Diversifying Hollywood: A New Storytelling Program

Diversity in Hollywood moves at a glacial pace. The fight towards visibility in the film and television industry is at its early stages, but it's imperative that filmmakers, actors, producers and, ultimately, moviegoers demand all kinds of stories to be told.

Did you know that in Hollywood, only 6% of film directors are women and 18% are people of color? The statistics for writers and producers aren't much better. Meanwhile, the LGBT community are barely represented--and unbecoming cliches are still utilized to incorporate all sorts of minorities into golden popcorn blockbusters.

Big Vision Empty Wallet, a company that acts as a film and media incubator, is proudly launching their new incentive program, Kick-Start Diversity, designed to support diversity in storytelling and to make it easier for the work of women, people of color, and LGBT individuals to get made and be seen.

On October 5, submissions will open for feature films and series with diverse teams. In order to qualify for the program, the writer, director or producer must be a woman, person of color or member of the LGBTQ community. Projects selected will receive exclusive discounts, education and distribution opportunities. See full details here.

Big Vision Empty Wallet was first founded in 2010 by producer and comedian Dani Faith Leonard and producer Alex Cirillo. Now the advisory board includes such powerhouses as Alysia Reiner (OITNB), Issa Rae (The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl) and Jacqueline J Gonzalez of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences NY.

Cinema is a reflection of society and must embrace cultural responsibitly. Waking Hollywood up begins with you.