The program, which is being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic, offers mentorship for 74 students and young professionals from underrepresented communities.
“We are so thankful for our industry partners, who share the Academy’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities that move the needle on inclusion in our community,” said Academy governor and education and outreach committee chair Nancy Utley of Searchlight Pictures, said in a statement. “Their support is integral to the success of Academy Gold, and we commend them on finding innovative ways to continue their internship programs during this challenging and uncertain time.”
Participating partners include AMC Networks, Bron Studios, Circle of Confusion, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), The Walt Disney Company, Dolby Laboratories, DTS (part of Xperi Corporation), FotoKem, HBO, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Evolve Entertainment Fund, Moving Picture Institute, Panavision/Light Iron, Paradigm Talent Agency, Paramount Pictures, Participant Media, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Telsey + Company, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Warner Bros.
Each partner will sponsor up to three interns. The program began on Wednesday with a two-day orientation that includes Academy governors, members and other industry speakers, studio and agency panels and virtual tours of the Academy’s Film Archive, Margaret Herrick Library and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
“In the face of a pandemic and our continued efforts to drive equity in our industry, the decision on whether or not to proceed with the Academy Gold program this summer was very clear,” Academy COO Christine Simmons said. “Our pipeline program is even more critical at a time when underrepresented communities are being disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The needs are heightened, and we are dedicated to delivering an educational, fun and rewarding virtual experience for these students and young professionals that will change their trajectory in our industry.”
At the end of the eight-week program, interns will be paired with an Academy member for an eight-month mentorship.
There are close to 300 Academy Gold program alumni, more than 85% of whom have moved into positions within the industry, with 27% in positions higher than entry level. It represents 74% people of color, 64% women, 30% LGBTQ+ and 6% with a disability, according to the Academy.
Panels will include Stephanie Allain (producer); Victoria Alonso (executive VP of production for Marvel Studios); Annie Chang (VP of creative technologies for Universal Pictures); Matthew Cherry (writer-director); Jon M. Chu (director); Julie Ann Crommett (VP of multicultural audience engagement for The Walt Disney Studios); Michael Goi (cinematographer); Tiffany Haddish (actor); Reginald Hudlin (producer-director); Franklin Leonard (founder and CEO of The Black List); Patrushkha Mierzwa (sound technician); Rachel Morrison (cinematographer); Daryn Okada (cinematographer); Academy president David Rubin (casting director); Kimberly Snyder(CEO of Panavision); Wynn P. Thomas (production designer); Karen Rupert Toliver (executive VP of creative for Sony Pictures Animation); Mark Ulano (sound mixer) and Mary Vogt (costume designer).
Two Saturdays ago I got a call at home, now a two hour special is about to go worldwide!
MediaPunch/Shutterstock (Palmer); James Warren/SOPA Images/Shutterstock (Common)
YouTube announced a multiyear, $100 million fund dedicated to “amplifying and developing the voices of Black creators and artists and their stories,” according to CEO Susan Wojcicki.
“At YouTube, we believe Black lives matter and we all need to do more to dismantle systemic racism,” Wojcicki wrote in a blog post. “We’re committed to doing better as a platform to center and amplify Black voices and perspectives.
As an example of content being funded under the new initiative, Wojcicki announced that this Saturday, June 13, YouTube will host a livestream fundraising event produced by YouTube Originals called “Bear Witness, Take Action.”
Hosted by Common and Keke Palmer, “Bear Witness, Take Action” will be structured with roundtable discussions and panels, live moments, musical tributes — including performances from John Legend and Trey Songz — and more. The event kicks off Saturday, June 13, at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. The special will aim to inspire and unite key and meaningful voices (YouTube creators, influential public figures, prominent activist voices) to create change, heighten awareness and raise funding for racial justice, according to YouTube.
In addition, throughout the month of June, YouTube’s Spotlight channel will highlight racial justice issues, including the latest perspectives from the Black community on YouTube alongside historical content, educational videos, and protest coverage. “This content showcases incredibly important stories about the centuries-long fight for equity,” Wojcicki said.
“I support the Black Lives Matter movement and I think it’s imperative that we help amplify Black voices and continue the conversation about meaningful change and racial justice,” said Susanne Daniels, YouTube’s global head of original content. “YouTube has a unique ability to unite creators, artists and powerful voices within the Black community to encourage the world to stand up and speak out for racial justice.”
“Bear Witness, Take Action” viewers will be encouraged to donate to support the Equal Justice Initiative directly on the YouTube livestream.
Moderators include Jemele Hill, Roland S. Martin and Soledad O’Brien. Panelists include Ambers Closet, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Patrisse Cullors, Kimberly N. Foster, Alicia Garza, Roxane Gay, Eddie Glaude, Kimberly Jones, Jouelzy, MN FATS, Prince EA, Rashad Robinson, Bakari Sellers, Michael Skolnik, Chaz Smith and Baratunde Thurston.
Special guests are set to include Tremayne Anchrum, Carmelo Anthony, AyChristeneGames, Danielle Bainbridge, Essang Bassey, Shalom Blac, Asante Blackk, Sterling K. Brown, Hakeem Butler, Duke Dawson, De’arra & Ken, Khadi Don, Rasul Douglas, Teala Dunn, Bryce Hall, Skai Jackson, Jamilla & Que, Jarvis Landry, Alonzo Lerone, Indya Moore, Jeff Okudah, Laviska Shenault Jr., Bryan Stevenson, sWooZie and Wilmer Valderrama.
“Bear Witness, Take Action” is produced by LeBron James’ SpringHill Entertainment, Fly on the Wall and Byron Phillips. Reginald Hudlin serves as executive producer and showrunner.
Friends, a critical conversation this Tuesday the 16th at 4p PST hosted by industry leaders and friends The Blackhouse Foundation: Board Member Pauline Fischer sitting down with Oscar nominated and award winning producer, director, and entrepreneur Reginald Hudlin for a candid conversation about current events, the impact on storytelling and Hollywood, and how we can all emerge from this moment able to thrive & seize the opportunities and responsibilities that will come. RSVP is free & required.
From Blackhouse: “There is so much to discuss. Reserve your spot for what is sure to be an insightful, inspirational and motivational session for our community through the link below”
The Entrepreneur Series – Episode 1: Reginald Hudlin
Description
For our inaugural Entrepreneur Series event, industry leader and Blackhouse Board Member Pauline Fischer sits down with Oscar nominated and award winning producer, director, and entrepreneur Reginald Hudlin for a candid conversation about current events, the impact on storytelling and Hollywood, and how we can all emerge from this moment able to thrive seize the opportunities and responsibilities that will come. Mr. Hudlin is the creative force behind some of the most engaging, political and provocative projects representing our voices and images ever made including The Boondocks, Django Unchained, House Party, Boomerang, among many others. He also served as the first President of Entertainment at BET and brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, wisdom and perspective to this conversation.
The Entrepreneur Series aims to help participants pivot or stay the course in the current ever-changing social, political and business environments and how being entrepreneurial creates more opportunity for critical impact, success and career longevity. We’ll discuss entrepreneurship against the backdrop of escalating social unrest and injustice and the global pandemic impacting our communities There is a lot to discuss. Please join us for a candid, insightful, and inspirational conversation.
