Color of Change launches Writer’s Room and anti-racist training tools – The Hollywood Reporter

[ad_1]

After a year of corporate commitments to do better on racial equity, Color of Change released two new tools aimed at building more anti-racist media and supporting anti-racist workplaces in the racial industry. entertainment and beyond.

The #ChangeHollywood Writer’s Room Expert Database and Anti-Racism Trainer Directory are new resources for connecting decision-makers with those who can help bring about systemic change. The first specifically introduces film and television producers to individual and organizational consultants who can help projects produce less inaccurate and incomplete and more authentic and anti-racist portrayals of black people and their communities.

The database experts, who the nonprofit civil rights organization says primarily include those who are or are “Blacks, people of color and / or women” or are organizations run by them, will come with it. “In-depth knowledge and first-hand experience” in various fields. . This includes law enforcement tactics and procedures; the justice system, including immigration; science and technology such as surveillance, forensics and medicine; and social issues ranging from the influence of big technologies to workers and the economy.

American history, black culture and social activism are also among the areas of expertise that the Writer’s Room Database offers to productions, the organization noting that it will function as a living tool that will continue to be updated. to “fill gaps in thematic representation and expertise.

While there are a growing number of expert databases developed by similar organizations inside and outside of Hollywood, the Color of Change database takes a different approach to the way it does. checks and defines an expert. “We realize that ‘expertise’ is too often synonymous with strengthening the authority and influence of white men,” says the database’s verification page. “Color Of Change is committed to changing the dominant image of the expert and our database reflects this commitment: we elevate the expertise and expert status of people generally excluded from writers’ rooms, in particular black experts. “

Anyone using the database can search by expertise, race / ethnicity, gender / sex and police / military background, with individual expert profiles containing more detailed information such as their area of ​​work, job title , location, previous Hollywood counseling experience, experience with racial justice, specific areas of expertise, publications / videos, immigration background, languages, disability identity and religious background.

While the Writers’ Room Database aims to help scribes learn to be anti-racist in their content, the Anti-Racist Trainer Directory supports these off-screen efforts (which may also impact the quality of reporting. on-screen representation). Color of Change says its index helps push diversity training – an $ 8 billion-a-year industry – further and ensure it is more effective by offering workplaces a list of approved companies. The goal is to help organizations not only in hiring and management, but also in the creative process. Participating companies will help large organizations identify their own biased practices and provide advice on updating workplace policies. In addition, they can offer coaching, training and other measures that enhance equity.

The tools were created in collaboration with retired LAPD sergeant Cheryl Dorsey, Dr Ruth Arumala, criminal justice reporter Josie Duffy Rice, OB / GYN and Dr Ruth Arumala, women’s health advocate, and the TV writer / producer Sunil Nayar. In a video promoting the database and directory, Nayar (All Rise, Revenge) notes that it can be “so easy to accidentally be part of the problem,” which is part of the reason the database has gone wrong. been created.

“I have seen the result in shows like Revenge and CSI: Miami that I did where I have a hard time seeing some of that content now because it really fuels the issues or the stories that TV tells too much. often that we’re always looking to break up, “he said.” It shows you the problem there is. Entertainment has taken over the people who create the entertainment. There is a responsibility both to doing the stories well, but also doing well with the people who help you tell all these stories. ”

[ad_2]