The diversity issue in Hollywood has propelled a slew of backlash from the masses; coupled with Academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs’ own concerns with the problem as well. Now, Paris Barclay, the head of the Directors Guild of America has joined in the conversation.
In a recent statement made to Variety, Barclay said part of the problem is really a lack of action taken upon the issue at hand. Also, he mentioned the way these big wig executives make decisions around the nominees only set minorities back—with smaller chances.
“Many times, with the best of intentions, a subject that is a symptom of this industry plague, but not the root cause, is targeted,” Barclay said. “The Academy’s decisions – to broaden its leadership and membership, and to limit voting rights for those no longer active in the industry – are important actions and may lead to greater acknowledgement of more diverse films and people who make them, but this alone will do little to create more choices and get more films and television made that reflect the diversity we all deserve.”
Barclay continued in saying that talk of numbers regarding diversity is something of the past, which can be resolved if the hiring process changed. Most of these executives tend to hire from a pool of friends or family members.
“Only when those who control the pipeline decide to individually, or jointly, take concrete action will we see significant change,” he said.
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