Diversity in Movies

 

UCLA recently issued a Hollywood Diversity Report, and, as one would expect, it found that movies were not diverse enough. The Study was based on 200 theatrical releases and 100 streamed films.

What the study found was that people of color (there was no breakdown of ethnicity) comprised 22% of lead stars (no mention of entire cast makeup), 17% of directors, and 12% of writers. Women were 39% lead actors and 15% of directors for theatrical releases.

Now, it is widely known that Hispanics are the most frequent moviegoers on a percentage basis vs. other groups. With Hispanic women the most avid moviegoers of all groups. However, the UCLA study didn't breakdown who or how many of each ethic group made up the numbers of actors, directors, or writers. Nor who frequents the cinema to view a movie vs. those that stream films.

I my experience, Hollywood is all about one thing, 'green'. If there are good script writers, good directors, and great actors they will be employed. It's not a matter of gender, race, etc. the only deterrent to getting roles is age. And the major motivator is box office gross. 

The UCLA study did take into account how many disabled actors were used. Which is meaningless, as anyone at any time can say they have a disability or one sort or another.

Overall, the UCLA report doesn't provide any new helpful information - it just reiterates the same old non-diversity rant and how much better films would be if only Hollywood would be more inclusive. It's really tiresome and a complete waste of time and money.