David White, National Executive Director for SAG-AFTRA attends Multicultural Motion Picture Association’s 2012 Diversity in Television and Film Panel
Los Angeles (July 2, 2012) — The Multicultural Motion Picture Association held its 2012 Diversity in Television and Film Panel on Saturday, July 1. David White, National Executive Director for SAG-AFTRA attended, joined by panelists Karen Horne (Vice President, NBC Vice President, Entertainment Diversity Initiatives), actor and founder of Media Action Network for Asian Americans, Guy Aoki, producer/writer/director Ja'Caryous Johnson (Friends and Lovers, Whatever She Wants), actor Michael Ealy (Common Law, Seven Pounds), and Shelby Stone, Executive Producer of VH1’s “Single Ladies,” and President of Production at Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Productions. The panel was moderated by executive producer of the Diversity Awards Gordon Kenney and award-wining producer Deborah Calla (A Beautiful Life, Dream House).
The event, which also hosted actors, producers, writers and network personnel, took place in the SAG Foundation’s Actors Center. Panelists examined the question of, “Diversity in Television and Film: Alive and Well or on Life Support?” Discussion on ideas looking to the future and questions from the audience followed the panel.
Said White of the event, “This was a truly insightful discussion by people who are decision makers in the industry and who view the issue of diversity in broad terms. It is clear that we have made important progress in certain areas – and that we remain stuck on a treadmill in others. If diversity is to become a normal feature of the stories we create in this industry, we must all share in the responsibility and we no longer have good excuses for failure. Increasing diverse employment opportunities is an ongoing objective for SAG-AFTRA and it was great to participate in the evening’s discussion. I thank the MMPA for organizing this educational evening, and I thank the many people who ventured out on a Saturday night to attend.”
For more information on the Multicultural Motion Picture Association, visit http://thediversityawards.org/.