Disney Television Studios mounted a panel Thursday at the TCA press tour entitled “Inclusion is Not A Spectator Sport” — a panel on which five of the participants were white and two were Black. According to Tim McNeal, vice president, creative talent development and inclusion and Dma (Donna Michelle Anderson), director, creative talent development and inclusion at Walt Disney Television, that structure was intentional.
“Because these panelists represent decision-makers, producers and executives, a majority of whom are still white, who have the ability and accountability to significantly change mindsets and practices,” McNeal said.
The panel also featured Alexi Hawley, executive producer and writer, “The Rookie”; Brian Morewitz, senior VP, drama development, ABC; Carol Turner, executive VP, production, ABC Signature; Jonathan Groff, consulting producer, “Black-ish”; David Renaud, producer, “The Good Doctor.” Both McNeal and Dma spoke to why Hawley, Morewitz, Groff and Renaud, all white men, and Turner, a white woman, were...
“Because these panelists represent decision-makers, producers and executives, a majority of whom are still white, who have the ability and accountability to significantly change mindsets and practices,” McNeal said.
The panel also featured Alexi Hawley, executive producer and writer, “The Rookie”; Brian Morewitz, senior VP, drama development, ABC; Carol Turner, executive VP, production, ABC Signature; Jonathan Groff, consulting producer, “Black-ish”; David Renaud, producer, “The Good Doctor.” Both McNeal and Dma spoke to why Hawley, Morewitz, Groff and Renaud, all white men, and Turner, a white woman, were...
- 2/26/2021
- by Mónica Marie Zorrilla
- Variety Film + TV
All-white diversity panels have become somewhat of a meme that mocks cluelessness across multiple industries, but for Disney Television Studios, the selection of panelists for its Winter TCA panel on inclusion was deliberate.
“You might notice the other panelists joining us today are white,” said Walt Disney Television head of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Tim McNeal at the outset of the Thursday session, in which he and Ctdi director Dma were the only Black participants. “We want to move the conversation from what talent is consistently asked, to what our leaders must do differently to create ...
“You might notice the other panelists joining us today are white,” said Walt Disney Television head of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Tim McNeal at the outset of the Thursday session, in which he and Ctdi director Dma were the only Black participants. “We want to move the conversation from what talent is consistently asked, to what our leaders must do differently to create ...
- 2/25/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
All-white diversity panels have become somewhat of a meme that mocks cluelessness across multiple industries, but for Disney Television Studios, the selection of panelists for its Winter TCA panel on inclusion was deliberate.
“You might notice the other panelists joining us today are white,” said Walt Disney Television head of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Tim McNeal at the outset of the Thursday session, in which he and Ctdi director Dma were the only Black participants. “We want to move the conversation from what talent is consistently asked, to what our leaders must do differently to create ...
“You might notice the other panelists joining us today are white,” said Walt Disney Television head of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Tim McNeal at the outset of the Thursday session, in which he and Ctdi director Dma were the only Black participants. “We want to move the conversation from what talent is consistently asked, to what our leaders must do differently to create ...
- 2/25/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
During TCA, Walt Disney Television hosted a session titled, “Inclusion Is Not A Spectator Sport”. Diversity and inclusion has been a conversation to be had on all fronts when it comes to authentic representation on film and TV. It’s a conversation that has always been on the mind of people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, the disabled community as well as other underrepresented voices. However, after the death of George Floyd, a pandemic that made Asians a target of violent attacks, and a Black Lives Matter movement that changed the face of the landscape of social justice, the conversation of inclusion has become more prominent and a glaring light is being shined on Hollywood to do the work instead of just virtue signal their efforts.
The session included Tim McNeal, VP, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Wdt; Dma, Director, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Wdt; Alexi Hawley, Executive Producer and writer,...
The session included Tim McNeal, VP, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Wdt; Dma, Director, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion, Wdt; Alexi Hawley, Executive Producer and writer,...
- 2/25/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Diversity and inclusion remains a hot button topic in entertainment, and during the network’s virtual TCA Winter 2021 Press Tour on Thursday, executives across ABC discussed ways the network is trying to improve the inclusivity of the stories it tells.
As a recent DGA report revealed, the there’s still work to be done to enhance opportunities for directors of color. There is additionally an acknowledgement that much of the critical leadership in entertainment is white and male and the desire to put this panel together ran off of that.
