With that said, it is important not to neglect the current efforts being made; more television and film studios are addressing the diversity issue. For example, the recent blockbuster Avatar boasted a colorful cast (and not just because of the Na’vi people’s blue skin). And Tyler Perry’s latest release For Colored Girls, a film interpretation of Ntozake Shange’s famous play, features a number of today’s most celebrated black actresses in leading roles.
Universal Pictures has also bolstered its diversity quotient with newly appointed Vice Presidents of Multicultural Marketing, Talitha Watkins and Fabian Castro. Michael Moses, Universal’s Co-President of Marketing, believes that Watkins and Castro will greatly help the studio with minority outreach efforts.
On the television front, several networks such as ABC and CBS have taken strides to put more minorities in front of the camera. CBS’s Diversity Institute and Casting dedicates itself exclusively to cultivating minority actors and directors. Most recently the institute, which conducts regular acting and writing workshops around the country, announced a minority casting initiative for the network’s daytime television dramas The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.
Over at ABC, the network has struck diversity gold with Shonda Rhimes, the creator and executive producer of Grey’s Anatomy, Private Practice, and coming in January 2011, Off the Map. Rhimes’ color-blind casting has produced some of the most diverse (and pretty-looking) ensemble shows of late, showcasing talented actors such as Sandra Oh, Sara Ramirez, and Taye Diggs.
With their Diversity Awards, the Multicultural Motion Picture Association annually recognizes film and television shows like Rhimes’ that endeavor to shake up the pale entertainment landscape. Last year’s honorees included Glee, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Parks and Recreation. While there is always room for improvement, the progress made thus far is hopefully an indication of what’s to come in the entertainment industry.
