Shonda Rhimes Launches Two New DEI Initiatives With Netflix (Exclusive)

With the help of Netflix, Shonda Rhimes is committed to expanding and deepening her focus on inclusion.

Actually, bridgeton The producer has committed to the nine-figure deal on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access initiatives and opportunities he signed with the streaming service last summer. And now, about a year later, Schondaland and Netflix are launching The Producers Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder, two new pay-as-you-go shows aimed at expanding the ongoing talent lineup.

Both shows are partially supported by the Netflix Creative Equity Foundation, created in 2021 to create more opportunities for the behind-the-scenes community in film and television. According to a February company post, the foundation has already committed $14.5 million to programs that help identify, train and secure jobs around the world. The latest pair of initiatives, along with Rhimes, suggest that Netflix’s commitment to engagement will continue even when other parts of the company falter.

The Producer Involvement Initiative was specifically designed as a nine-week virtual program to train independent producers, unit production managers, supervisors and first-time assistant directors who represent these historically underrepresented subjects. Program participants will learn from Netflix, Shundland and other industry executives and manufacturing department CEOs to identify qualified line producers for the studio system. In addition to monthly scholarships during the program, alumni will contact these two companies and others about potential gigs or other career development opportunities.

Ladder, in turn, is designed to provide opportunities for people from underserved groups who are looking to gain the experience and training that is critical to success in the film and television business. It will start in the UK with current Schundaland Productions, where trainees receive hands-on training in departments such as production, locations, assistant directors, costumes, sound and tricks at Shondaland shows. As with the Inclusive Initiative, Ladder participants will pay a fee during their stay at the show, which will also transfer participants from central London points. Upon completion, alumni of the show will be able to review work on Shondaland and other Netflix products.

Sure, the Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder mirror other initiatives launched across the industry, but they’re still notable for being backed by Rhimes, arguably the most prominent and commercially successful showrunner on Netflix’s payroll. She is also a woman of color and has long been in the habit of including characters of all backgrounds and orientations both in her shows and in the newsroom.

“At its core, Schondaland is a company dedicated to empowering underperforming communities, on and off screen. “We’ve taken incredible steps to ensure women are represented in our performances and I’m thrilled to be expanding our efforts and seeing real results with all marginalized groups,” said Sarah Fisher, production manager at Shondaland. “Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to create these two amazing new apps that have already made a remarkable shift in our industry. I am very proud to be a part of the story as we look forward to more representation on set. ”

“At Netflix, we passionately share different stories from different backgrounds and perspectives,” added Noel Green, general manager of production at Netflix. Before starting with the idea, we are happy to implement these two initiatives with Schondaland, a partner who has the same commitment and desire to drive change in the entertainment industry.