February 24, 2016
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By Dr. Charles J. Pearson Photo courtesy Jordan Schneider
Jered Schneider (center), Continuity instructor, works with students on camera settings.
Local nonprofit looks to build diversity in media production and help address #OscarsSoWhite By Sara Hardin As artists in the world of film are being celebrated in the midst of the 88th Academy Awards, the lack of gender and racial diversity in the media production industry is raising some eyebrows. A group of media producers and teachers formed Continuity, a St. Louis nonprofit that is working to find a solution to that very problem. Their mission is simple: “to expand diversity in media production through skills-based training, mentorship, and opportunities for untapped talent.” For Continuity Co-Founder and Executive Director Dan Parris, the itch to make a change grew after researching how African-Americans were represented in St. Louis media production companies. “We found out that out of 187 employees working for 19 different production companies in St. Louis, only three of them were African-American,” said Parris. “These companies are in an area where the population is almost half African-American, but their companies are less than two percent [African-American]. There’s obviously an issue there. There’s something that is just not mathematically adding up. Our goal is to increase diversity so we have a variety of voices in the media industry. We want people who want to be in the media industry and who have talent to have someone to mentor them through the process, and someone to open them up to opportunities for either an internship, a job, or to be able to start their own LLC.” As of this spring, Continuity offers
beginner, intermediate and advanced programs that cater to media students of varying experience and skill levels. After being guided through their respective programs, students should end their time at Continuity with a foundation of knowledge and experience that makes them attractive candidates for making an income through media production. The root of the lack of diversity seen represented in top tier media production isn’t a simple matter of who is being chosen over who, explains Parris. In order for diversity to grow in the field locally, and then further into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, opportunities must be given to those who have limited access to the components necessary to be successful in the industry. “Why is there less diversity and why is the Academy predominately white and predominately male? Why is the entire industry predominately white and predominately male? I think there are a number of reasons for that,” said Parris. “Statistically, minorities by percentage are lower income in this country. There are a lot of different things that play into that, but being of low income has a number of different issues. To be in the media industry, you need capital. You need to be able to get equipment, computers, software and audio equipment. These things are going to cost you into the thousands. In addition to that, a lot of times you need to work for free. A lot of people, espe-
cially those coming from low-income backgrounds, don’t have the freedom to work for free for an extended time. Our hope is that in 10 years, our students are making a living wage and have learned how to grow in the industry.” Quinsonta Boyd, Continuity secretary and teacher, says that his main struggle as an aspiring media producer was figuring out where to begin. Continuity served as a gateway for him. “The [Continuity] program shows that there is a way to get into this field,” said Boyd. “Before I met Dan, I didn’t even know where I would start. I’ve always liked cameras, I’ve always liked videos, but it was just a question of ‘How do I afford the equipment to do things like that? And even when you have the equipment, how do you afford to work for certain people or get certain jobs?’ Continuity is important because it shows people that it’s possible. You can be black and do it. You can be Mexican, you can be Asian, and you can be other races in this field. The first steps getting into the industry is the main concern. Many people who have the talent don’t know anything about starting. I now imagine that I will be able to teach something that I learned, or I will be able to work at a TV station or even be able to be on a TV station. Just being able to show people these opportunities are out there and it’s really realistic for them. Where I’m at now, the students are really interested. I see the excitement. They really want to See ADDING COLOR page 2
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