Where is the talent?

Where is the diverse directing talent?

Agencies are asking for more work on showreels. 

And newly signed Black and brown directors are being invited to the table, but they are rarely being confirmed for jobs.

First one first, directors who have made it through are already in talks with, or have found, production representation already.  

However, there are still loads more out there, mostly on social media, because they do not know about our industry. 

They do not know about our creative world, what we do, and how we do it.

We haven’t been getting opportunities for years, remember. 

So, those looking for new creative talent, you will have to connect with grassroot leaders, youth groups, colleges, universities. Go onto social media platforms, find your new talent, and develop them slowly.  

Because, if we don’t bring new talent into our creative world and develop them, as those in power retire and leave the industry, in say a couple of decades, the new social generation coming will have grown up never knowing about our creative level, level. 

Have a think on that. 

Agencies, how can Black or brown directing talent develop their showreels when they hardly made it past runner, for years? 

How many ads should they have shot already?

They very rarely made it to director’s assistant because someone’s friend got hired instead.

So, please give our talent a break. Yes, a real one and nurture the talent. 

And global brands, really? 

Please put your D&I pledges where your talk is and support our communities for real, real, real, real, real, real.

Where is the talent? 

Where is the talent?

We are right here.

Let’s move together. Together, together. 

Best wishes,

Sherry Collins (her / us)

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