WarnerMedia aims to make a statement to the entertainment industry by unveiling a broad diversity and inclusion policy to be implemented across all productions that hail from Warner Bros., HBO, and Turner.
The goal is to ensure that all creative endeavors under the WarnerMedia roof go the extra mile to consider diversity and inclusion goals when staffing for positions in front of and behind the camera. WarnerMedia has pledged to issue an annual report examining the diversity stats for all of its productions in an effort to establish benchmarks to measure future progress.
The initiative is going public just as production begins this week in Atlanta on the Michael B. Jordan-Brie Larson legal drama “Just Mercy.” WarnerMedia credited Jordan, who is an exec producer of the film, and Jordan’s WME agent Phillip Sun for helping to craft the policy.
“WarnerMedia pledges to use our best efforts to ensure that diverse actors and crew members are considered for film, television and other projects, and to work with directors and producers who also seek to promote greater diversity and inclusion in our industry,” according to the policy statement released Wednesday by WarnerMedia. “To that end, in the early stages of the production process, we will engage with our writers, producers and directors to create a plan for implementing this commitment to diversity and inclusion on our projects, with the goal of providing opportunities for individuals from under-represented groups at all levels.”
Jordan said he was inspired by Frances McDormand’s impassioned speech at this year’s Oscar telecast in which she called on industry movers and shakers to demand inclusion riders as part of their deals to help open doors for persons of color and women.
“The WarnerMedia family has introduced an approach that accomplishes our shared objectives, and I applaud them for taking this enormous step forward,” Jordan said. “I’m proud that our film, ‘Just Mercy,’ will be the first to formally represent the future we have been working toward, together. This is a legacy-bearing moment.”
The initiative is a priority for new WarnerMedia CEO John Stankey. It’s meant to be a sign of AT&T’s commitment to be a good steward of the Hollywood assets it acquired after completing its hard-fought $85.4 billion merger with Time Warner in June.
“The core values of the WarnerMedia companies are built on doing innovative work in a manner that respects our creative partners, their aspirations and their individuality,” said Stankey. “I am proud of the progress that the leaders of our businesses have made, and we believe this is the next logical step to improve our content and cement our leadership in contributing to positive change in the industry.”
As a prolific producer of movies, TV shows and other content, Warner Bros. will be a prime focus for implementing the new policy. The studio already has a range of diversity-related programs including its longstanding talent, writing and directing workshops to its partnerships with the Los Angeles Unified School District on the Story Lab and First Cut writing and filmmaking courses.
(Excerpt) Read More at: Variety.com