How White Industry Professionals Are Using Their Privilege in Hollywood

I want to talk about life on the other side of the camera. As a lover of movies and television, I am also a lover of movie magic and being a part of what makes it all come together. This is also the case for many actors, big name and small. I’m gonna point out the unsuspecting white industry professionals, producers/ executive producers, and casting directors who could be driving the future of the Black narrative and nerd scope in film. Looking at the real question: Is it about diversity, allyship or just making money off POC? I want to first preface some important factors. In Hollywood there are many different ways to get involved on the producing side of the camera, it is a nuanced situation but I’ll highlight a couple points. Some films and TV shows will give producer credit to longtime veteran actors involved in their projects, giving them more input on the project. Some actors may throw money at the project and the higher execs will say, “hey let’s name them as Executive Producer!” This gives the film or show a different type of cred, as well as the actor. We see this with Stan Lee, as a creator of the Marvel Universe, he gets Executive Producer credit and cameos, but the likelihood of him on the ground assisting in production is slim. Other times the actor or creator is super involved in the production process and might also have a bit part in the film or series. Then there’s the times you didn’t even see them coming and you wonder how and why they are behind the camera…