many other heads of inclusion in Hollywood and at companies across the country, had been working nonstop since that moment, meeting with leadership to provide guidance and messaging and with employees to listen and hold space.
“I was in heavy mode doing this,” says the Amazon Studios head of global diversity, equity and inclusion of her state of mind upon showing up at the doctor’s office. The last section of her new patient forms, on mental health,...
- 7/18/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This time last year, one of the world’s largest corporations made a major statement about its expectations for diversity, equity and inclusion within its content operations.
Amazon’s Prime Video and Amazon Studios published a detailed inclusion policy and playbook to spell out its guidelines and requirements for producers working on shows for the studio arm or commissioned by Prime Video. It was a concerted effort to be transparent and to tell the creative community “here’s what we think good looks like,” says Latasha Gillespie, head of global diversity, equity and inclusion for Prime Video, Amazon Studios and IMDb.
One year later, Gillespie tells Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast, that there has been measurable progress in hiring, especially in low-profile areas like transportation and support services. Amazon’s policy for content productions and database of businesses, vendors and talent from underrepresented backgrounds is an open-source document posted online for all to peruse.
Amazon’s Prime Video and Amazon Studios published a detailed inclusion policy and playbook to spell out its guidelines and requirements for producers working on shows for the studio arm or commissioned by Prime Video. It was a concerted effort to be transparent and to tell the creative community “here’s what we think good looks like,” says Latasha Gillespie, head of global diversity, equity and inclusion for Prime Video, Amazon Studios and IMDb.
One year later, Gillespie tells Variety‘s “Strictly Business” podcast, that there has been measurable progress in hiring, especially in low-profile areas like transportation and support services. Amazon’s policy for content productions and database of businesses, vendors and talent from underrepresented backgrounds is an open-source document posted online for all to peruse.
- 6/2/2022
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
A+E Networks, Amazon Studios, Banijay Americas and Warner Bros. Discovery have all signed on to Coded For Inclusion, an initiative that aims to disrupt biased hiring systems in the industry by providing their productions access to the leading industry hiring platform, Staff Me Up.
The effort, launched last year to address diversity shortcomings in Hollywood, is endorsed by Color Of Change and led by organizations including Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society Fellowship, Hue You Know, AMC Networks and Endeavor Content.
The idea of the initiative is to remove barriers to entry for job seekers from historically excluded groups, including Bipoc, Women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and active military/veterans, to ensure studios and production houses have a direct pipeline to candidates. The additional partnerships with A+E Networks, Amazon Studios, Banijay Americas and Warner Bros Discovery will support further expansion into scripted production.
“We’re thrilled to welcome A+E Networks,...
The effort, launched last year to address diversity shortcomings in Hollywood, is endorsed by Color Of Change and led by organizations including Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society Fellowship, Hue You Know, AMC Networks and Endeavor Content.
The idea of the initiative is to remove barriers to entry for job seekers from historically excluded groups, including Bipoc, Women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and active military/veterans, to ensure studios and production houses have a direct pipeline to candidates. The additional partnerships with A+E Networks, Amazon Studios, Banijay Americas and Warner Bros Discovery will support further expansion into scripted production.
“We’re thrilled to welcome A+E Networks,...
- 5/26/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Major entertainment companies Amazon Studios, Warner Bros. Discover, A+E Networks and Banijay Americas have signed on to join Coded for Inclusion, an initiative that aims to combat discriminatory hiring systems in the industry through its Staff Me Up platform.
Coded for Inclusion was launched last year, as a collaboration between several organizations including Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society Fellowship, Hue You Know, AMC Networks and Endeavor Content. The program provides productions access to Staff Me Up, a hiring program that uses Dei tools developed from research by social and racial justice groups Hue You Know and Color of Change, and encourages executives to hire outside of their organizations.
“We believe that every role on a set contributes to the product and it is why we are committed to diversifying the people powering our content behind the scenes in order to be the most representative of the audience,” Samata Narra,...
Coded for Inclusion was launched last year, as a collaboration between several organizations including Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society Fellowship, Hue You Know, AMC Networks and Endeavor Content. The program provides productions access to Staff Me Up, a hiring program that uses Dei tools developed from research by social and racial justice groups Hue You Know and Color of Change, and encourages executives to hire outside of their organizations.
