It's been a really long time since I've made a post. Sometimes life gets in the way of living. I'd intended to write this after the Oscars because every year I hear the same discussion on radio shows the day after. Why aren't there more Black actors/actresses being honored. Why aren't there more strong projects for Black talent? Why aren't there more of us behind the camera?
I have a question. Why are we still waiting on the heads of Hollywood? In the 21st century we still sit back waiting for some studio head to give us permission to make certain projects. In 1919 when they were tired of being enslaved by the studio system, D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks started United Artists. They produced and distributed their own projects. They didn't wait for someone to give them permission.
As someone who started out as a production assistant in Atlanta, I know how difficult it can be to be Black in the business. I can not tell you how many times I had to prove myself over and over again despite having a list of credits as long as my arm. There are so many genuinely talent people on both sides of the camera within the Black community that we should not be waiting for permission either. These days you don't have to go to an expensive film school to learn the ins and outs of the business. We are capable of getting funding, producing, and making distribution deals outside the Hollywood star chamber. We have to learn not to take no for an answer and be just as confidant and aggressive as our White counterparts. We also have to present our audiences with strong storylines that do not mock or pander to stereotypes.
Despite his critics Tyler Perry is one of the few who has broken from the pack and proven that you don't need to be in LA to be successful. Although we have made some strides in the entertainment industry we still have a long way to go. Where are our United Artists?
I have a question. Why are we still waiting on the heads of Hollywood? In the 21st century we still sit back waiting for some studio head to give us permission to make certain projects. In 1919 when they were tired of being enslaved by the studio system, D.W. Griffith, Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks started United Artists. They produced and distributed their own projects. They didn't wait for someone to give them permission.
As someone who started out as a production assistant in Atlanta, I know how difficult it can be to be Black in the business. I can not tell you how many times I had to prove myself over and over again despite having a list of credits as long as my arm. There are so many genuinely talent people on both sides of the camera within the Black community that we should not be waiting for permission either. These days you don't have to go to an expensive film school to learn the ins and outs of the business. We are capable of getting funding, producing, and making distribution deals outside the Hollywood star chamber. We have to learn not to take no for an answer and be just as confidant and aggressive as our White counterparts. We also have to present our audiences with strong storylines that do not mock or pander to stereotypes.
Despite his critics Tyler Perry is one of the few who has broken from the pack and proven that you don't need to be in LA to be successful. Although we have made some strides in the entertainment industry we still have a long way to go. Where are our United Artists?
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