ABC will implement standards to require greater inclusion of underrepresented groups in all phases of TV production, which includes writing, producing and directing; casting and acting; crew and related below-the-line positions; and training, internships and mentoring.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Simran Sethi, Executive Vice President for Development and Content Strategy, developed the standards with ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke.
There are five to six benchmarks in each of the four standards. Broadly speaking, the benchmarks call for increasing the number of people in "underrepresented groups" to 50 percent or more in the hiring of actors, directors, writers, producers, crew and technical positions, and outside vendors. Other benchmarks call for creating career paths for the underrepresented.
Sethi emailed the standards to people at Disney Television Studios, other studios with shows on ABC, and producers, development executives, casting directors and showrunners involved with the network's shows.
In the email, Sethi wrote, "We want to take this moment to evaluate systems and habits in an effort to remove barriers to access and opportunity. It's important for us to look around the room, see who's not there, and then take the steps to not only bring them in, but also set them up for success."
Productions will have to meet about half of the benchmarks to fulfill a standard. ABC wants shows to achieve at least two standards by next May, three by October 2021 and all of them by May 2022.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter