For years, the film industry in the Netherlands has been trying to find the right way to present a more diverse and inclusive sound. Only rarely does it succeed.
The biggest problem remains that the decision makers address this problem from their perspective and from their vision. Top down. Thinking that they know best. There is little faith that the stories might be better shaped from the target group itself. The stupid thing is that subsequently the people concerned do not see themselves in the right way back in the cinema or on TV.
And then they don't feel addressed or inspired to start a career in this industry. Or it is too 'complicated' for the industry to adapt.
And sometimes there is a movement going on. Like with this group of young creators. I am so happy to be a part of this. Leaded Led by director Mari Sanders, here is a group with drive, with story with passion and love for the craft. Film industry, make way for a new movement!
Question for creators from all over the world: what about the visibility of people with a different story with you in cinema, streaming and TV?
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Such a great topic, Hidde Simons! Thanks for shedding some light on The Netherlands' issues. I can definitely tell you this is true for crew hiring practice here in the U.S. We want diversity, but when decisions are made from top-down, including a budget, it doesn't always land as a priority anymore. Or at least the invitation is still there, but they'll reduce the rates, as if daring, "if you really cared about making it, you wouldn't care about how much is being paid".
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Hidde Simons It's not an issue confined to the Netherlands. The truth is, that's the issue everywhere and especially here in the USA - where we *literally* have 3 major studios who own everything (Comcast - who owns NBCUni, Warners, and a good chunk of the shares of NetFlix), Disney, who owns Fox and all it's subs like TubiTV and Mar Vista, and Paramount). The centralization of viewpoint is alarming and *very very dangerous* for freedom of speech and for the ability of new and varied voices to be heard. We at the IIPG are creating methods with independent producers, creators and platforms in an attempt to change this situation.