The hope is to move the conversation away from asking the talent about diversity initiatives and look at the leadership. “Inclusivity is to create one level playing field for everyone,” said Tim McNeal, the Vice President of Creative Talent Development and inclusion for Walt Disney Television at the network’s TCA panel on the subject. There’s an acknowledgement that the majority of decision makers,...
As a recent DGA report revealed, the there’s still work to be done to enhance opportunities for directors of color. There is additionally an acknowledgement that much of the critical leadership in entertainment is white and male and the desire to put this panel together ran off of that.
The hope is to move the conversation away from asking the talent about diversity initiatives and look at the leadership. “Inclusivity is to create one level playing field for everyone,” said Tim McNeal, the Vice President of Creative Talent Development and inclusion for Walt Disney Television at the network’s TCA panel on the subject. There’s an acknowledgement that the majority of decision makers,...
- 2/25/2021
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Exclusive: Disney General Entertainment Content has revealed the 13 individuals for its 2021 writing program and has named the recipient of Disney Channel’s Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer’s Scholarship, which was established last year in honor of the late writer/producer for diverse and aspiring comedy writers.
Created in 1990 with the WGA West, Disney Creative Talent Development & Inclusion’s one-year writing program offers advanced professional development with the primary goal of helping to secure participants’ first staffing assignment via Disney General Entertainment Content series.
Now in its 30th year, the program is held in high regard, with a nearly 100% hiring rate for more than a decade. This makes the program an ideal launching pad for talented writers and their careers — and with Disney no less.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal,...
Created in 1990 with the WGA West, Disney Creative Talent Development & Inclusion’s one-year writing program offers advanced professional development with the primary goal of helping to secure participants’ first staffing assignment via Disney General Entertainment Content series.
Now in its 30th year, the program is held in high regard, with a nearly 100% hiring rate for more than a decade. This makes the program an ideal launching pad for talented writers and their careers — and with Disney no less.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal,...
- 1/14/2021
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney has moved its Creative Talent Development and Inclusion team under Disney TV Studios, with Tim McNeal now reporting directly to Disney TV Studios president Craig Hunegs.
The move comes as part of a larger effort to increase diverse representation across its executive, talent and production ranks, and to continue the work of bringing underrepresented communities, voices and performers to the screen.
“Our most resonant series have always been those that reflect the broadest possible audience, and creating a more vibrant culture at our studios makes for a more attractive home for talent and executives of all backgrounds,” commented Hunegs. “Embedding Tim and his team within the content engine of Disney Television Studios is going to be incredibly meaningful. Tim’s a gifted creative executive who has led an effort at the Walt Disney Company that has increased representation across every business unit, and while he’ll continue to be...
The move comes as part of a larger effort to increase diverse representation across its executive, talent and production ranks, and to continue the work of bringing underrepresented communities, voices and performers to the screen.
“Our most resonant series have always been those that reflect the broadest possible audience, and creating a more vibrant culture at our studios makes for a more attractive home for talent and executives of all backgrounds,” commented Hunegs. “Embedding Tim and his team within the content engine of Disney Television Studios is going to be incredibly meaningful. Tim’s a gifted creative executive who has led an effort at the Walt Disney Company that has increased representation across every business unit, and while he’ll continue to be...
- 8/24/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Walt Disney Company executive Tim McNeal and his Creative Talent Development & Inclusion Team will now be housed within Disney Television Studios. The respected veteran exec will report directly to Disney Television Studios President Craig Hunegs. The move comes as the company — and the entire industry — is becoming more cognizant of increasing diverse representation across its executive, talent and production ranks while amplifying underrepresented communities, voices and performers on the screen.
“Our most resonant series have always been those that reflect the broadest possible audience, and creating a more vibrant culture at our studios makes for a more attractive home for talent and executives of all backgrounds,” said Hunegs. “Embedding Tim and his team within the content engine of Disney Television Studios is going to be incredibly meaningful. Tim’s a gifted creative executive who has led an effort at the Walt Disney Company that has increased representation across every business unit,...
“Our most resonant series have always been those that reflect the broadest possible audience, and creating a more vibrant culture at our studios makes for a more attractive home for talent and executives of all backgrounds,” said Hunegs. “Embedding Tim and his team within the content engine of Disney Television Studios is going to be incredibly meaningful. Tim’s a gifted creative executive who has led an effort at the Walt Disney Company that has increased representation across every business unit,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Walt Disney Company executive Tim McNeal and his creative talent development and inclusion team will now be housed within Disney Television Studios.
