Disney preps diversity programmes

Walt Disney Television is launching two programmes to attract and develop talent from underrepresented backgrounds.

Karey Burke

The Executive Incubator Program and the Studios Intern Program, which will begin later this year, are designed to create opportunities for people with “diverse and varied perspectives.”

The Mouse House says this includes women, people of colour, the LGBTQ+ community, military veterans, people with disabilities and others aspiring to hold network executive roles and behind-the-camera positions across Walt Disney Television Studios.

The Executive Incubator Program aims to create a pipeline of next-generation network executives through a two-year rotational programme. It will operate across Walt Disney-owned channels ABC Entertainment and Freeform.

Individuals selected for the programme will gain experience in all aspects of network business, including development, casting and marketing, with the goal of receiving a job placement within the company. The first cohort is expected to join the programme in October.

“Our jobs allow us the privilege to nurture great storytellers and it’s imperative that these stories come from different places, with authentic points of view and varied perspectives,” said Karey Burke, who has been president of ABC Entertainment since November last year.

“It’s incumbent on us to help find and nurture the next generation of executives who will create new opportunities for storytellers. The Executive Incubator Program is another step in making our ranks more diverse and our stories more reflective of the world we live in.”

The Studios Intern Program will offer a career path for talent from underrepresented backgrounds behind the camera. Qualified candidates will be sourced from non-profit organisations including Academy Gold, Ghetto Film School, Los Angeles City College, Manifest Works and the Evolve Entertainment Fund.

Participants will develop their skills with the studios’ production, post production, writing and casting teams. The initiative is scheduled to begin in time for the 2019 fall season.

Craig Hunegs, president of Disney Television Studios, said: “This new initiative is a win-win-win – it helps us discover talent in underrepresented areas, gives candidates real experience as they grow their careers and ultimately leads to more diverse stories being told.”