Rep. Johnson laments lack of response from Academy on diversity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), Ranking Members of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial, and Antitrust Law (RRCAL) today released the following statement after not receiving a response to multiple letters to leadership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Academy) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) concerning the lack of racial and gender diversity of their membership. This illustrates the industry's lack of commitment to improving diversity in its rank despite claims to address the problem after the 2016 "Oscars Are So White" scandal. With less than 100 days left before the next Oscars announcement will be made, it appears bleak that Congress will have any opportunity to weigh in, provide guidance, or assistance despite numerous requests for meetings and letters sent to the MPAA.

“It’s disappointing to say the least that the Academy and MPAA have shown little interest in starting an open dialogue on how we can work together to increase racial and gender diversity at all levels of the motion picture industry from the actors involved to investment and invest firms, production, and staffing. As the Ranking Member of RRCAL, I have long championed that diversity improves competition. The Academy is no different. Indeed, I believe the Academy can play a crucial role in promoting and recognizing diverse voices not just throughout Hollywood but the entire film-making industry.”

According to the Motion Picture Association of America, the Georgia film industry currently ranks third in the nation behind only California and New York, with nearly 3,000 motion-picture and television industry businesses, including 1,957 production-related companies. With a direct spend of more than $2 billion the economic impact is more than $7 billion in FY16 — up from $244 million just a decade ago.

“Film industry jobs are crucial to Atlanta,” added Johnson, who indicated that there are about 25,000 Georgians who are in the film and television production business and another 30,000 who are indirectly related. “It is imperative that my constituents be given a voice and be provided a seat at the table at all levels of the film industry.”

“Working together, we can ensure that everyone enjoys a level playing field when it comes to landing jobs in this growing and exciting industry in Georgia. ”

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