McNeal will now report directly to Disney TV Studios president Craig Hunegs. McNeal and his team will work to increase representation for marginalized communities across the studios’ executive, talent, and production ranks. Though they will be housed within Disney Television Studios moving forward, the group will continue to service platforms such as ABC and Freeform as well as many others including ABC News, the owned television stations, FX, National Geographic, and Hulu.
“Craig and I go way back, working together when I was a drama development exec at The WB, so the chance to work together again was very appealing. More importantly though, he recognized the value the Ctdi team has brought to the company,” McNeal said. “When he asked if we wanted to amplify our efforts to attract and retain diverse talent,...
McNeal will now report directly to Disney TV Studios president Craig Hunegs. McNeal and his team will work to increase representation for marginalized communities across the studios’ executive, talent, and production ranks. Though they will be housed within Disney Television Studios moving forward, the group will continue to service platforms such as ABC and Freeform as well as many others including ABC News, the owned television stations, FX, National Geographic, and Hulu.
“Craig and I go way back, working together when I was a drama development exec at The WB, so the chance to work together again was very appealing. More importantly though, he recognized the value the Ctdi team has brought to the company,” McNeal said. “When he asked if we wanted to amplify our efforts to attract and retain diverse talent,...
- 8/24/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Walt Disney Television has named its 13 writers for its 2020 Writing Program. The initiative offers advanced professional development before participants are hired as staff writers on Walt Disney Televsision shows during the program year.
Of the 13 is news marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones who has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar, established by the network in honor of the late writer/producer for diverse and aspiring comedy writers. Boone was best known as an executive producer and showrunner of the third season of Disney Channel’s comedy series Raven’s Home.
On the comedy side, participants include Family Guy writers’ assistant Allyson Philobos, stand-up comedian Feraz Ozel, feature film line producer Gabriela Lugo, reality television producer Tasha Henderson and advertising exec-turned-development-assistant Vicky Castro. Drama writers include television feature writer Adrian Vina, Evil writers’ production assistant David Ramirez, black-ish production assistant Keisha Ansley, Narcos writers’ assistant Paola Villegas, writer/producer T Zhang, Grey’s Anatomy producers’ assistant Zaiver Sinnett and “Dynasty” writers’ production assistant Zoe Cheng. News marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “Their drive and diverse backgrounds represent today’s storytelling, and we look forward to seeing them shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
This past season, the 2019 writers from the program secured staffing assignments on ABC shows including The Good Doctor, The Rookie, mixed-ish, United We Fall, The Baker and the Beauty, The Goldbergs as well as Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It.
Formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program, the program was a starting point for notable show creators such as Veena Sud, Jane Espenson (Warehouse 13) and Erica Montolfo-Bura (Zoe Ever After). The program was also an entry point for showrunners Dailyn Rodriguez (Queen of the South), Saladin Patterson (The Last O.G.), Ayanna Floyd Davis (The Chi) and Aseem Batra (I Feel Bad); and alumni with production overall deals at Wdt including Peter Saji (mixed-ish) and Tim Doyle (The Kids Are Alright).
Of the 13 is news marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones who has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar, established by the network in honor of the late writer/producer for diverse and aspiring comedy writers. Boone was best known as an executive producer and showrunner of the third season of Disney Channel’s comedy series Raven’s Home.
On the comedy side, participants include Family Guy writers’ assistant Allyson Philobos, stand-up comedian Feraz Ozel, feature film line producer Gabriela Lugo, reality television producer Tasha Henderson and advertising exec-turned-development-assistant Vicky Castro. Drama writers include television feature writer Adrian Vina, Evil writers’ production assistant David Ramirez, black-ish production assistant Keisha Ansley, Narcos writers’ assistant Paola Villegas, writer/producer T Zhang, Grey’s Anatomy producers’ assistant Zaiver Sinnett and “Dynasty” writers’ production assistant Zoe Cheng. News marketing associate and former writers’ assistant Darnell Jones has been named the Disney Channel Eunetta T. Boone Comedy Writer Scholar.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is proud to launch this extremely talented group of writers into the next phase of their career,” said Tim McNeal, vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “Their drive and diverse backgrounds represent today’s storytelling, and we look forward to seeing them shape the next generation of producers and showrunners.”
