Dynamic And Diverse Evening Celebrated By Television Academy, SAG-AFTRA

Dynamic and Diverse was a special evening event held for the members of both the Television Academy and SAG-AFTRA. Held at the Montage Hotel on August 27, it was as welcomed a celebration as the special peer group recognition events the Television Academy presents during the three weeks leading up to the Primetime Emmys. To the surprise of the Academy, the event, now in its third year, drew an over-capacity crowd.

Producers including Shelby Stone (Bessie), below the line talent including Salvador Perez (2015 nominee for Outstanding Costumes for a Contemporary Series) actors including Richard Cabral (2015 nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie) and vocal talent including Anthony Mendez (2015 nominee for Outstanding Narrator) flocked to the packed reception. Rickey Minor, a Television Academy governor and previous Diversity Advisory Committee chair, took a moment to reflect on the specialized content that has grown in popularity on television and streaming devices over the past year. With new series including “Grace and Frankie”, “Fresh off the Boat” and “Empire”, and returning hits including “Orange is the New Black”, “Modern Family” and “American Horror Story”, Minor felt “the public has spoken.”

“I'm so proud of the content that is out there now,” said Minor. “There is programming that touches upon every demographic and every walk of life.”

Jason George, chair of SAG-AFTRA’s Diversity Advisory Committee, pointed out the advancements in technology has given a voice to individuals that previously were hidden from the long followed standards.

“There are many more vehicles now for young people to share and tell their stories,” said George. “The next issue to improve is more on the business and marketing aspect. There's lots of room for growth there.”

As the festivities continued, a crowd composed of every race, every sex, every orientation and every age, from young actors including “Fresh off the Boat’s” Forest Wheeler to more seasoned pros such as “The Young and the Restless” star Angell Conwell, celebrated the great steps the industry has taken to present content true to the social settings in which we live and work each day. After thanking the attendees for their continued and loyal support, George reminded everyone that it was OK to celebrate the achievements, but not to lose sight of the mission.

“We are here to celebrate, but continue having the discussions after tonight,” said George. “Diversity is good business, but first it has to be could content.”

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