High profile studio, Television City has pledged $ 1 million to increase diversity in the entertainment industry by training black students and other young people from under-represented communities so they can work behind the camera.
The historic Los Angeles studio, formerly known as CBS Television City, is owned by an affiliate of Hackman Capital Partners, a Culver City real estate company that has become one of the largest studio operators in the region.
Chief Executive Michael Hackman said he hopes that others in the industry will participate in this program to encourage mentoring, internships, scholarships, education and on-site training to secure work in the field. Hackman Capital owns Television City in Los Angeles, Culver Studios in Culver City and Manhattan Beach Studios.
Television City also pledged $ 1 million to support the recovery of the Fairfax district around Television City from the difficulties associated with the coronavirus outbreak that saw the closure of most businesses and property damage caused during the recent civil unrest surrounding the death of George Floyd, a black man unarmed was killed in police custody in Minneapolis.
The entertainment industry is one of the largest companies in the region but has a reputation for being insular and difficult to break into, especially for people without special training or connections.
“Too often, getting high-quality work is not based on what you can do, but it’s about who you know,” Hackman said. “Hopefully our initiative will start catalyzing some significant changes.”
Hackman described the $ 1 million endowment as “initial capital” for an organization run by industry stakeholders who will invest in its success.
The organization, which has not yet been named, will work with local schools, production studios and content creators to provide scholarships, financial assistance and other resources to help bridge the gap between learning about business and entering it.
The aim is to help fight systemic racism in American culture which creates economic losses, he said.
“Making diverse people into good-paying jobs is a very significant way to make a difference,” Hackman said, but “what we found was that many under-represented communities did not have the financial resources to get an education. and training to qualify for this job. “
He likened the program to the Motion Picture & Television Fund, which was founded by Hollywood figures such as Charlie Chaplin and Mary Pickford in 1921 to help colleagues who were financially strapped and had broad support in the industry.
“We think that if we work together, we can create endowments that will be donated by many people,” he said, and collectively addressing different industrial problems a century later.
Hackman promises participation in the MBS service, which provides resources for content creation such as lighting and handheld equipment for owners of 35 studios and more than 300 music stages in television and film production markets worldwide. Hackman Capital acquired MBS when it bought Manhattan Beach Studios last year.
Other media and entertainment companies have promised to take financial action in response to national protests against police brutality, including television giant Philadelphia Comcast Corp, which on Monday unveiled a 100 million dollar plan to support social justice and equality.
When the most peaceful protests hit Los Angeles on May 30, they passed through the gates of the City of Television. Several businesses in the neighborhood were damaged and burglarized, including the Grove shopping center next to it.
Hackman Capital received some criticism for allowing the police to use the facility as a staging area, and the company responded deeply statement for Variety that at the request of the city “provided access to first responders, including LAFD and LAPD, to ensure public safety.”
Michael Hackman said when announcing an educational contribution that as a studio and individual, “We all stand in solidarity with the black community and those who speak out against unfair justice that leads to economic inequalities that must be addressed and cured.”
“The majority of protesters are very peaceful,” said Hackman, who also called them “brave and inspiring.”
Hackman has a philanthropic record, including support for organizations such as the Jewish Federation, Culver City Backpacks for Kids and Help Groups.
TV City’s $ 1 million pledge for the environment is to support local organizations, businesses and individuals who are trying to revitalize the Beverly / Fairfax district, he said.