“We believe that every role on a set contributes to the product and it is why we are committed to diversifying the people powering our content behind the scenes in order to be the most representative of the audience,” Samata Narra,...
- 5/26/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
The Hollywood Reporter hosted the inaugural “Raising Our Voices: Setting Hollywood’s Inclusion Agenda” luncheon, presented by Walmart at the Maybourne Beverly Hills on Wednesday, April 20th.
Marlee Matlin speaks onstage during The Hollywood Reporter's Raising Our Voices
Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter
“Raising Our Voices” brings together the industry’s most influential and inspiring executives, storytellers and thought-leaders for a groundbreaking series of discussions on the state and future of Hollywood’s diversity, equity and inclusion (Dei) movement.
During the program, keynote speaker Marlee Matlin was introduced by Troy Kotsur. During the speech, Matlin discussed the lack of representation of the deaf and disabled community within the entertainment industry and the importance of working together to help amplify these authentic and diverse voices.
Additional key moments from the program included:
Bird Runningwater (producer and global Indigenous activist) and Crystal Echo Hawk (President and CEO...
Marlee Matlin speaks onstage during The Hollywood Reporter's Raising Our Voices
Credit/Copyright: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Hollywood Reporter
“Raising Our Voices” brings together the industry’s most influential and inspiring executives, storytellers and thought-leaders for a groundbreaking series of discussions on the state and future of Hollywood’s diversity, equity and inclusion (Dei) movement.
During the program, keynote speaker Marlee Matlin was introduced by Troy Kotsur. During the speech, Matlin discussed the lack of representation of the deaf and disabled community within the entertainment industry and the importance of working together to help amplify these authentic and diverse voices.
Additional key moments from the program included:
Bird Runningwater (producer and global Indigenous activist) and Crystal Echo Hawk (President and CEO...
- 4/26/2022
- Look to the Stars
Prime Video has announced “Voices: Women Innovating Hollywood,” a special virtual event celebrating Women’s History Month.
The conference will feature panels and programming centering women in the entertainment industry, from prominent actors to behind-the-scenes talent. The event will open with a special introduction from Jerrie Johnson and Shoniqua Shandai, who star in the Prime Video comedy series “Harlem.”
Events that take place throughout the day will include a discussion with “One Day at a Time” and “With Love” showrunner Gloria Calderón Kellett, a panel with prominent casting directors Angelique Midthunder and Carla Hool and a talk from Dr. Katherine Pieper and Al-Baab Khan from University of Southern California. The event will close with a special recap of Lizzo’s recent performance at the South by Southwest festival, featuring her backup dancers the Big Grrrls.
“We’re excited to bring these women together, from various parts of the entertainment industry,...
The conference will feature panels and programming centering women in the entertainment industry, from prominent actors to behind-the-scenes talent. The event will open with a special introduction from Jerrie Johnson and Shoniqua Shandai, who star in the Prime Video comedy series “Harlem.”
Events that take place throughout the day will include a discussion with “One Day at a Time” and “With Love” showrunner Gloria Calderón Kellett, a panel with prominent casting directors Angelique Midthunder and Carla Hool and a talk from Dr. Katherine Pieper and Al-Baab Khan from University of Southern California. The event will close with a special recap of Lizzo’s recent performance at the South by Southwest festival, featuring her backup dancers the Big Grrrls.
“We’re excited to bring these women together, from various parts of the entertainment industry,...
- 3/23/2022
- by Wilson Chapman
- Variety Film + TV
BBC diversity lead Miranda Wayland is set to join Prime Video/Amazon Studios Europe, Variety can confirm.
Wayland was previously deputy head of diversity at the BBC. She had been at the broadcaster for five years but reportedly announced her resignation last week.
She will join Amazon later this year where she will take up the position of head of Europe’s diversity, equity and inclusion for Amazon Studios and Prime Video. Her remit will include both off-screen and on-screen representation.
Wayland will work closely with European originals, business affairs, public policy, marketing and other departments with the intention of increasing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the business via programmes and other initiatives.
