Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/508104
32 SAG-AFTRA | Spring 2015 | SAGAFTRA.org "Promoting diversity has long been one of the union's priorities." That commitment is enshrined in the SAG-AFTRA Constitution. It states, "It is a core value of SAG-AFTRA that our strength is in our diversity. We are committed to the broadest employment and involvement of our members, regardless of race, national origin, ancestry, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, political affiliation, veteran status, gender identity or expression, age or disability." The second ICON MANN panel, Black Book Value, focused on the true international value of minority-helmed films. The panel was hosted and moderated by Franklin Leonard, co- founder of The Black List, and featured Charles King, founder of Marco Ventures and former WME partner; Jeremy Kleiner, co-president of production for Plan B; and Matt Jackson, president of production at IM Global. "As more content that reflects the spectrum of who we are continues to make tremendous amounts of money for these studios and companies, both domestically and globally, and as other companies lose market share, they will course-correct because they want to continue to make money. And, I think they will be forced to over time, as the numbers and the examples continue to point in that direction. They'll have no choice but to fall in line because it's going to make business sense for them to do it," said King. Conversations from the ICON MANN Sessions reflected what is surely becoming apparent in primetime television: Filmmakers are paying attention to the demand for diversity in productions. With the recent success of new shows with black lead roles such as Empire, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and black-ish, this year's pilot season put diversity and minority leads on the networks' minds. Laverne Cox has been cast in CBS' Doubt, Ken Jeong will star in Dr. Ken, and Whoopi Goldberg in Delores & Jermaine for ABC. In addition, shows like Fresh Off the Boat and Jane the Virgin have demonstrated minority star power. The accomplishments of such talent proved evident during this year's awards season, when actors Viola Davis and Uzo Aduba made history at the 21st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards. Davis, star of ABC's How to Get Away with Murder, and Aduba, starring in Netflix's Orange Is the New Black, took home the awards for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series, respectively, marking the first time that both female television awards went to African-American women. "It's rewarding to see our union members acknowledge and applaud the talent of fellow members," said White. "It's even better to see these celebrated performers represent the American Scene. It's their talent that defines them." The talent exhibited by minority performers reflects Gossett's and Oyelowo's advice to fellow performers — to embrace experiences, push forward and deliver professional, high-quality work. "Don't worry about what you don't get in this industry. Earn it. We have the right to be who we are and there is nothing to be ashamed of," said Gossett. "To me, excellence is the greatest weapon against prejudice. You break down people's resistance to who you are by being excellent," Oyelowo said. Watch video from the panel discussions on SAG-AFTRA TV at youtube.com/sagaftra.