Many people don't consider diversity a problem in the entertainment industry. However, this perspective is based on the lack of observation. Masses of viewers fail to notice the absence of diversity not only on screen, but don't contemplate the individuals behind the camera as well. Although, several individuals think roles are evenly distributed; in fact, diversity is desired in the entertainment business as a whole. According to a six year study that was conducted by the Media, Diversity and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California, diversity was deprived on the big screen during the course of the study. Casting directors often arrange for actors of different racial backgrounds to audition for a part knowing
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Senior Vice President of original programming for UP Network, Barbara Fisher says “There's not enough people pitching me series with diverse casts or diverse leads, so it's a great way for me to go back to our movies, which already have that, and use them as possibilities for expanding into series” (Umstead). Although several television networks are attempting to rectify the lack of diversity, actor J. August Richards believes the networks are doing it for the wrong reasons. One of those main reasons being the success of the hit FOX show Empire, which has one of the most diverse casts on television, networks are attempting to duplicate the success for themselves by mandating that each of their new shows must have a certain percentage of diversity. In this riveting interview Richards reveals his own personal thoughts on diversity in Hollywood, as well as networks trying to duplicate the success of shows instead of inventing original diverse works. “I think what Hollywood misses about diversity is, it’s not about appearance and it’s not about numbers… it’s about diversity of thought” (Avery & Bell). In summary, the inadequate quantity of diversity in the entertainment industry may not be visible to numerous observers, yet it is noticeable to those in the industry. Beginning with diverse films is a move in the right direction to expand diversity in Hollywood. Racial diversity is extremely important to the performing arts industry, behind and in front of the camera. Expanding diverse roles in television, film, casting, and behind the scenes crew members could assist in the evolution of society accepting different races outside of
Senior Vice President of original programming for UP Network, Barbara Fisher says “There's not enough people pitching me series with diverse casts or diverse leads, so it's a great way for me to go back to our movies, which already have that, and use them as possibilities for expanding into series” (Umstead). Although several television networks are attempting to rectify the lack of diversity, actor J. August Richards believes the networks are doing it for the wrong reasons. One of those main reasons being the success of the hit FOX show Empire, which has one of the most diverse casts on television, networks are attempting to duplicate the success for themselves by mandating that each of their new shows must have a certain percentage of diversity. In this riveting interview Richards reveals his own personal thoughts on diversity in Hollywood, as well as networks trying to duplicate the success of shows instead of inventing original diverse works. “I think what Hollywood misses about diversity is, it’s not about appearance and it’s not about numbers… it’s about diversity of thought” (Avery & Bell). In summary, the inadequate quantity of diversity in the entertainment industry may not be visible to numerous observers, yet it is noticeable to those in the industry. Beginning with diverse films is a move in the right direction to expand diversity in Hollywood. Racial diversity is extremely important to the performing arts industry, behind and in front of the camera. Expanding diverse roles in television, film, casting, and behind the scenes crew members could assist in the evolution of society accepting different races outside of