Wayland will report to Latasha Gillespie, Amazon Studios’ global head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Amazon Studios. Gillespie is based in Los Angeles.
Before her role at the BBC, Wayland worked at ITV for a decade,...
Wayland was previously deputy head of diversity at the BBC. She had been at the broadcaster for five years but reportedly announced her resignation last week.
She will join Amazon later this year where she will take up the position of head of Europe’s diversity, equity and inclusion for Amazon Studios and Prime Video. Her remit will include both off-screen and on-screen representation.
Wayland will work closely with European originals, business affairs, public policy, marketing and other departments with the intention of increasing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout the business via programmes and other initiatives.
Wayland will report to Latasha Gillespie, Amazon Studios’ global head of diversity, equity and inclusion at Amazon Studios. Gillespie is based in Los Angeles.
Before her role at the BBC, Wayland worked at ITV for a decade,...
- 3/11/2022
- by K.J. Yossman
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Prime Video has hired BBC Head of Creative Diversity Miranda Wayland to oversee the streamer’s diversity strategy in Europe.
Wayland becomes Head of Europe Dei for Amazon Studios and Prime Video.
Reporting to Amazon Studios Head of Dei Latasha Gillespie, she will deliver programs across Europe designed to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Amazon recently rolled out an Inclusion Policy and Playbook, which sets standards on its productions in areas such as representation in creative roles, pay equity, casting and commissioning from suppliers owned by women or people from ethnic minority backgrounds. That Playbook is now being adapted by some of its teams in Europe.
Her role will impact representation both behind the camera and on screen.
As Head of Diversity at the BBC, Wayland was similarly responsible for driving the strategy to better reflect the country in its entirety.
The former ITV and BBC Studios diversity lead worked closely with June Sarpong,...
Wayland becomes Head of Europe Dei for Amazon Studios and Prime Video.
Reporting to Amazon Studios Head of Dei Latasha Gillespie, she will deliver programs across Europe designed to increase diversity, equity and inclusion. Amazon recently rolled out an Inclusion Policy and Playbook, which sets standards on its productions in areas such as representation in creative roles, pay equity, casting and commissioning from suppliers owned by women or people from ethnic minority backgrounds. That Playbook is now being adapted by some of its teams in Europe.
Her role will impact representation both behind the camera and on screen.
As Head of Diversity at the BBC, Wayland was similarly responsible for driving the strategy to better reflect the country in its entirety.
The former ITV and BBC Studios diversity lead worked closely with June Sarpong,...
- 3/11/2022
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
Prime Video and Easterseals Disability Services will co-present a candid conversation about authentic neurodiverse representation with “As We See It” creator Jason Katims and the cast of the prime video series — including including Rick Glassman (“Jack”), Sue Ann Pien (“Violet”), Albert Rutecki (“Harrison”), Sosie Bacon (“Mandy”), and Chris Pang (“Van”).
The conversation, titled “#ActuallyAuthentic,” is moderated by actor and comedian Ron Funches and will discuss the process of creating a series that authentically portrays the Autism experience. Series stars Glassman, Rutecki, and Pien all identify as living on the autism spectrum. Easterseals was among the groundbreaking organizations that provided consultative support on the series.
“We’re honored to join forces with Easterseals to celebrate the unique experiences of neurodiverse people, and encourage creatives with cognitive, intellectual, and physical disabilities to continue telling their stories,” said Latasha Gillespie, Amazon Studios’ head of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The virtual panel was shown...
The conversation, titled “#ActuallyAuthentic,” is moderated by actor and comedian Ron Funches and will discuss the process of creating a series that authentically portrays the Autism experience. Series stars Glassman, Rutecki, and Pien all identify as living on the autism spectrum. Easterseals was among the groundbreaking organizations that provided consultative support on the series.
“We’re honored to join forces with Easterseals to celebrate the unique experiences of neurodiverse people, and encourage creatives with cognitive, intellectual, and physical disabilities to continue telling their stories,” said Latasha Gillespie, Amazon Studios’ head of diversity, equity and inclusion.
