As per the latest news from The Hollywood Reporter, Shonda Rhimes has begun working on two new paid programs with Netflix, namely The Producers Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder, to increase and expand new opportunities for rising creatives in television and film.
The initiatives, a part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, have been designed to train and mentor emerging producers and crew members looking for various lucrative opportunities in the entertainment industry.
According to Netflix, the Fund has committed $14.5 million for programs that “help identify, train and provide work placements around the world.”
The Producers Inclusion Initiative is “ specifically designed as a nine-week virtual program to train indie producers, unit production managers, supervisors, and first assistant directors, who come from those historically underrepresented communities.”
These participants will receive first-hand lesions from executives at the streaming giant and Rhimes’ production company, Shondaland, to help cultivate potential employment and career development opportunities.
The Ladder will create “opportunities for underserved folk looking to gain the kind of on-set experience and training that’s key to success in the film and TV business.” these participants will receive training in various departments, including “production, locations, assistant directors, costume, sound and stunts”.
Additionally, the participants will be paid for their time.
Shondaland is mainly dedicated to “championing opportunities for underrepresented communities both on and off the screen.”
According to Sara Fischer, the head of the production at Shondaland, “We [Shondaland] have made incredible strides with ensuring women are represented in our productions, and I’m excited to expand our efforts and see real results with all marginalized groups.”
Talking about their newest partnership, Fischer said, “Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to create these two new incredible programs that have already led to palpable changes in our industry. I am extremely proud to be a part of history as we look forward to greater representation on set.”
Netflix’s director of production management, Noelle Green, stated, “At Netflix, we are passionate about highlighting a variety of stories from different backgrounds and perspectives.”
Talking about their initiative, “From ideation to inception, we are thrilled to bring these two initiatives to life with Shondaland—a partner that has the same commitment and desire to impart change within the entertainment industry.”
