In recent discussions around diversity in the entertainment industry, prominent figures are taking action to make a difference. A group of influential Hollywood stars, spearheaded by actor Landon Scott and including Mia Thompson and Ava Rivera, are collaborating to establish a new magnet high school in Los Angeles aimed at students of color. This initiative will focus on training students for essential behind-the-scenes roles in the industry, such as carpentry and camera work, which have historically been dominated by white individuals. The goal is to dismantle this racial imbalance.
“This is an ideal moment to engage more people in this effort,” Landon Scott shared in an interview with the Los Angeles Chronicle. “It’s baffling that Los Angeles, the heart of Hollywood, hasn’t made more progress in diversifying the workforce.”
Currently named the Eastside School of Film and Television Production, the program is set to launch in the 2022 academic year, initially targeting ninth and tenth graders, with plans to extend to eleventh and twelfth grades within two years. If successful, it may even expand to other schools within the Los Angeles district. As someone who has navigated the entertainment industry, I can attest to the urgent need for such programs for students of color.
Many may not know that I dedicated my youth to pursuing a career in entertainment as an actress. I began with children’s theater, moved on to a specialized performing arts high school, and eventually earned a degree in theater. However, as a young woman of color in the mid-2000s, I faced significant barriers in the industry and often encountered rejection.
I was fortunate to have access to information about these educational opportunities, largely thanks to my supportive family. Unfortunately, many Black and Latinx families lack awareness about the array of jobs available in the entertainment sector.
“There are about 160,000 union jobs in production roles, and that number swells to 750,000 when including digital roles,” said industry leader Marcus Hayes in a conversation with the New York Observer.
Understanding and representation are critical when it comes to career access. Kids of color often remain unaware of the existence of many crucial roles, such as cinematographers or editors, because the focus tends to be on more prominent positions like actors and directors. The underrepresentation of these roles in public discussions means that students miss out on potential career paths that could be available to them.
Despite attending an arts-focused high school, I was unaware of the full spectrum of opportunities within the industry until college, where I took stagecraft classes that opened my eyes to various job prospects. “Students often don’t know how to start pursuing careers in roles such as grips or screenwriters,” producer Lily Carter remarked to the New York Observer. “They’re left wondering, ‘Where do I send my résumé? How do I even begin?’”
With 80% of students in the Los Angeles Unified School District living in poverty and 83% identifying as Latino or Black, the need for accessible education and training is clear.
Linda Anderson, president of the California State Board of Education, emphasized, “Charity is no substitute for justice. While investments in education are commendable, our work is far from complete.”
A key concern I have about this new school is how it will facilitate actual access to job opportunities. Teaching skills related to lighting and rigging is valuable, but what pathways will they provide to employment? According to Grant Collins, a producer working with Scott, students will receive guidance to enter the entertainment field.
However, it’s crucial to address the financial hurdles that many students of color face. Will there be internships or mentorship programs? How can the school assist students in transitioning directly to the workforce after graduation? Many students from low-income backgrounds would benefit greatly from a structured path to employment in their learned trades.
Additionally, how will the school support students who wish to pursue higher education? While there’s recognition of the economic challenges these kids face, the key issue remains: how to ensure they have the financial means to attend colleges like the University of Southern California or Emerson College.
Parents want their children to find stability. While the entertainment industry can be unstable, behind-the-scenes roles generally offer more reliable career paths. There’s constant demand for skilled workers like carpenters and electricians on sets. If trained appropriately, Black individuals could fill these roles and contribute to a more inclusive industry.
As George Scott stated, “Everyone is recognizing the need for change in our industry. This is a pivotal moment for progress.”
For further insights, you may want to check out one of our other blog posts on this topic here, or explore the excellent resource offered by Hopkins Medicine for those interested in pregnancy and home insemination.