Celebrating Black History Month and Diversity/Inclusion in the Industry

Happy Black History Month! Or, for anyone outside the United States, happy February! One of the great accomplishments of Stage 32 is providing a safe and welcoming space for creatives all around the world, regardless of age, sex, race, or creed, to gather, network, and build relationships. Naturally, as we began celebrating Black History Month in the Stage 32 Lounges, this poignant question arose - why do we celebrate? In a word… history.

In the United States, since celluloid was first used to craft tales to astonish, stories from minority perspectives have been marginalized (i.e. given space but with so small an audience it has a minimal impact), sensationalized (i.e. made with a heavy dose of entertainment while avoiding the issue at hand, or the opposite where the message is preachy and cannot be absorbed by those who need to hear it the most), or are out-right silenced.

While the U.S. Census shows that minority groups continue to grow in numbers, the representation in the media and entertainment industry remains startlingly low (17% of newsroom staff, 14% of directors of the top 100 films in 2018 were black, and less than 6% of the writers, directors, and producers of US-produced films are black), despite recent evidence that addressing “persistent racial inequalities, the industry could reap an additional $10 billion in annual revenues” [McKinsey; March 2021]. The influx of content over time has certainly increased exposure and thus makes it more likely for audiences to consume films or other media from black creators. It is a major oversight, however, to confuse consumption with celebration.

When we celebrate the voices of those who have been silenced, we remind ourselves that there is more to our history than what is mainstream, and assuredly a better way forward. Knowing that film and television can dramatically shift the perceptions of its audiences, American filmmakers are shifting their approach to storytelling to include more of these stories so we can continue to grow.

By “celebrating”, we invite deeper study into the art and its implications. Through study, we allow reflections of our lives and into our values. By reflecting upon and processing new information, we have a chance at a deeper appreciation for the art, the artist, the culture, and the context. In effect, celebrating Black History Month enriches our lives.

Sources for Making Black History in Cinema: Ava Duvernay via Fast Company, Jordan Peele via Essence Magazine, Black Panther via Time Magazine, Black Panther Breaks Records Opening Weekend via NPR, Ryan Coogler via CNBC, Viola Davis via Entertainment Weekly, Chadwick Boseman via Harpers Bazar

This is one of the reasons that the Stage 32 Community is such an important place to ask questions, learn, and share!

As one of our Community Leaders (Colette from the Financing Lounge) put it, “On Stage 32, 99% of the posts I read are insightful and I truly learn something. I always feel motivated to do deeper research and have learned more about the business side of movies from YOU GUYS than I did from taking film classes.” Thanks, Colette. I could not have said it better myself. You can join the conversation here!

In celebration of Black History Month, just in time for our monthly Introduce Yourself Weekend networking event, I invite you to study, reflect, and appreciate the work of Black creators as fans, as fellow creatives, and as influencers.

You are encouraged to comment below, but you can also start a post in the Introduce Yourself Lounge - why not share what films or shows by black creators you are looking forward to seeing this year?

Celebrating as Fans

We all start out as fans. The storytelling, the craft, even the story-behind-the-story as we delve further into our favorite audio/visual medium. Regardless of what genre you are drawn to, there are countless Black creators that have contributed quality content.

Don’t worry, several Stage 32 Lounge posts have already sprung up sharing favorite Black filmmakers, black actors, even individual tributes to epitomize how influential these Black icons can be. Be sure to click on the links, comment on the posts, and scroll through other members’ answers to glean some great leads on new favorites!

Watching film festival winners is a great way to fall in love with up-and-coming artists’ work. Stage 32’s Annual Short Film Program introduced me to a fantastic Ivorian-Ghanaian film director, Will Niava, of the award-winning short film “Zoo”, one of my new favorites! Watch it now, here!

The great advantage of sharing your love of someone else’s work is that it both gives thanks to the original creators while bringing the attention of new audience members. As we as creatives know all too well, enthusiasm goes a long way to getting other people on board!

