Hollywood: Stuck in Black and White
Dec. 2023
By Sean Hugelmeyer
Edited by Dannah Altiti
Over the past two years, the issue of diversity in Hollywood has been a subject of investigation, centering around the question of whether the recent increase in on-screen diversity signifies a lasting change or a mere anomaly. The answer, as indicated by the latest UCLA School of Social Sciences, is a nuanced one. While some progress has been made, significant challenges persist and diversity in Hollywood remains a complex issue. So, while there have been steps in the right direction for diversity in Hollywood, many problems still exist even at the very surface of the movie-making world.
In the latest 2022 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, Hollywood did not fully embrace diversity as hoped. Despite positive trends in previous years, the film industry grapples with economic uncertainties exacerbated by the pandemic. Studios predominantly leaned towards producing "surefire hits" rooted in nostalgia and existing intellectual property for theatrical releases. This strategic shift limited opportunities for certain filmmakers and revived the notion that diversity on the big screen is a riskier proposition.
Streaming vs Blockbuster Hits
One notable trend highlighted in the report is the tendency for women directors and directors of color to be more involved in streaming projects rather than theatrical releases. Streaming provides a platform to showcase one's talents, but these projects are generally less financially lucrative, especially for emerging filmmakers who often face resource limitations. The absence of publicly available viewership data further complicates the streaming landscape. Theatrical releases, on the other hand, cater to epic blockbusters and communal horror experiences, while streaming platforms focus on smaller, more intimate stories.
However, despite appearances, disparities persist in the streaming sector as well. Filmmakers of color, especially, tend to work with smaller budgets. Women and people of color are often required to be exceptionally talented to thrive in the industry, while white men are afforded more opportunities. The report argues that the film industry's decisions based on fear and myths do not align with the preferences of increasingly diverse audiences. In 2022, the report found that diverse offerings on streaming platforms strongly appealed to audiences, particularly those featuring casts with a minimum of 30 percent minority representation. The pandemic normalized diversity on screen, making it a central element in narratives that audiences could relate to. However, the report emphasizes that the appeal of theatrical releases to diverse audiences must be maintained, and the industry should prioritize diversity as a business imperative for both theatrical and streaming releases. The television industry is facing contraction, and the film industry is grappling with its challenges, including the struggles of theatrical chains. As Pauleanna Reid in her 2021 Forbes article and overall historical trends suggests, when diversity is treated as optional rather than essential, it suffers during times of industry uncertainty. Reverting to pre-pandemic practices on streaming platforms would be misguided, given the risk of alienating diverse audiences (Reid, 2021).
Demographic Shifts Towards Youth
The report also highlights the demographic shifts and the growing influence of young, diverse audiences. According to a PBS article from 2020, author Jack Coyle reported that over 50 percent of the population under 18 is people of color, with Latinx individuals comprising a significant portion of this demographic. Moreover, a substantial number of Black and Latinx teenagers report consistent use of social media platforms, making their own media content, and engaging with content creators who share their backgrounds (Coyle, 2020). These trends indicate that young individuals of color, as well as girls, are shaping their own media landscape and will not accept narratives that marginalize them. UCLA cites examples of films that have resonated with diverse audiences, such as "Turning Red" and "Encanto," both featuring young girls of color as protagonists navigating complex family dynamics. These films have captured the attention of Generation Alpha, demonstrating that narratives centered on diversity are not only a moral imperative but also a strategic one for the industry's competitiveness and relevance.
Ticket Sales and Missed Opportunities
Furthermore, Hollywood has faced significant financial losses attributed to its historical lack of diversity in casting and storytelling. According to Nicole Sperling from the New York Times, The industry's limited representation, both in front of and behind the camera, has led to a disconnect with audiences seeking more inclusive narratives. This dearth of diversity has resulted in box office disappointments and declining viewership, as audiences increasingly demand authentic and varied portrayals that reflect the rich tapestry of society (Sperling, 2021). The financial impact is not only measured in ticket sales but also in the missed opportunities to tap into diverse markets and perspectives. Hollywood is gradually recognizing the need for change, with initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity gaining momentum. However, the industry continues to grapple with the repercussions of past shortcomings, emphasizing the crucial role that diversity plays not just in societal representation but also in sustaining a thriving and financially successful entertainment ecosystem.
In conclusion, Hollywood has made some progress toward diversity, but significant challenges remain. While streaming platforms offer opportunities for diverse storytelling, disparities persist, and the industry must prioritize diversity as a central business imperative. The report underscores the importance of sustaining the appeal of theatrical releases to diverse audiences and embracing diversity as a strategic imperative to remain competitive and relevant in a changing entertainment landscape.
References:
UCLA. (n.d.). Hollywood Diversity Report 2023. Social Sciences. https://socialsciences.ucla.edu/hollywood-diversity-report-2023/
Coyle, J. (2020, September 10). Hollywood’s inclusion problems still run deep, study finds. PBS. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/hollywoods-inclusion-problems-still-run-deep-study-finds.
Reid, P. (2021, August 19). How to fix Hollywood’s diversity problem according to award-winning storyteller and founder of the writers room 5050, Evette Vargas. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/pauleannareid/2021/08/19/how-to-fix-hollywoods-diversity-problem-according-to-award-winning-storyteller-and-founder-of-the-writers-room-5050-evette-vargas/?sh=73bfb81b460e
Sperling, N. (2021, March 11). Hollywood loses $10 billion a year due to lack of diversity, study finds. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/movies/hollywood-black-representation.html
