The New York Times, considered one of the most prestigious newspapers in the U.S., offers a realistic look at what it’s like to be a Black talent agent in America. Movies such as “Black Panther” and “Crazy Rich Asians” don’t come around all that often, partly because of how projects are put together. Chances are the people brokering those deals — and determining who gets in the door and what stories are told — are White reports the Times.
According to the paper, the number of partners and department heads of color at talent agencies are few and far between. Of the hundreds of film and television representatives working at the four top agencies, just a few are Black. Earlier this week, we told you about former record label executive Troy Carter, who just joined UTA (United Talent Agency.
The Times outlined seven Black agents, six with major agencies and one who runs her own boutique firm. They include Brandon Lawrence at Creative Artists Agency (CAA); Andrea Nelson Meigs and Nelson Meigs at ICM Partners; Tiauna Jackson at her own agency, the Jackson Agency; Lorrie Bartlett at ICM Partners; D.C. Wade at WME; and Ashley Holland at WME.). To read what these trailblazers have to say about Hollywood and their roles to generate diversity, go here.