Celebrating as Creatives

When we know the work, we understand the struggle. Sharing our workflow process is one way to identify with and celebrate the contributions of our Black peers in the industry. Sharing in our peers’ victories is another.

As a female filmmaker, having someone who does not identify as female speak out in support of my efforts (or to defend my struggles) is incredibly moving. So, when opportunities to support up-and-coming Black filmmakers arise, sharing those opportunities is my way of giving back to my filmmaking community.

Actually, sharing black artists’ stories was the first suggestion on the recent Stage 32 blog, 5 Ways to Support Black Artists this Black History Month! Be sure to give it a read, including the story of its author, Andre Barnwell.

But nothing is as joyous as celebrating the victories of fellow creatives! There is a slew of posts from the applicants from the Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes Mentorship who made it into the second round! Click here to scroll through and comment with your support!

Let's celebrate our black Community Leaders here at Stage 32! These creatives are making waves in the industry and giving back to others by offering up their time, experience, and encouragement. Thank you for all you do!

- Brooklynn Fields, Screenwriter & Consultant at BrooklynnFields.com - Founder of the Pitch Practice Sessions in the Stage 32 Writer's Room

- Casey Bowker, Transmedia Producer & Screenwriter - Co-editor in Chief for pop culture website and podcast network, Don't Forget a Towel.

- Cedric "Benny" Benjamin, Actor & Screenwriter - just secured a new manager, a new agent, and a new publicist, now auditioning 4-5/week!

- Chaun Lee, Screenwriter & Director - she recently received the Spotlight Film Award for her short film, "Moving Forward"

- Colette C. Byfield, MBA & Screenwriter - pursued her MBA to learn more about the money side of the film business

- Eyiara Olugunna, Author & Actor - Author of "This is Wonder" on Amazon and just finished a script to be filmed later this year!

- Kawan A. Glover, Author & Screenwriter - self-published his memoir in 2020, secured representation in November 2021 through Stage 32!

- Louisa Kendrick Burton, Screenwriter, Actor & Director - her latest short film "Our Tent" won BEST US DRAMA at SFIFF

- Martin Reese, Producer, Screenwriter & Director - winner of the Micro-Budget Horror Script Competition last year

- Navid Lancaster, Composer - composed for the award-winning AR App "Unbreakable: Documenting Black History in Augmented Reality"

- Newton Barabara, Screenwriter, Producer & Director - his latest feature film Katakata (2021) is now available on Amazon Prime

- Owen Ratliff, Transmedia Producer - creator of the Black Salt comic book, now in development with HBO as a feature film

- Petula Miller, Screenwriter & 3D Animator - long-time Writer's Room member, using her AR/VR creations to engage new media audiences

- Rashika Roberts, Author & Screenwriter - Author of How to Get Away with Marriage and currently writing a horror feature

- Terrance Sellers, Transmedia Producer - just released his animated series, 'Xtreme Saga', and is currently finishing his first novel.

- Vincent Turner, Director & Screenwriter - with seven screenplays and more on the way!

Celebrating as Influencers

One of the greatest thrills as a professional in the film and television industry is when we recognize our influence whether in development for character arcs, in pre-production when we hire, or even through the lens of post-production.

Suddenly, how we make films becomes just as important as the message of said films. While such a thing can be misconstrued or abused as a “diversity hire”, at its core, the effort requires listening and responding thoughtfully. Regardless of the industry hustle, may we all continue to listen and respond thoughtfully in our process. One of the undeniable benefits of utilizing the Stage 32 Community to advance your craft and business acumen is that our members, just like our team, do just that.

