Starz Study: Diversity on Screen and Behind the Camera Drives How Global Audiences Choose Content

thewrap.com:

Yalda T. Uhls, founder of the Center for Scholars & Storytellers at UCLA said, “This report provides firm data that the international consumer cares as much and sometimes more than United States’ audiences about what they see on screen and who is behind the screen.”Statistics from the report include the fact that only 38.4% of respondents feel their own identity is accurately represented in current media and more than 75% of international audiences want to see multicultural content.• 52% felt it was important that women were represented behind the camera• 57.4% reported it was important to them that people behind the scenes are from diverse backgrounds• Diversity behind the camera was equally important for men (58%) and women (58.8%)• Having women behind the camera was most important in Brazil (62.9%), Mexico (60.6%), and India (60%)• Diversity behind the camera was most important in India (70.6%), Colombia (65.7%), and Brazil (63.5%) • 64.8% of respondents said that seeing people from different groups/backgrounds than their own represented in TV/media makes them feel more empathy toward othersA “Transparency Talk” titled “Exploring Global Progress Towards Gender Equality and the Importance of International Content for Women.” that discusses the report will air on Wednesday, March 16 at 1pm PT/4pm ET/ 8pm GMT. ” It will feature panelists including MIra Sorvino and founder and executive drector of Women’s March Foundation, Emiliana Guereca.Watch Eva Longoria, Daveed Diggs and “P-Valley” creator Katori Hall discuss the importance of diversity in Starz’ Take the Lead video.

According to the study, Starz leads the industry with 63.2% series leads who are people of color, 54.6% female showrunners and a 75% female executive.