Netflix reveals how they plan to increase diversity in Hollywood.
Ever since #OscarsSoWhite went viral, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the casting and hiring practices in Hollywood. But, one company is trying to change the film industry from the ground up. Netflix’s CEO, Ted Sarandos told an audience at an event in Seoul that their new mission is to provide streaming content around the world and in the process, increase diversity.
“We’re very proud that Netflix shows are among the most diverse in the world,” he said. “Just looking at Marco Polo and Masters of None, they have an enormous Asian cast.”
Netflix’s CEO understands that their production process is different in comparison to traditional production companies. “It’s not a typical Hollywood casting model,” he said. “And we are pushing to become better in terms of reflecting the diversity of the world.”
Netflix is currently acquiring content from overseas that will be distributed around the world. “We’re buying rights for K-dramas like Descendants of the Sun, which we’ll show beginning in the late summer in the U.S., Canada and all parts of Latin America,” Sarandos said. The hit Korean drama was previously acquired by Beijing-based streaming service iQiyi and became one of the most-watched shows online in China, in addition to selling to more than 30 territories around the world.
One of the most anticipated foreign/domestic feature films is the upcoming Okja movie starring Steven Yeun and Jake Gyllenhaal, which is filming in New York City. The movie is directed by Snowpiercer director Bong Joon Ho. “When the world thinks of great contemporary film directors, they think of Martin Scorsese or Quentin Tarantino. After Okja, they will start to think of Bong Joon Ho in that same list,” Sarandos added to applause from the local crowd.
This is great news for Hollywood. Netflix is mixing capitalism and diversity making it a win-win for subscribers, stock owners, and actors.
Via THR
Related:
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Georgia Reps to Investigate “Diversity” in Georgia’s Film Industry
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Warner Bros. Launches Directors Workshop to Increase Diversity
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