NBC ENTERTAINMENT'S TALENT DIVERSITY INITIATIVE CONTUNUES EFFORTS WITH LOCAL AND GRASS-ROOTS EVENTS THROUGH 2004
Program Focuses on Creating Opportunities and Exposing Ethnic Talent to the Hollywood Community
BURBANK, Calif. -- August 30, 2004 -- NBC Entertainment's Talent Diversity Initiative is rolling out special events aimed at promoting opportunities and exposing diverse performers and writers to NBC and the Hollywood entertainment industry. Marc Hirschfeld, Executive Vice President, Casting, NBC Entertainment announced a list of upcoming events which include, hosting a unique Spoken Word Show, 'Best of "Stand-Up for Diversity"' comedy showcase as well as sponsoring and launching a Native American talent website. Newly appointed Damona Resnick, producer Talent Diversity Initiative, produces the events along with Hirschfeld.
August 30, 2004
Four Directions Talent- Website launch
the only network-sponsored active website created for Native American actors, comics, models, singers, writers and directors to post their headshots, resumes and demo reels, will provide a much needed search tool to be used by casting directors, talent agents, producers, and directors. The site also includes news and current events that relate to the Native-American community and a place for job postings both in-front of and behind the camera. The website is sponsored by NBC Entertainment and the Oneida Indian Nation.
September 9, 2004
"Spoken Word" at the Conga Room in Los Angeles
NBC Entertainment partners with John Hensley's Flypoet Entertainment (www.flypoet.com) for a special industry show which will offer an alternative and creative way to expose diverse talent to Hollywood casting directors, executives, and producers. The show features three Tony Award winners, National Poetry Slam winners, TV actor Malcolm Jamal Warner and an array of other accomplished writers & performers. Their three-minute, original slam poems will move with the beat of a hip-hop DJ.
September 27, 2004
Open call for "Stand-Up for Diversity" - Hollywood Laugh Factory
The open call is for the West Coast's funniest comics of ethnicity who will perform a two-minute stand-up set before NBC talent executives. The finalists will be selected to appear in the 'Best of "Stand-Up for Diversity"' on September 28.
September 28, 2004
Best of "Stand-Up for Diversity"- Hollywood Laugh Factory
The best stand-up comics of ethnicity selected from open calls held in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles will perform for comedy development executives from NBC and every other major television network, casting directors, producers, agents and managers. Participants will meet and perform for key Hollywood players with the hope of finding future casting and development opportunities for them on network television shows.
As Part of NBC's ongoing commitment to diversity, both off and on camera, NBC Talent Diversity Initiative was created to promote on-camera diversity through community involvement and development, showcase non-traditional casting choices and create programs to raise awareness at NBC and within the entire entertainment community. For more information go to www.nbcjobs.com and click on "Talent Diversity Initiative."
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