This past season, the 2019 writers from the program secured staffing assignments on ABC shows including The Good Doctor, The Rookie, mixed-ish, United We Fall, The Baker and the Beauty, The Goldbergs as well as Disney Channel’s Just Roll With It.
Formerly known as the Disney|ABC Writing Program, the program was a starting point for notable show creators such as Veena Sud, Jane Espenson (Warehouse 13) and Erica Montolfo-Bura (Zoe Ever After). The program was also an entry point for showrunners Dailyn Rodriguez (Queen of the South), Saladin Patterson (The Last O.G.), Ayanna Floyd Davis (The Chi) and Aseem Batra (I Feel Bad); and alumni with production overall deals at Wdt including Peter Saji (mixed-ish) and Tim Doyle (The Kids Are Alright).
- 2/3/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
The Disney ABC Television Writing Program has selected the participants for the 2019 program, with the incoming scribes hailing from Virginia, Florida, Illinois, California and Alaska.
On the comedy side, participants include children’s literacy advocate Aadip Desai; Jesse Esparza, writer and performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (Sacramento, California); technical project manager Jessica Combs; stand-up comedian Marina Quintero; and former international aid director and investment analyst Nayna Agrawal. Drama writers include actor Racheal Seymour (Fairbanks, Alaska), digital producer Tracy Taylor and writers’ assistant Will J. Watkins.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is excited to continue expanding the pool of talent with this diverse group of writers on the cusp of breaking through,” said Tim McNeal, vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “We look forward to championing their careers as they move up the ranks to join...
On the comedy side, participants include children’s literacy advocate Aadip Desai; Jesse Esparza, writer and performer at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre (Sacramento, California); technical project manager Jessica Combs; stand-up comedian Marina Quintero; and former international aid director and investment analyst Nayna Agrawal. Drama writers include actor Racheal Seymour (Fairbanks, Alaska), digital producer Tracy Taylor and writers’ assistant Will J. Watkins.
“The Creative Talent Development & Inclusion team is excited to continue expanding the pool of talent with this diverse group of writers on the cusp of breaking through,” said Tim McNeal, vice president, Creative Talent Development & Inclusion. “We look forward to championing their careers as they move up the ranks to join...
- 2/19/2019
- by The Deadline Team
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney|ABC Television has revealed the list of 15 people selected to participate in its 2018-20 directing program. The two-year professional program aims to connect experienced helmers on the cusp of transitioning into episodic directing with their first broadcast or cable assignments.
This newly named group includes indie film directors Maria Burton (A Sort of Homecoming), Pablo Gomez-Castro (El Alquiler), Stephanie Martin (Wild Horses) and Marshall Tyler (Night Shift); TV movie director Princess Monique (Seasons of Love); brand director and entrepreneur Ryan Brown (The Rough Part); feature screenwriter Michelle Steffes (The Interview); indie film/commercial directors Alonso Mayo (Fixed) and Phillip Rhys (The Scarecrow); digital writer-directors Cynthia Kao (Groundhog Day for a Black Man) and Marvin Lemus (Gente-fied: The Digital Series); commercial/streaming writer-director Dinh Thai (Monday); Broadway producer-director and indie film director Coy Middlebrook (For Spacious Sky); actor-director and law enforcement professional Jeremy Earl (Constance Murphy); and music video and...
This newly named group includes indie film directors Maria Burton (A Sort of Homecoming), Pablo Gomez-Castro (El Alquiler), Stephanie Martin (Wild Horses) and Marshall Tyler (Night Shift); TV movie director Princess Monique (Seasons of Love); brand director and entrepreneur Ryan Brown (The Rough Part); feature screenwriter Michelle Steffes (The Interview); indie film/commercial directors Alonso Mayo (Fixed) and Phillip Rhys (The Scarecrow); digital writer-directors Cynthia Kao (Groundhog Day for a Black Man) and Marvin Lemus (Gente-fied: The Digital Series); commercial/streaming writer-director Dinh Thai (Monday); Broadway producer-director and indie film director Coy Middlebrook (For Spacious Sky); actor-director and law enforcement professional Jeremy Earl (Constance Murphy); and music video and...
- 9/5/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
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