The next step in increasing diversity in Hollywood is working to integrate the talent pool available through talent agencies, according to a coalition of advocacy groups.
The Asian Pacific American Media Coalition joined American Indians in Film and Television, NAACP Hollywood Bureau, and National Hispanic Media Coalition in calling on talent agencies to work with the groups in diversifying their talent.
“Although the major talent agencies are located in Los Angeles, the most diverse city in the world, they seem largely unaware of the amazing talent that exists in communities right under their noses,” said actor George Takei. “They should partner with these coalitions for their mutual benefit: more representation and jobs for Asian American and other actors of color, and more dollars for the agencies.”
The Diversity Report by UCLA’s Bunche Center for African American Studies concluded in 2014 that “minority talent remained underrepresented on every front at the dominant agencies,” both in front of the camera and behind the scenes in decision making capacities such as directors and producers.
Since 1999, the four groups have been meeting with the four leading television networks to increase diversity. They are now asking that talent agencies do the same.