The virtual panel was shown...
- 1/24/2022
- by Angelique Jackson
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios Voices: Pride will take place on June 24 to celebrate queer voices and representation in media.
In partnership with GLAAD and Pride Media, the virtual event will consist of three roundtable conversations and three lightning talks from Lgbtqia+ players across the industry and will close with performances from drag queens Kandy Muse, Lala Ri and Manila Luzon.
“Amazon Studios has long prioritized authentic storytelling from Lgbtqia+ talent and storytellers. After the tremendous response to our Voices: Api Representation in Film and Media event last month, we want to continue driving the conversation forward around the immediate steps Hollywood can take to improve representation and positively impact the media landscape,” Amazon Studios and IMD global head of Dei Latasha Gillespie said in a statement. “We are delighted to celebrate Pride by hosting our next installment of Amazon Studios Voices and invite everyone to join us in the conversation around authentic...
In partnership with GLAAD and Pride Media, the virtual event will consist of three roundtable conversations and three lightning talks from Lgbtqia+ players across the industry and will close with performances from drag queens Kandy Muse, Lala Ri and Manila Luzon.
“Amazon Studios has long prioritized authentic storytelling from Lgbtqia+ talent and storytellers. After the tremendous response to our Voices: Api Representation in Film and Media event last month, we want to continue driving the conversation forward around the immediate steps Hollywood can take to improve representation and positively impact the media landscape,” Amazon Studios and IMD global head of Dei Latasha Gillespie said in a statement. “We are delighted to celebrate Pride by hosting our next installment of Amazon Studios Voices and invite everyone to join us in the conversation around authentic...
- 6/18/2021
- by Haley Bosselman
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios today released a comprehensive Inclusion Policy that doubles down on its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity for its content and productions. The updates also include a playbook with guidelines for its collaborators, which aims to support the goal of creating “a home for talent of all backgrounds…to tell stories that represent the joy, depth, complexity, and drama that exists across our world.”
According to Amazon’s release, the guides “offer detailed and actionable recommendations as Amazon Studios continues to seek out stories and storytelling that amplify voices across race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability (including mental health), body size, gender, gender identity, and gender expression for the global Prime Video audience.”
“With the establishment of our Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Playbook, Amazon Studios has committed itself to being a thought and action leader in the transformation of our industry,” said Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke.
According to Amazon’s release, the guides “offer detailed and actionable recommendations as Amazon Studios continues to seek out stories and storytelling that amplify voices across race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability (including mental health), body size, gender, gender identity, and gender expression for the global Prime Video audience.”
“With the establishment of our Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Playbook, Amazon Studios has committed itself to being a thought and action leader in the transformation of our industry,” said Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke.
- 6/16/2021
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Amazon Studios on Wednesday released its new inclusion policy and an inclusion playbook that serves as guidelines for its collaborators.
According to Amazon, the Playbook offers “detailed and actionable recommendations as Amazon Studios continues to seek out stories and storytelling that amplify voices across race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability (including mental health), body size, gender, gender identity, and gender expression.”
“Amazon Studios has long prioritized telling innovative and inclusive stories from a diverse range of creative talent, delighting our global audiences. We wanted to move beyond good intentions to creating mechanisms that hold us accountable to a high bar. This Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Playbook adds important, additional depth and guidance for our internal teams and external partners to ensure we continue to advance our shared mission of amplifying the best creatives and content around the world,” said Latasha Gillespie, Executive Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios.
According to Amazon, the Playbook offers “detailed and actionable recommendations as Amazon Studios continues to seek out stories and storytelling that amplify voices across race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability (including mental health), body size, gender, gender identity, and gender expression.”
“Amazon Studios has long prioritized telling innovative and inclusive stories from a diverse range of creative talent, delighting our global audiences. We wanted to move beyond good intentions to creating mechanisms that hold us accountable to a high bar. This Inclusion Policy and Inclusion Playbook adds important, additional depth and guidance for our internal teams and external partners to ensure we continue to advance our shared mission of amplifying the best creatives and content around the world,” said Latasha Gillespie, Executive Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Amazon Studios.
