Over 100 Black filmmakers, directors, producers, DPs and more across filmmaking and advertising communities have formed the Black Filmmakers Collective, launching a new pledge to increase the number of Black workers at all levels of the commercial and music video industry called “CHANGE THE LENS.” Imperial Woodpecker director Rohan Blair-Mangat, Park Pictures director Savanah Leaf and in-house Florence EP Alli Maxwell together are leading this initiative.
As Black people comprise approximately 15% of the United States and London population, the CHANGE THE LENS pledge asks creative companies to commit to increasing the diversity of their department heads, crew at all levels and more, to reflect at least 15% Black representation. The pledge also asks production companies to consult a Head of Diversity & Inclusion, a role that would mediate and oversee implementing the diversity pledge within each company.
Companies that have already gladly taken the pledge include Academy Films, Epoch Films, Luti Media, Object & Animal, Park Pictures, PRETTYBIRD and Pulse Films, to name just a few. Talent agencies include DDA Talent, Iconic Talent Agency, Murtha Skouras, The Gersh Agency, United Talent Agency, amongst others.
For more information please visit www.changethelens.com
