State pols approve showbiz diversity

THE STATE Legislature gave its stamp of approval to a landmark diversity bill that rewards entertainment companies for hiring more women and people of color to direct and write TV shows in New York.

The Senate and Assembly both voted in favor of the legislation, which was sponsored by Manhattan state Sen. Marisol Alcantara (photo inset) and Bronx Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, both Democrats.

It creates a $5 million tax incentive to hire women and people of color, but the credit must still get the approval of the governor and also be included in the state budget.

New York already gives a $420 million tax break to the entertainment industry to work in the state through the Empire State Film Production Credit, which does not address the longstanding issue of diversity that gained attention in the wake of #OscarsSoWhite.

The Writers Guild of America, East, and the Directors Guild of America lobbied hard for the new legislation.

They sent groups of writers and directors — including Geri Cole, the only black female writer on “Sesame Street,” and Robin Thede, the first black female writer for a late-night comedy show — to Albany to speak directly to lawmakers.

Lowell Peterson, Writers Guild head, said the tax incentive is meant to create additional jobs and open industry doors to new talent.

“People in TV have understood for years that enhancing the diversity of writing and directing improves the stories that appear on screen,” he said.

Neil Dudich, eastern head of the Directors Guild, said both writing and directing favored a “who-youknow” networking system that was hard for outsiders to crack.

“By encouraging studios, networks and producers to discover the talented New York TV directors and writers that are out there in abundance, this bill can be a meaningful step forward in establishing a level playing field for all,” he said.