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September 18, 2019
Diversity initiatives have become their own cottage industry in the entertainment industry. But how much do we really know about what has been working and why? This report considers some of the more significant past and present diversity initiatives in the industry in order to zero in on the essential practices that seem to differentiate the successful programs from those which are less successful. Toward this end, we interviewed nearly two dozen industry leaders for this report who currently work on the frontline of efforts to make Hollywood a more diverse and inclusive creative space. Their insights give rise to a M.E.A.N.S. model of essential practices already employed in isolated pockets of Hollywood that can be transferred throughout the entire industry.
Five key strategies comprise the M.E.A.N.S. model: MODERNIZE your worldview to reflect changing U.S. demographics; EXPAND the net in routine talent searches; AMPLIFY the voices of women, especially women of color, within organizations; NORMALIZE compensation practices to reduce barriers to entry for marginalized groups; and STRUCTURE incentives for decision makers to prioritize diversity and inclusion. Action items associated with each essential practice are outlined in this report.
Despite audience yearnings for change, the history of diversity efforts in Hollywood suggests that the industry’s diversity problem will not simply correct itself. The path forward must be paved with intentions — by industry decision makers who actively embrace the means necessary for achieving the end of a more inclusive creative space.
M.E.A.N.S. Essential Practices
- MODERNIZE your worldview to reflect changing U.S. demographics
- EXPAND the net in routine talent searches
- AMPLIFY the voices of women, especially women of color, within organizations
- NORMALIZE compensation practices to reduce barriers to entry for marginalized groups
- STRUCTURE incentives for decision makers to prioritize diversity and inclusion.
DOWNLOAD “By All M.E.A.N.S. Necessary: Essential Practices for Transforming Hollywood Diversity and Inclusion” HERE.
For any media inquiries, please contact Jessica Wolf at jwolf@stratcomm.ucla.edu
For donor/sponsor inquiries, please contact Peter Evans at pevans@support.ucla.edu
To download our annual Hollywood Diversity Report series, click HERE.
