As reported in SHOOT, an increasing number of ad agencies and clients have instituted vendor diversity initiatives, a prime example being GSD&M, Austin, Texas, which is actively seeking and in some cases hiring qualified minority and/or woman-owned production houses. Estimates are that some 90 percent of major U.S. advertisers have formal supplier diversity programs. And recently clients have begun requesting that their suppliers–including ad agencies–look to increase diversity spending among their own vendors such as production, editorial and music houses.
During the week of its lead story (8/19) on the agency/client push for vendor diversity, SHOOT posed a survey question to its readers, asking them about their viewpoints. Some 55 percent of respondents characterized the vendor diversity initiative as being “an ill-advised application of affirmative action that will adversely affect deserving companies that aren’t owned by minorities or women.” In sharp contrast, nearly 45 percent described vendor diversity as being “a positive development that potentially could open up opportunities for deserving minority and/or woman-owned companies.”
Finding common ground seems a daunting task. Yet many opponents of diversity measures aren’t opposed to qualified artisans getting a chance–minority or not. In that spirit, an overwhelming percentage of industry respondents would likely view favorably any initiative that trains future generations of capable talent, bringing new blood into the workforce and strengthening industry infrastructure. So no matter what your stance on vendor diversity, a strong consensus can be reached on education and training for those who have the aspiration and aptitude.
In that vein, consider two organizations–Streetlights and Inner-City Filmmakers, which were both born out of the Los Angeles riots in 1992. Founded by producer Dorothy Thompson, Streetlights is a nonprofit job training, job placement and mentoring program which provides industry employment opportunities for economically or socially disadvantaged young minority men and women. Streetlight participants gain experience in entry-level capacities, with many moving up the industry ladder over time. Meanwhile Inner-City Filmmakers was launched in ’93 by editor Fred Heinrich and producer Stephania Lipner to make a positive difference in the lives of youngsters who might not otherwise get the chance to become part of the film community. Inner City Filmmakers has since provided training and experience in different aspects of filmmaking to hundreds of graduates of different ethnic backgrounds and from financially disadvantaged families.
The purpose of Inner-City Filmmakers hit home for Heinrich during its inaugural year when several students brought in their high school video yearbook, which included five obituaries. “That underscored,” related Heinrich, “the need to help create opportunities for underprivileged young people in the inner city.”
Where The Buffalo Roam Signs Director Geordie Stephens For Spots and Branded Content
Production company Where The Buffalo Roam (WTBR) has signed director Geordie Stephens for U.S. representation spanning commercials and branded content. Stephens is known for his subtle performance-driven comedic style, emphasizing art direction, production design, and cinematography. Previously represented by Tool of North America, Bullitt and FANCY, Stephens has a commercial portfolio which includes such global brands as Mini Cooper, HP, Toyota, Bud Light, and Burger King. A former agency creative, Stephens transitioned to the director’s chair following a lengthy career on the agency side as a creative at Butler, Shine & Stern and CP+B Miami, among other shops.
PJ Koll, WTBR co-founder and executive producer, said of Stephens, “His expertise and talent perfectly complement our creative strengths, enhancing our ability to deliver at the highest level. We feel incredibly fortunate to have him join the herd.”
“When I met Tim [WTBR exec producer Pries] and PJ, we immediately hit it off,” added Stephens. “They’re super sharp, funny, and good people who have assembled a very interesting mix of talent with different skills. As a director, I’m always looking for simple human truths that everyone can relate to in a humorous and smart way. The Buffalo team specializes in the small wink, so they get my sense of humor and will give me the platform to keep pushing great work forward.”
During his advertising career, Stephens spearheaded campaigns for IKEA, Truth, Virgin Atlantic, Burger King, Sprite, and Volkswagen. His work also won top prizes at the Cannes Lions and Clios and has been honored by numerous One Show and AICP awards.
Raised in an artistic community in California’s Marin County by his writer-mother and... Read More