How to Support Diverse Casting in Hollywood
Understanding the Current Landscape
Hollywood's path toward diversity is marked by incremental improvements, but significant gaps persist, particularly in lead roles and directorial positions. As noted in the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, diverse groups often remain underrepresented, despite their proven audience draw and box office potential.
Why Supporting Diversity Matters
Supporting diversity in Hollywood goes beyond ethical implications; it's also about economic and creative success. Films with diverse casts and crews tend to attract larger audiences globally, enhancing box office returns and ensuring a variety of perspectives that enrich storytelling. This broader appeal can lead to higher critical acclaim and greater financial performance. A "virtuous cycle" of inclusivity and profitability emerges when diverse films succeed, encouraging studios to invest more in similar projects, which in turn fosters greater diversity.
How to Promote Diverse Casting
1. Viewer Impact on Hollywood Diversity
As a viewer, your choices have power. Opt to watch films with diverse casts and crews. Your spending drives industry trends, so frequent support at the box office or on streaming platforms can lead to a noticeable shift in how movies are cast and produced.
2. Social Media Advocacy for Diverse Casting
Leverage social media to advocate for diversity by:
Using popular hashtags like #DiversityInFilm and #OscarsSoWhite to join broader conversations. The latter became a pivotal moment in Hollywood thanks to its widespread media coverage and substantial impact on industry practices, as detailed in an NPR interview with its creator, April Reign (read the interview here).
Tagging film studios directly to show support for diverse films or to express a need for greater inclusivity.
Sharing and celebrating success stories of films that showcase strong diversity in casting and production.
3. Engage in Film Discussion Groups
Participate in or initiate discussions within film forums or during community events. These conversations can foster a deeper understanding and promote actions that support diversity in the industry.
Conclusion: Your Role in Shaping Hollywood
Every ticket purchase, every social media post, and every discussion contributes to shaping the future of Hollywood. By choosing diverse films and voicing your support for inclusivity, you help build a more vibrant and representative film industry. Let's ensure that every story gets a chance to be told. Check out the full details in the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report 2023 for more insights on making a difference.
