Welcome to the inaugural edition of the Minority Film Beat!

Hollywood’s landscape is shifting with people of color leading the charge. Minority Film Institute was built to ensure equal opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, both on camera and behind the scenes.  Our organization is here to promote, encourage, and educate individuals at every level in TV and film.  Each month, we’ll share industry-related news, filmmaker profiles, and interviews along with a wide array of resources and funding opportunities.

Thank you for joining us. We’re looking forward to supporting you every step of the way.

Sincerely,

The Minority Film Institute Team

Netflix’s First Inclusion Report Offers In-Depth Look At Workforce Diversity, Addresses Areas That Need Improvement

By Dino-Ray Ramos | Deadline

The streaming giant has released its inaugural inclusion report that takes an in-depth look at its company diversity numbers and trends since 2017, its progress as well as its plan to increase diversity within its workforce. The report finds that women make up half of Netflix’s workforce (47.1%) and this includes the leadership level. Directors and above are at 47.8%; vice presidents clock in at 43.7% and senior leadership is at 47.6%).

Misha Green to Make Feature Directorial Debut With ‘Tomb Raider’ Sequel for MGM

By Angelique Jackson | Variety

The “Lovecraft Country” and “Underground” creator is set to make her feature directorial debut, writing and directing the next installment of “Tomb Raider” for MGM.  Alicia Vikander will reprise her role as Lara Croft in the sequel to the 2018 action flick, which earned nearly $275M at the global box office.

‘All In’ Sheds Light on Flaws in the System, Finds Hope in Fighting Voter Suppression

By Janet Kinosian | Los Angeles Times

“All In: The Fight for Democracy” paints a daunting, damning — but ultimately hopeful — portrait of voter suppression throughout American history. From the days of Reconstruction to literally recent months, the Amazon Studios film documents the fight regarding who votes (and who is excluded) in our democracy, and why.  On a phone call to discuss the historical context of the film, directors Lisa Cortes and Liz Garbus were joined by Georgia’s former House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams, who helped produce the film.

Min Jin Lee and Alan Yang Join Forces for Netflix Series

By Gabrielle Sanchez | Vulture

Author Min Jin Lee and prolific screenwriter Alan Yang are teaming up. According to Variety, the two are bringing Lee’s Free Food for Millionaires to Netflix as a new series — hopefully one with a Netflix-size budget. The writer tweeted on January 26 that she wrote the pilot script adaptation with plans for Yang to produce it, and Netflix gave them the green light and a check.

Inaugural Gold List Launches to Promote Asian Inclusion in Awards Race

By Mia Galuppo | The Hollywood Reporter

Gold House— the nonprofit organization that seeks to promote Asian-led and multicultural films— is launching a new initiative focused on awards season. The Gold List is a collaboration between CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) and Gold Open, Gold House’s movement to bring Asian-led movies box office success. The list is chosen by the Gold Open advisory council, Gold House members, CAPE board members and advisors, and other entertainment leaders. They include Walt Disney president of marketing Asad Ayaz, Black List founder Franklin Leonard and Academy officer and board governor Janet Yang.