We also recognize the impact of our contests, mentorships, and executives, and are always looking to expand our network so that we can continue to increase opportunities for all members. Having the chance to start the Diversity Springboard Screenwriting Contest just two years ago was due to the incredible work by Jason Mirch, our Director of Script Services, Angela Cristantello, our Script Services Coordinator, but also by the support of our many industry judges and mentors. Be sure to inquire about their script-reading services by emailing Jason at J.Mirch@stage32.com

Since then, we have also partnered with Mike Gauyo as part of the Black Boy Writes/Black Girl Writes Mentorship Program which gives Black pre-WGA screenwriters direct access to professionals in the industry and guidance on their next steps toward a successful career in television.

Of course, the biggest opportunity of all is the one that Netflix provided for Black creators around the world through their series of FREE webinars hosted in partnership with Stage 32 starting with the Television Pitch Workshop with Chris Mack. It’s also available with closed-captions.

In full celebration of our guest educators on Stage 32, here is a comprehensive list of Stage 32 webinars taught by Black professionals in the industry. Enjoy!

Webinars:

How to Break In and Excel in a TV Writers’ Room with Screenwriter/Producer Mike Gauyo (HBO’s Insecure, Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia)

The Film Composer’s Process with Grammy-Winning, Oscar-Nominated Composer, Terence Blanchard (Spike Lee, George Lucas)

How to Pursue a Career in Acting in America as an Immigrant - FREE Webcast with Actor & Activist Bambadjan Bamba (Black Panther, ‘The Good Place’, Suicide Squad)

Plan Your Film Festival Strategy in the “New Normal” - Virtual Film Festivals and Beyond with Filmmaker/Producer Kimberley Browning (Short Film Programmer - Tribeca, EP of HBO Access Directors Fellowship, Founder - Hollywood Shorts)

The Art of the Self-Edit: 10 Things You Need to Check in a Script Before Sending It Off with Literary Agent Nikki Terpilowski (Owner of Holloway Literary representing both screenwriters and novelists)

Find and Work with the Right Screenwriting Manager for Your Career with Literary Manager/Producer Krista Sipp (at First Friday Entertainment)

How to Write and Format a Made-for-TV Screenplay with Director/Producer/Writer Courtney Miller Jr. (at Relevant Pictures for Bounce TV)

How to Work with Animals and Hire an Animal Trainer for Your Independent Project with Film & TV Animal Trainer Theresa Carroll (The Greatest Showman, 'Mr. Robot', Annie)

Avoid Theft: How to Legally Protect Your Script, Idea, or Project with Entertainment Lawyer Jaia Thomas (at The Law Office of Jaia Thomas)

How to Legally Protect Your Online Content: YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and More with Entertainment Attorney Jaia Thomas (at The Law Office of Jaia Thomas)

Building a Career as a Director: Surviving and Thriving in the Film Industry with Award-winning Filmmaker Qasim Basir (Sundance: A Boy. A Girl. A Dream.)

How to Create a Digital Series or Web Series on a Shoestring Budget with Actor/Director Keith Powell (NBC’s ‘30 Rock’, creator of 'Keith Broke His Leg'))

The Indie Guide to Costuming the Cast with Costume & Wardrobe Professional Terra “TMo” Patterson ('Homeland', 'South of Hell', and 'Lincoln's Last Day')

***Terra is so generous, she even gives you a hot tip on labeling costumes IN the intro video! Thanks, TMo!

Thank you for taking the time to read today's blog, and please share this celebration to continue to lift up diverse voices in the industry!

About Karen "Kay" Ross

Kay Ross is a graduate of Colorado Film School and Regis University in Denver, Colorado. She’s a screenwriter, director, and producer based out of Los Angeles. Originally from the DC area, she’s written and produced several short films, hosts a podcast called “Good Morning, Class” aimed at teenagers interested in media, and is currently developing a slate of new material, including a coming-of-age TV Pilot set at the Renaissance Festival and a feature film about how "compassion fatigue" affects everyday people. She enjoys acting, directing, and being interviewed, just like her fun-loving mentor, Kevin Smith. She loves opportunities to work with inclusive, diverse, and driven professionals. You can connect with her on Stage 32 and on Instagram.

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