- 6/16/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Amazon Studios has put it in writing.
The company has formally established a policy that outlines its commitments to diversity, inclusion and equity throughout its operations. It has also created a detailed “playbook” with hiring and purchasing guidelines for the studio’s creative collaborators.
The policies have been in development for more than two years, shepherded by Latasha Gillespie, head of DE&i for Amazon Studios. As top stars push for inclusion riders in deals, and other advocacy efforts have emerged, “it was important to pull it together to have one comprehensive policy to articulate how we think about this and what ‘good’ looks like,” Gillespie tells Variety.
For Amazon Studios productions, the playbook outlines specific commitments and goals including:
• Most productions should “ideally include a minimum 30% women and 30% members of an underrepresented racial/ethnic group.” The “aspirational goal” will rise to 50% in 2024.
• Casting actors whose identity aligns with the character.
The company has formally established a policy that outlines its commitments to diversity, inclusion and equity throughout its operations. It has also created a detailed “playbook” with hiring and purchasing guidelines for the studio’s creative collaborators.
The policies have been in development for more than two years, shepherded by Latasha Gillespie, head of DE&i for Amazon Studios. As top stars push for inclusion riders in deals, and other advocacy efforts have emerged, “it was important to pull it together to have one comprehensive policy to articulate how we think about this and what ‘good’ looks like,” Gillespie tells Variety.
For Amazon Studios productions, the playbook outlines specific commitments and goals including:
• Most productions should “ideally include a minimum 30% women and 30% members of an underrepresented racial/ethnic group.” The “aspirational goal” will rise to 50% in 2024.
• Casting actors whose identity aligns with the character.
- 6/16/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
White male actors called Ben, Chris, Daniel, James or Tom are more likely to be hired for a leading role in a film than an Asian and Pacific Islander woman with any name in all of Hollywood.
That’s one of the surprising statistics revealed in a new report, titled “The Prevalence and Portrayal of Asian and Pacific Islanders across 1,300 Popular Films,” that uncovers the limited film portrayals of the Api community.
The study — conducted by Dr. Nancy Wang Yuen, Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, with funding from Amazon Studios and UTA Foundation — assessed Asian and Pacific Islander leads and speaking characters across 1,300 top-grossing films from 2007 to 2019.
Across 51,159 speaking characters in the movies evaluated, 5.9% were Api. That falls short of the 7.1% of the U.S. population that identifies as Api. Moreover, the report reveals that 39% of all movies fail to show even one Api character.
That’s one of the surprising statistics revealed in a new report, titled “The Prevalence and Portrayal of Asian and Pacific Islanders across 1,300 Popular Films,” that uncovers the limited film portrayals of the Api community.
The study — conducted by Dr. Nancy Wang Yuen, Dr. Stacy L. Smith and the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, with funding from Amazon Studios and UTA Foundation — assessed Asian and Pacific Islander leads and speaking characters across 1,300 top-grossing films from 2007 to 2019.
Across 51,159 speaking characters in the movies evaluated, 5.9% were Api. That falls short of the 7.1% of the U.S. population that identifies as Api. Moreover, the report reveals that 39% of all movies fail to show even one Api character.
- 5/18/2021
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon has teamed with the Producers Guild of America to host a virtual conference to examine the state of Aapi representation in media and entertainment.
The May 20 event, which will be open to the public free of charge, will feature panels, interviews and a musical performances to showcase the array of Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicities and cultures.
The focus of Amazon Studios Voices: Api Representation in Film and Media will be on how Hollywood can take steps to become more anti-racist and drive broader societal change. Among the speakers lined up to take part are actors Daniel Dae Kim, Sophia Ali, Stephanie Hsu and producer Christina Oh, along with a range of experts and academics.
“Amazon Studios Dei has been diving deep into our own data, examining our systems and structures, and reimagining our policies to be unapologetic about what inclusive, authentic, and nuanced storytelling looks like,” said Latasha Gillespie,...
The May 20 event, which will be open to the public free of charge, will feature panels, interviews and a musical performances to showcase the array of Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicities and cultures.
