This has been weighing on me amidst everything going on and I feel like this won't be addressed unless I say something hope this is received.
I’ve noticed a lot of white people, among other non-black people in the industry, are used to playing the “I avoid politics” game and are even doing that right now; but I want to make it EXTREMELY clear that there is nothing political about black lives mattering. It’s nothing to be “neutral” about either. You’re silence is part of the problem. Keep in mind that not saying/doing something, is saying/doing something.
When the dust settles, everyone is going to be looking back at who was and is supportive of all black lives, out loud, in the open. And I don’t mean posting a blacked out square on Instagram to save face either. Or any other performative things. What actions were actually taken? What was actually done in support of BLACK people?
Everyone wants new stories and perspectives but many platforms fail to have initiatives and substantive support targeting the demographics with those stories. Stage 32 included.
If you’re reading this, go to your profile and look at your network. Look at how many people are in your network then look at how many black people are there. How diverse is it? Look at the blog. How much do you see relating to Women, POC, LGBT or black creatives, or navigating the industry as one? What initiatives on the site are specific to those groups? How does it compare to other platforms?
I highly doubt this was intentional but the community on here reflects the very same thing everyone says they want to change, but nothing changes if nothing changes.
Attention needs to be paid to Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Pride month, black creatives, LGBT creatives, POC creatives, female creatives. Way more needs to be done.
I come on here for the same reason everyone else does, to make something happen. I love and want to continue using stage 32 but personally I refuse to share, recommend, suggest or use this platform going forward if i see things do not change. The world seems to hate black people
Changes have been made in the industry prior to now but we all know full well it’s been minuscule and no where near where it needs to be. It’s time to act now. I say all of this because it's important. I don't want this to fall on deaf ears.
Please hear me Richard "RB" Botto , Karen "Kay" Ross , Jason Mirch , Stage 32 moderators, staff, any non-black people, white people, anyone else reading this; If nothing you do changes, whether it's in your personal lives, or changes to stage 32, you’re communicating that you’re not actually in support of fixing the problem. And It will be duly noted where you stand based on what does and does not happen going forward. Whether you think so or not, someone is watching you. If black lives matter to you, prove it.
Hi Ethan! First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful, passionate post and for giving me the opportunity to address your thoughts and concerns. I'd like to do so by responding directly and including portions of an email that will be going to the entire Stage 32 community.
In 2011, when I first launched Stage 32, I did so with what I called the "One Love" email. In short, my messaging stated that Stage 32 would be a platform for ALL creatives to come together, share, and collaborate in a safe, productive environment. I'm extremely proud to say that we have followed through on that promise. We remain committed to the "One Love" philosophy. Everyone on the Stage 32 team lives and breathes it.
While we can't control WHO decides to join Stage 32, we welcome everyone. Our doors are and will remain open to any creative who would like to be a member of this community.
Over the last few months, we have brought in numerous black and POC teachers and mentors including, but certainly not limited to, Lesley-Ann Brandt (Lucifer) , Nican Robinson (13 Reasons Why), Tracy Christian (agent), Krista Sipp (manager), Courtney Miller Jr. (screenwriter, producer Relevant Pictures), Terence Blanchard (Oscar nominated composer), Qasim Basir (Sundance winning director), Jaia Thomas (attorney) and many more.
We have also been extremely supportive of shining a light on new and creative voices and talent from the LGBTQ community including our announcement just last week regarding highlighting filmmakers from the BFI Flare: London LGBTIQ Film Festival. We're helping these filmmakers get in front of distributors, sales agents, managers, agents, producers, financiers, and other decision makers. We're giving them opportunities they wouldn't have elsewhere. In case you missed the announcement, you can read it here:
https://www.stage32.com/blog/Now-Showing-BFI-Flare-London-LGBTIQ%20-Film...
Over the last two weeks, all of us at Stage 32 have been taking action to inspire change through talking, asking questions, reading, protesting and donating. Most of all, we’ve been listening. Personally, I have spoken with over a dozen prominent black industry creatives, professionals and leaders. Our goal is not just a heightened understanding, but to bring more black and diverse voices into the mix here at Stage 32.
Sadly, as you aptly stated, the industry as a whole is playing from behind. We have vowed to do our part and I'm thrilled to say we have some major allies on board with the mission.
You are heard, my friend. And your words are not falling on deaf ears. We have not and will not accept the status quo. We will not rest.
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Richard "RB" Botto That’s a great gesture for LGBT creatives for pride month. While I trust that you will, I really really hope you keep the same energy for black creatives. Specific initiatives for underrepresented groups are very important. As well as content that’s specific too here and there. People gravitate to where they feel seen. All of us do. It’s what we all look for. I guarantee extra effort put directly towards those groups, will attract more people of those groups. Bringing in more Black people & POC onto the stage 32 staff is also a good start. The most important thing is keeping the same energy, even if it means bringing someone in specifically to help with that, help contribute to filling the missing pieces.. I appreciate your response and I’m looking forward to how this will manifest going forward.
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Hi Ethan. Thanks for the response and the good words. The energy is high, my friend, no question. Since you raised the point, it's worth noting that in our 9 year history we have had many black and POC employees and advisors. Many have left us and the industry and chosen a different path. We stay in touch with many of them and assist where and when we can. As for the member base, as you know, this community is completely crowdsourced and has been since Day One. We've gone from 100 to 650,000 members just by word of mouth and by our members sending invites. Any member is welcome to invite a creative friend or peer to join. I hope you will assist helping us strengthen the community and bring the diversity we all seek and welcome by inviting your friends and colleagues as well.
Again, I appreciate your thoughts and words. Most of all, I appreciate you. Have a fantastic week.