Paramount Boss Unveils Diversity Initiative To Boost Inclusion In Film Slate

While the recent USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reported promising results in its latest study of the 100 top grossing films of 2018 and their representation of females and racial/ethnic groups in starring roles, the industry consensus is that more work can be done when it comes to advocating for more inclusion and representation of diversity in film.

Today, Paramount Pictures Chairman and CEO Jim Gianopulos announced that “as part of the development and green light process, our productions will be required to complete a plan designed to enhance access and opportunities for groups historically underrepresented in the media industry. Special attention will be paid to our storylines, our talent in front of and behind the camera, our vendors and our shooting locations.” Read Gianopulos’ companywide memo below.

When a project is completed by the studio, the production team then will report their results to a newly formed Content Creation Council, which “will compile and analyze all data to develop metrics, establish benchmarks, and ensure ongoing accountability. As an organization, we hope this is a big step toward progress by showing that we are committed to doing better each and every day,” Gianopulos said.

Paramount’s commitment to diversity and inclusion follows the studio’s recent announcement that they’re participating in Time’s Up and Annenberg Inclusion Initiative’s 4% Challenge.

Here is Gianopulos’ memo in its entirely:

TO:                 Paramount Employees

FROM:           Jim Gianopulos

DATE:            February 20th, 2019

Paramount Family,

I want to follow up on an important topic that I touched on in this morning’s Spark welcoming remarks. I am proud to announce a new commitment we are making at the studio that we hope will have a broad ranging impact across our company culture and our broader community.

At Paramount, we believe that in order to create content that reflects and entertains our global audiences, we must be dedicated champions of diversity and inclusion. We recognize that we are on a journey, and we haven’t yet reached our destination. To continue to build on our commitment, as part of the development and green light process, our productions will be required to complete a plan designed to enhance access and opportunities for groups historically underrepresented in the media industry. Special attention will be paid to our storylines, our talent in front of and behind the camera, our vendors and our shooting locations.

After a project is completed, the production team will report their results to a newly established Content Creation Council, which will compile and analyze all data to develop metrics, establish benchmarks, and ensure ongoing accountability. As an organization, we hope this is a big step toward progress by showing that we are committed to doing better each and every day.

This commitment comes on the heels of our announcement that we will be participating in The Time’s Up and Annenberg Inclusion Initiative’s 4% Challenge, to announce a project with a female director on a feature film in the next 18 months. We are confident that we will meet this commitment not only in our film division, but in our TV, Animation and Players divisions as well.

Together, we strive to create a community that reflects the culturally-rich and diverse world in which we live. You will hear more about these initiatives as we progress.

Best,

Jim

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