The Production Guild of Great Britain (PGGB) has launched a diversity and inclusion action group (DIAG) to improve behind the camera representation.
Increasing the number of diverse people in production positions has become a key debate issue for UK producers in film and TV and the DIAG has created a 25-strong member taskforce in response.
They will meet monthly to devise action plans in areas such as training and mentorship, with an overarching target of helping to increase visibility of diversity on productions and progress those in mid-level positions to more senior roles.
Unscripted production manager Malika Keswani is chairing the group. Netflix production finance manager Chika Anisiobi and MoVRshaker Productions producer Mia Martell are vice-chairs.
Members will share personal testimonies of barriers to progression or discrimination encountered during their careers to inform future PGGB initiatives.
“Whilst we’re all focused on keeping UK production flowing through the pandemic, we know that a commitment to improving diversity and inclusion in film and TV workplace must underpin all that we do,” said PGGB chief executive Lyndsay Duthie.
“Our new Diversity and Inclusion Action Group is bringing the right people together to help us move forward initiatives that will create a more equal industry. There is much work to do, not just in senior roles but all parts of the production office, from producing to location management to accounting.”
Keswani said it was “unfortunate that in most cases unconscious bias towards people of ethnic origin costs them leadership roles and other opportunities. I believe we are uniquely positioned to tackle the issue together and slowly change the perception towards BAME talent.”
This story originally appeared in our sister publication Broadcast.
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