The EIF Careers Program offers collaborative programming that fosters community and a culture of belonging across the entertainment ecosystem to create a stronger, more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible industry.
In April 2023, EIF convened 50+ human resources and hiring managers across 20+ different entertainment industry companies to discuss challenges and solutions to building stronger, more diverse talent pipelines into the entertainment industry. Attendees had the opportunity to review resumes and provide feedback collectively, share best hiring practices they leverage in their workplaces, and ideate on ways they can work more effectively as a collective to better support underrepresented talent pursuing creative careers.
Five main takeaways emerged from EIF’s 2023 Roundtabl
Collective action and accountability is needed across stakeholder groups to ensure that aspirations for the future will be met.
Infrastructure (e.g., communication channels, shared resources, co-developed programs) must be built and sustained to enable more meaningful connections across stakeholders.
Students and candidates need ongoing support beyond their first industry access point in order to build momentum and connect to resources that offer better outcomes.
Industry commitment to prioritize and create broader and equitable access to resources and supports (e.g., networking, coaching, set/site visits) is needed to support students
Shared alignment on key aspects of entertainment industry curriculum that support job readiness would be beneficial to both educators and employers.
For 2023’s National Apprenticeship Week (November 13-19), EIF hosted a virtual panel presentation highlighting apprenticeships as a proven workforce development and training model that advances equity and accessibility.
The moderator and panelists included:
Allison Frenzel, Program Specialist, California Department of Education
Ri-Karlo Handy, Founder, Handy Foundation
Nicole Hendrix, Executive Director, BRIC Foundation
Vanessa Pfeiffer, Director of Equity + Inclusion, North America Warner Bros. Discovery
Lincoln Sevier, Vice President of Television Post Production, Lionsgate
EIF and the CAA Foundation hosted a special screening of “Lights, Camera, Friendship!” followed by a panel conversation to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness month (October 2023). Joey Travolta and the Inclusion Films team shared more about their important work, creating on-the-job training opportunities for the neurodiverse community behind the scenes and in front of the camera.
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