warner bros discovery It has since withdrawn plans to close workshops for leading writers and directors. industry backlash.
In a statement Wednesday, the company said it will move its Director’s and Writers’ Workshop programs from the former home of Warner Bros. Television to the company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department after the current Writers’ Workshop concludes. said. WBD added that the DEI unit will “grow the workshop program through its existing pipeline program division.”
A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery said there are currently no plans to change the number of participants in the workshop. In the future, up to 8 screenwriters and he from 8 to his 12 directors.
Writers for the current class of WBTV workshops will be supported in their current homes until March 2023, sources said. Nevertheless, make changes to the program.
on tuesday, hollywood reporter Reported Previous plans to close these programs, often seen as a key entry point for diverse talent to gain significant industry opportunities in the fields of directing and writing, do not themselves represent diversity. At the time, an announcement from WBTV Group read, “While these formal programs will no longer be in operation, we remain committed to developing and mentoring new talent and preparing them for careers on television.”
This new announcement directors guild of america Unions have announced their intention to “fight” the closure of the Warner Bros. Television Workshop and its supervision program. Trade unions say this is mandated by collective bargaining agreements.
“The DGA today announced its determination to oppose Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to end its TV director development program,” the union said in a statement Wednesday. “While WB/Discovery seeks to roll back decades of progress for women and people of color directors, the DGA will not just sit on the sidelines.”
The specific provision that the DGA alleges the program closure violated is found in Sec. Major Television Studios’) establishes and maintains a television director development program designed to expand opportunities for directors in episodic television, with a focus on increasing diversity. The basic agreement calls on these programs to seek out members from underrepresented groups, give participants the opportunity to meet creative executives, and, where possible, find mentoring opportunities for participants. .
The director’s version began in 2013 and the writer’s version more than 40 years ago. Featuring a relatively diverse cohort, the WBTV Workshop is believed to bring more creatives to the industry from marginalized identities. but they were not developed. It’s a unique diversity lens,” WBD said in an announcement this afternoon. “They are now operating with a specific focus on his DEI.”
Following the news that the program will move to Warner Bros. DGA is pleased that Warner Bros. Discovery has responded to our concerns, and the proof is that the new program structure will improve the diversity, fairness and fairness of directors. Sex, and Inclusion. “We will be watching closely to ensure they live up to their commitments,” the statement added.
Lesley Goldberg contributed to the report.
October 12, 5:07 PM Updated with the latest statement from the Board of Directors.