DIVERSE REPRESENTATION LAUNCHES BLACK ENTERTAINMENT EXECUTIVES PIPELINE PROGRAM 

(Black PR Wire) Diverse Representation announces the launch of the Black Entertainment Executives Pipeline program. The aim of the Black Entertainment Executives Pipeline program is to increase the number of Black executives in the entertainment industry, specifically television and film. According to the 2020 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, over 90% of CEOs and senior executives in the television and film industries are white. The Black Entertainment Executives Pipeline program seeks to close the diversity gap when it comes to C-suite in Hollywood. 

The program will serve as a framework and roadmap to identify qualified candidates across the country and provide participants with the tools to build successful and thriving careers as executives in the industry. Six individuals will be selected to participate in the first cohort. The four-month tuition-free program is comprised of four components: one-on-one mentorship, speaker series, hands-on production and development experience and specialized coursework.

“As an African-American executive in the entertainment industry who receives constant inquiries from studios and agencies seeking diverse executives, I’ve witnessed firsthand the need for a program like this,” says Prince Baggett, an executive who most recently oversaw the motion picture division for Marsai Martin’s Genius Productions. “We need to make sure there isn’t just diversity on screen but diversity in the Hollywood executive suites where key decisions are made. This program takes actionable steps to ensure we have a seat at the table.” 

Brandon R. Williams, Chief Operating Officer for Steve Harvey Global states, “the need for more African-American executives in the entertainment industry has never been more necessary. By having more African-American executives in the entertainment sector, society at large wins because it will result in more vital and necessary stories being told that are near and dear to the culture that is being celebrated and enjoyed every day.”

Color Of Change, the nation’s largest racial justice organization, signed on as a sponsor of the program. 

“It is imperative that Black people are represented at all levels of Hollywood to ensure the industry replaces harmful narratives with more honest, and expansive depictions of our community. Fighting for Black representation at the executive level is paramount to this pursuit,” says Kristen Marston, Culture & Entertainment Advocacy Director at Color of Change. 

Applications for the program will close on January 31, 2021.

For more information, visit: www.diverserepresentation.com

About Diverse Representation:

Diverse Representation is an organization focused on increasing the hiring and exposure of African-American agents, attorneys, managers and publicists working in the sports and entertainment industries. In addition to providing the first ever comprehensive directory of African-American agents, attorneys, managers and publicists, Diverse Representation also curates various programs, events and diversity initiatives. Visit www.diverserepresentation.com