DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES

Meeting held on Monday January 16, 2017

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 am
Introductions were made around the room
1.The UBCP/ACTRA DIVERSITY AND INCLUSIVITY MANDATE was read by Quinnie
2.Sub Committee / Initiative Report Backs
STATS
We sent a reminder to the STATS Gatherers that have not yet submitted their count in December. We will follow up with them by text/call this week.
DIVERSITY ROUND TABLES
  • Rukiya Bernard volunteered to produce future Roundtables
  • Wardrobe and art direction can be improved. (Everyone dressed in black and blue and the look was bland)
  • The topic veered off diversity to general performing and acting issues; moderator could have picked up on certain points
  • It will be beneficial to have the editor there (once we have one)
  • Overall very uplifting discussion with some lessons learned to go forward
  • Artists of colour see themselves as artists, and not necessarily as artists of colour
DIVERSITY LIVE READS
  • Waiting for a list from the subcommittee of first choices and an invitation to forward (including dates)
  • Ali Liebert will be contacted for help

AGEISM

  • A memes budget has been approved
  • Sue to contact an advertising company to assist in next steps
  • This committee needs a chair

TAPE ROLES FOR CASTING AND CASTING EXECUTIVES

  • Coaching and tapings happened last week and on the weekend
  • Feedback has been positive
  • Many people emailed Omari thanking him
  • In future put production name on sides?
  • OR don’t and put your own take on it – maybe different than what was sought since it’s not actually casting but a demo of ability
  • In future let actors know the framework in advance for clarity

MENTORSHIPS

  • Halfway point follow up email sent
  • 4 mentoring matches ongoing – program wraps end of Feb.
  • Final social event in March
3.Diversity and Inclusivity BLOG Entry
  • Waiting for a new member contributor
  • Possibly Alison or Sandy
  • Writers should email Omari and Sue who will circulate to vetting committee
4.Casting Director Letter

No update

5.OTHER / OLD/ NEW BUSINESS
  • A need for text analysis training – objectives and obstacles
  • Seth Y - Judy and Maureen. January 27. Offered to Committee first
  • Prorated coaching?
  • Close up article featuring industry professional 3 questions on Diversity?
  • What is this committee doing about influencing the creators (writers, directors, producers)
  • Recapped letter to Crazy 8s
  • Discussed including the “diversity test” in ULB engager package

NEXT MEETINGFeb 15, 10 am