Pledge could boost underrepresented groups
ViacomCBS is launching a new program that will pair filmmakers fromunderrepresentedbackgroundswithhighprofile executive producers.
ViacomCBS Entertainment &YouthGroup announcedthe First Time Directors program will match women directors and filmmakers of color with A-listers and their production companies for 50 films. These TV movies will “tell diverse stories through the lens of diverse storytellers” and will span across ViacomCBS E&Y's portfolio, includingParamountNetwork, MTV and Comedy Central.
“We are thrilled to partner with these icons of entertainment to cultivate first-time
BIPOC and first-timewomen directors,” said Nina L. Diaz, president of contentandchief creative officer ofViacomCBS E&Y Group in a statement. “Together, we will give rise to multicultural narratives and voices that resonate with audiences aroundtheworld.”
Angela Bassett, Idris Elba, Salma Hayek, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, John Leguizamo, EvaLongoriaandCourtney B. Vance areamongthe producers who will work with Diaz to identify the filmmakers to pair with projects. They will also mentor them throughout the process.
“When I setupGreen Door (Pictures) one ofmy core philosophieswas to promoteand encourage a diversity of ideas from new voices who might otherwise be shut out of the industry establishment,” said Elba.
BassettandVanceofBassett Vance Productions said that this program “means opening doors for new and fresh voices, both in front of and behind the camera, something that has always been a top priority for us. We look forward to being a part of a growing coalition of directors, producers, actors andwriters who willbe the change agents at the forefront of a new, multicultural and more dynamic workforce in this industry.”
“It is uplifting that after more than two decades of relentless battles, the entertainment industry is finally enteringanewera... towardsa promisingfuturewhereeveryone gets an opportunity, and every culture gets to tell their stories,” saidVentanarosaProductions' Hayek.
Reb e l Product i o n s ' Leguizamospecificallypointed out that Latinos are vastly underrepresented both in front of and behind the camera.
“I believe thatmy collaboration with ViacomCBS E&Y will assure more Latinx talent, writers, directors, directorsofphotography, andcrew will get their opportunities to create and exercise their gifts whentheywouldotherwisebe unseenandignored,” hesaid.
“Not just the U.S., but the world, isameltingpotofdifferent races, ethnicities and religions, and the entertainment we consume should reflect theworldwe actually live in,” addedChopraJonas ofPurple Pebble Pictures.