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AFTRS releases Diversity report

Research paper looks at best practice in building diversity in the screen industry.

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CuriousWorks workshop with YouTube sensation RackaRacka

The Australian Film, Television & Radio School has released a research paper on best practice in building diversity in the screen industry.

The research paper, Inclusive Pathways Framework for Screen Storytelling Talent, was launched at the Screen Forever conference yesterday.

The paper surveys the current landscape in Australia and internationally and offers recommendations to ensure underrepresented groups are provided opportunity and access.

“The current conversation on the lack of diversity and inclusion in the media is not new one. It’s a conversation that’s been going on in Australia for more than 20 years,” said AFTRS CEO Neil Peplow.

“AFTRS commissioned this research to understand what the industry can do today to make a lasting change, so that we will not need to be shocked into action in another decade or two.

“There are a lot of good schemes and people who have made a difference. We also spoke to people about the barriers they feel are stopping underrepresented groups from entering the industry to better understand how to dismantle them.”

The research makes it clear that there is no easy answer and no short term fixes, however that a cohesive and comprehensive industry approach needs to be implemented to develop careers from school onwards.

“This will need commitment, consideration and collaboration across the industry. Together we can make a difference,” he said.

“At AFTRS, we are committed to finding and empowering Australian storytellers for the screen
– regardless of where they come from or who they are. We are doing this because our role is to champion Australian creativity and culture in its entirety. This demands being as open, accessible and diverse as the nation we serve.”

The AFTRS’ research paper follows the School’s work on diversity through the year, including the well-attended industry forum Diversity: Building a Platform for Change. The School has partnered with several organisations to reach out to diverse communities including, most recently, a week-long intensive workshop with western Sydney based CuriousWorks, a group of young arts-media inventors committed to subtly reshaping the media landscape that reflect the Australian community in its true diversity.

Disclaimer: AFTRS advertises at TV Tonight.

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