STARZ will partner with Alliance of Women Directors (AWD) to increase representation of female directors through the STARZ #TakeTheLead Directors Program. The partnership–announced by STARZ president and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch during the company’s first #TakeTheLead “Transparency Talk” session–includes a commitment to staff emerging episodic directors for their first television directing assignment.
“We’re proud of the opportunities we’ve created for female and diverse directors thus far, but know there is more we can do,” said Hirsch. “We dedicated our first ‘Transparency Talk’ to shine a light on how important it is to have representation behind the camera, and we’re thrilled to launch STARZ #TakeTheLead Directors Program with AWD. Since mentoring programs don’t always materialize into staff opportunities, we’re excited that this program includes a commitment to not only support, but ultimately hire talented directors who just need an opportunity to put their skills into action.”
AnnaLea Arnold, executive director at AWD, added, “More women and people of color behind the camera translates to stories on screen that are more authentic and reflective of our world. By amplifying narratives by, about, and for women, STARZ is making impactful change in the industry and has raised the bar of what inclusion looks like. We’re happy to be a partner on STARZ’s #TakeTheLead initiative and look forward to creating even more opportunities for women and people of color.”
AWD members can apply between May 1 and May 15 on the AWD website. Candidates will be selected through an independent process and meet with STARZ Original Programming executives and STARZ showrunners who will determine program participants. The program will be tailored to participants’ areas of development with finalists receiving a staff directing assignment.
The “Transparency Talk,” hosted with AWD, examined the important measures that need to be taken to continue increasing access and opportunity for more women and people of color to direct. Panelists joining Hirsch and Arnold included Mignon Clyburn, former FCC Commissioner, diversity champion and Lionsgate board member; Liz Hilton Segel, managing partner, North America, McKinsey & Company; Tasha Smith, multi-faceted actress, director and acting coach; and moderator Madelyn Hammond, Hammond & Associates. All the participants weighed in on the importance of hiring female and diverse directors. The discussion also included a look at STARZ’s recent inclusion study done in partnership with UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers, which revealed that it is pacing above industry averages when it comes to gender and ethnic diversity in the director’s chair: 49.3% of its directors are people of color and 43.7% are women. The report also showed that STARZ is exceeding industry averages by over 88% for directing opportunities for women of color.
In an effort to inspire and engage others across the industry to #TakeTheLead, STARZ is hosting a series of monthly “Transparency Talks” that brings relevant discussions to the forefront with organizations and members of key organizations including the ACLU of Southern California, Producers Guild of America, Writers Guild of America, California Film Commission, and The LatinX House. The second “Transparency Talk” is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, with the series culminating with the first-ever STARZ Summit, a day that will showcase the company’s creative diversity and commitment to the next generation of diverse voices.
STARZ recently launched its #TakeTheLead initiative, the company’s comprehensive effort to deepen its existing commitment to narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. The network released the aforementioned study as part of the initiative that revealed STARZ leads the industry with 63.2% series leads who are people of color, 54.6% female showrunners and a 75% female executive team.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More