Ava Duvernay Launches A New Diversity Database To Ensure That Change In Hollywood Keeps Happening

Almost everybody says that they want change to happen in the world. Some want advances towards diversity. Others demand more freedom of speech, and so on. Plenty of us can talk the talk, but how many of us are actually walking the walk? Findings in a recent study on female filmmaking discovered that, unsurprisingly, female filmmakers still don’t get the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Some are content to cross their fingers and hope that Hollywood changes soon. Others put their foot down and insist that more action is needed. Ava DuVernay is one of them. By launching a new diversity database, Ava DuVernay is ready to make sure that women and POC everywhere get more opportunities.

Ava DuVernay Launches Diversity Database to Promote Diverse Talent

Array Crew, launched by DuVernay, is a new initiative designed to “be a resource for executives and hiring managers throughout Hollywood.” The database will reportedly focus more on below-the-line talent. These are the crews that focus on the day-to-day elements of filmmaking. Sony, Netflix, and Disney have reportedly invested and signed on to Array Crew and will have access to the service.

No longer will hiring departments be able to claim that they simply couldn’t find diverse and talented staff. This initiative will put the names of experienced and hardworking female and POC staff right in their faces. The database already has 2500 profiles (and climbing!) and will give hiring departments plenty of talent options from various locations.

Featured image of Ava DuVernay at the Peabody Awards Stephanie Moreno via Flickr.

Ava DuVernay has often been a leader for change. She has broken records and led the path for Black and female filmmakers everywhere, bringing important stories like Selma and 13th to the screen. Peter Roth, a TV executive at Warner Bros., joins DuVernay with this initiative, a TV executive at Warner Bros.

We’re absolutely thrilled to see this initiative continue. We hope that it encourages more women and POC to fight for their right to prove their talent. Additionally, we’re eager to see more films and television crews fill up with diverse workers.

So, how do you feel about this diversity initiative? And what other changes would you like to see in Hollywood? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Featured image via Stephanie Moreno/Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communications for Peabody Awards/University of Georgia, accessed through Flickr.

Meghan Hale is the kind of movie lover that has a "must watch" that is a mile long... and growing. When she isn't talking about the latest film and television news she is writing one of her many in-process novels, screaming film trivia at anybody who will listen, and working as a mental health care professional. Follow her on Twitter @meghanrhale for some fun theories and live reactions to all things entertainment.