The focus of Amazon Studios Voices: Api Representation in Film and Media will be on how Hollywood can take steps to become more anti-racist and drive broader societal change. Among the speakers lined up to take part are actors Daniel Dae Kim, Sophia Ali, Stephanie Hsu and producer Christina Oh, along with a range of experts and academics.
“Amazon Studios Dei has been diving deep into our own data, examining our systems and structures, and reimagining our policies to be unapologetic about what inclusive, authentic, and nuanced storytelling looks like,” said Latasha Gillespie,...
- 5/11/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Former AFI Fest director and Film Independent executive takes new role at Amazon-owned database.
Former AFI Fest festival director Jacqueline Lyanga has joined Amazon-owned online database IMDb as head of diversity, equity and inclusion (Dei).
Lyanga reports to Latasha Gillespie, global head of Dei for Amazon Studios, Prime Video and IMDb, and Matt Kumin, head of IMDbPro.
Lyanga did an eight-year stint as festival director of the American Film Institute’s AFI Fest and more recently served a year as artistic director of Film Independent and nine months as guest director of VR and immersive storytelling for the non-profit organisation’s Los Angeles Film Festival.
Former AFI Fest festival director Jacqueline Lyanga has joined Amazon-owned online database IMDb as head of diversity, equity and inclusion (Dei).
Lyanga reports to Latasha Gillespie, global head of Dei for Amazon Studios, Prime Video and IMDb, and Matt Kumin, head of IMDbPro.
Lyanga did an eight-year stint as festival director of the American Film Institute’s AFI Fest and more recently served a year as artistic director of Film Independent and nine months as guest director of VR and immersive storytelling for the non-profit organisation’s Los Angeles Film Festival.
- 3/8/2021
- by John Hazelton
- ScreenDaily
The MacRo X Hbcu Entertainment Summit is set to go virtual this year. The second annual edition of the event will be presented by Amazon Studios and is set to kick off at 10am Est on October 24. The summit will include panels, conversations and inspirational messages from notable talent and changemakers in the entertainment business.
This year’s guests include Kenya Barris, John David Washington (Morehouse College Alumnus) MacRo Founder & Chief Executive Officer Charles D. King, Steve Pamon (Morehouse College Alumnus), Chris Paul, Terrence J and more industry executives, experts and influencers — many that are Hbcu alumni.
In addition, one DJ from 10 different HBCUs, representing different regions and styles of music, will create their own brand-new playlists, available to stream on Amazon Music. The event will be open to the public and if you’re interested in attending you must register at http://www.staymacro.com.
The first summit debuted...
This year’s guests include Kenya Barris, John David Washington (Morehouse College Alumnus) MacRo Founder & Chief Executive Officer Charles D. King, Steve Pamon (Morehouse College Alumnus), Chris Paul, Terrence J and more industry executives, experts and influencers — many that are Hbcu alumni.
In addition, one DJ from 10 different HBCUs, representing different regions and styles of music, will create their own brand-new playlists, available to stream on Amazon Music. The event will be open to the public and if you’re interested in attending you must register at http://www.staymacro.com.
The first summit debuted...
- 10/21/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Howard University and Amazon Studios are launching Howard Entertainment for the second consecutive year, a program designed to diversify the entertainment industry by creating a pipeline for African-American students and other underrepresented populations to train and study alongside entertainment executives. Applications will open Monday, September 28, with the program set to restart in January 2021.
“The continuation of Howard Entertainment is a testament to the immediate impact of the program and the resonance of its long-term vision to strive for greater representation across the industry,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., Mba. “At Howard, we are always seeking to expand the education of our students by connecting them to experiences that will prepare them to succeed and make a difference. Considering the size and importance of the entertainment industry, I am excited to see our students become leaders in this space. Whether they pursue paths in front of...
“The continuation of Howard Entertainment is a testament to the immediate impact of the program and the resonance of its long-term vision to strive for greater representation across the industry,” said Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., Mba. “At Howard, we are always seeking to expand the education of our students by connecting them to experiences that will prepare them to succeed and make a difference. Considering the size and importance of the entertainment industry, I am excited to see our students become leaders in this space. Whether they pursue paths in front of...
- 9/24/2020
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
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