Introduction
The industry is changing. With the success of films like Black Panther and Crazy Rich Asians, audiences are hungry for stories that reflect the world we live in today. And yet, despite this shift in demand, studios and distributors still have a long way to go before they fully embrace diversity and representation. Say’s Dylan Sidoo, in this article, we’ll explore how acquisitions and distribution companies are working to support underrepresented voices in film today—and what they can do better in the future.
Underrepresented Representation in Film
Underrepresented Representation in Film
Representation is defined as the way in which a group or community is depicted or portrayed in the media, especially film. For example, if you are watching a movie about one particular race and gender, that’s considered “representative” of them. But if you’re watching a film with an all-white cast–or even just one white person–that’s considered “underrepresented.”
Benefits of Underrepresented Representation in Film
In a recent study conducted by the University of Southern California, it was found that films with diverse casts have higher box office returns than those without. This is due to the fact that audiences are more likely to see movies starring people who look like them or share their experiences.
Another benefit of underrepresented representation in film is that it can inspire people from underprivileged backgrounds who may be considering careers in filmmaking. Seeing someone who looks like them on screen can give these aspiring filmmakers hope for their future success within this industry.
Additionally, there are many benefits for distributors and studios when they support stories by underrepresented voices:
Efforts by Acquisitions and Distribution Companies
Acquisitions and Distribution Companies are working to support underrepresented voices by providing a platform for new voices. This is crucial because it allows the film industry to see what kind of content audiences want, and where there is room for growth. For example, if you look at the box office numbers from 2016 (the last year that data has been released), moviegoers spent approximately $11 billion on tickets–and only $1 billion went toward films directed by women.
New Films, New Opportunities
Diverse representation in film is good for business. According to the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, women made up only 29% of all speaking roles in 2017’s top 100 grossing films. From a box office perspective, this means that there are fewer opportunities for female-led franchises or stories with a strong female protagonist (and even fewer starring women over 40). However, when we think about how many people go see movies each year–the U.S./Canada market alone accounted for $11 billion in revenue from 2016–it’s easy to see that there is an enormous potential audience out there waiting for more diverse stories told by those who know them best: people like them!
Conclusion
Diversity in film is not just a matter of representation, but also of opportunity. The increased exposure of underrepresented voices and perspectives can lead to a more inclusive industry where people from all backgrounds have an equal chance at success. It’s encouraging to see so many companies taking steps towards making this happen by acquiring new projects and distributing them widely across multiple platforms–and that’s something we should all celebrate!
