The Television Academy Foundation today announced it will present, in partnership with STARZ, "The Power of TV: Casting Call to Action, Achieving Diversity on TV," a virtual event, on Aug. 11.
The free, open-to-the-public, online forum will feature leading Hollywood casting directors, an executive in charge of casting, and a diversity specialist discussing strategies for equity and inclusion on screen and challenging the status quo.
Panelists for the event include casting directors and 2021 Emmy nominees Beth Bowling, CSA, (The Flight Attendant, Mr. Robot, Hightown, Blue Bloods) and Kim Coleman, CSA, (Lovecraft Country, P-Valley, Dear White People, Genius: Aretha); Grace Wu, executive vice president, casting, entertainment content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming; and Dr. Ninochka McTaggart, associate vice president of research and insights at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. Variety's senior artisans editor, Jazz Tangcay, will moderate.
"Casting is a powerful art form that's at the very center of getting representation right, and we are looking forward to bringing this important discussion with leaders in the field to the public," said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy Foundation. "Casting talent from historically excluded and marginalized groups in three-dimensional, non-stereotypical roles can humanize an entire community for an audience and lead to transformation, not only within the industry but in society as well."
The online event will be held Wednesday, Aug. 11, at 5 p.m. (PDT). Admission is free; RSVP is required. To register, visit TelevisionAcademy.com/power-of-tv/tickets.
"The Power of TV: Casting Call to Action" is also part of the Foundation's professional development series for the 62 students, 83% of whom are BIPOC youth, selected for its 2021 Summer Internship/Fellowship Programs.
Launched in 2017 by the Television Academy Foundation, "The Power of TV" public-event series showcases television's power to promote positive social change through compelling and inclusive storytelling.
The event will be made available for on-demand viewing on TelevisionAcademy.com.
About the Television Academy Foundation
Established in 1959 as the charitable arm of the Television Academy, the Television Academy Foundation is dedicated to preserving the legacy of television while educating and inspiring those who will shape its future. Through renowned educational and outreach programs, such as The Interviews: An Oral History of Television Project, College Television Awards and Summit, Student Internship and Fellowship Programs and Faculty Conference, the Foundation seeks to widen the circle of voices our industry represents and to create more opportunity for television to reflect all of society. For more information on the Foundation, please visit TelevisionAcademy.com/Foundation.
About STARZ
STARZ (starz.com), a Lionsgate company, is a leading global media streaming platform committed to delivering premium content that amplifies narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. STARZ is home to the highly rated and first-of-its-kind STARZ app that offers the ability to stream or download STARZ premium content as well as the flagship domestic STARZ service. In February 2021, STARZ launched #TakeTheLead, a multifaceted and innovative inclusion initiative expanding its existing efforts to improve representation on screen, behind the camera and throughout the company.
Download the press release here.
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