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@NellSco brings up an imp. point re: inclusion/exclusion, "diversity" in Hollywood. I feel another thread coming on. https://twitter.com/NellSco/status/1310607779204341761
When a new show goes into production, of course the team behind it wants to minimize the risk and maximize the chances of it succeeding. This initially includes the showrunner, creator (may or may not be the same), producers, studio, & network.
Traditionally, this has meant hiring the most experienced people. Since the system is rigged toward straight, able-bodied white guys, they usually have the best credits and reps and get the gig.
"Diversity" is an afterthought and maybe a woman or person of color is thrown in the room without any real chance of succeeding.
The idea is that the show is delicate, fragile, at a crisis point. People will say, "Let's just get the show launched - or on the air - or make it a hit - AND THEN WE'LL DEAL WITH DIVERSITY IN SEASON TWO.
That NEVER happens because the focus then becomes, "Why mess with something that's working?" It's a bait & switch. Or moving the goalposts. Call it what you want. It's Hollywood BS.
You know how I know? Someone point to all the shows that had a predominantly white male writers room S1, became a hit, then became fully inclusive in later years. I don't believe they exist.
There are LONG-running shows on the air with exclusive writers rooms but no one calls them out because they print money.
They could easily become more inclusive. They should. There is NO risk. They're already a hit.
If you're a new showrunner, don't fall for this bullshit. You need to say inclusion is a core value of yours the minute you start talking about possibly going into production. Stand firm at the beginning of the process.
If you say, "I just want to get the show on the air & I promise I'll be more inclusive in S2," please know you are a lying sack of shit and don't deserve a show.
And if you're a showunner with a show on the air that's in S4, 5, or beyond, and you're looking at your zoom screen today & it's all white folks, don't tell us you're not a big part of the problem.
But yeah, yeah, I know what you'll say. "I promise. I'll do it next time." BS. You have your chance now.
