Here’s how you break into entertainment for social change.

“There are more valid facts and details in works of art than there are in history books.” --Charlie Chaplin [View Online]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Forward]( Hi there, As learners of all ages head back to school this fall, we’re thinking about our place in the entertainment industry, how we got here, and how we can open doors to students and artists who are looking to make this a more inclusive and diverse industry. We chatted with legendary production designer, Wynn Thomas, about his path and the importance of mentorship. We also asked fellow Participants to share their favorite resources for people who are just getting their careers started, and they really brought out some gems! This month, we’re also thinking about the way that art --and storytelling in particular-- can be a powerful vehicle for education. Some of our recent films are great examples of art that tells more than history books ever could. Read on to find out why, and get inspired by the art projects that are infusing creativity into students everywhere. Thanks for being part of our journey in art and in learning! - Your fellow Participants [Wynn Thomas - Image]( Q+A With Wynn Thomas Our friend Wynn Thomas stopped by our virtual Participant office the other day to chat with us about his career and how we can open doors for new, underrepresented talent. Wynn Thomas is one of the finest production designers of his generation and the creative talent behind the set design of movies like A BEAUTIFUL MIND and MALCOLM X. He’s also had a long term collaboration with Spike Lee, having designed over 10 of Spike’s films. Wynn’s responses have been edited here for brevity. Q: You have such an incredible body of work. How did you break in and get your start in the business? A: I worked in theater for ten years, but I got tired of being poor, which is what happens when you work in theater! At that point, I decided to pursue film work. I interviewed with every major production designer in New York City and no-one hired me because I had no experience. Long story short, I went to a union event honoring Richard Sylbert who is a very famous production designer. By the way, I was the only Black person in the room out of like 60 people. The next day, I decided to call his art department office. He actually got on the phone and I told him, “Hi Dick Sylbert, I’m the Black guy you met last night. I’d like to volunteer for you.” He remembered me. From then on, because I worked for the best production designer in the country, all the barriers that had been in my way came crashing down. Q: What project do you feel like you’ve learned the most from? How has that learning shaped other projects? A: I worked on Robert De Niro’s directorial debut, “A Bronx Tale”. I was creating the back scene of a mobster’s social club in Queens, and the location was an old pizzeria that I was going to gut and turn into a bar and social club for these gangsters in the film. And what happened was, as most production designers, I’m trying to make things perfect. There were a couple windows in the back that were kind of falling apart, and I said to Bob [De Niro] “I’ll fix them up.” And he looks at me, and he’s kind of irritated, and he says, “No, no. no. They’re fine the way they are.” Although that seems small, it was a crucial lesson. In life, things are not perfect. As a designer, I allow the flaws that are there to exist because it informs not only the environment but something about the world that people are living in. So because of that particular exchange, now when I design or scout things, if something’s not right, I let it be. The art is in the imperfection. Q: As a person of color in a predominantly white industry, do you see a difference from when you first started to now? A: You know, when I first started, I was the only one. It’s a historical fact that I was the very first Black production designer. Now, there are several people of color in the business, and that’s a fantastic change. But there’s still not enough, and I think the problem is that people don’t know the job exists. We all know about acting, producing, directing, but there are hundreds of other jobs people don’t know about. Part of the challenge that we all face as we try to create a pipeline is getting this information out to communities. Q: You have a rich history of mentoring up-and-comers who go on to be successful. What does mentorship mean to you? A: I’m a child of the 60’s, and one of the lessons that we took from the 60’s was that it’s all about community. Every city that I go to, I ask, “What’s the big arts high school here? What's the big arts program at the colleges?” For decades now, I talk to those programs and take other filmmakers with me. It’s an opportunity for young people to hear about the various jobs that are out there. My advice to someone hitting roadblocks is to stay true to your impulse. Have a goal in mind and work towards that goal. On set, I talk to every PA (production assistant). If there’s a connection I can make for someone, I go ahead and do it, because that's what I'm supposed to do. [CHECK OUT WYNN'S WORK]( [Headlines + Highlights] [Behind The Scenes] Insider Tips From Participants The entertainment industry needs more diverse voices who believe in the power of storytelling to create meaningful social change. Luckily, there’s plenty of opportunities for those looking to get their careers off the ground. We asked fellow Participants around our office for their favorite organizations, programs and fellowships that someone who’s new to the biz could use to get started. [Gregory C.] “The [CAPE New Writers Fellowship]( is a program for emerging writers from Asian American and Pacific Islander descent; [NALIP]( is a wonderful resource for Latinx artists in the media; Native American writers can access the [Native American Feature Film Writers Lab]( and [The Black House]( helps Black creative voices gain a foothold in the industry. In addition, each of the six major networks offer their own [diversity programs](. Some of them are paid!” - Gregory Cabrera, Manager, Global TV [Laura K.] “[Visual Communications]( supports AAPI filmmakers and media artists who empower communities and challenge perspectives. [Outfest]( creates opportunities for diverse LGBTQIA+ storytellers to build empathy and drive meaningful social change.” - Laura Kim, EVP, Marketing [Rory T.] “Two incredible resources in the documentary space immediately come to mind. [Brown Girls Doc Mafia]( advocates for women and non-binary people of color working in documentary filmmaking around the world. The [Frameline Completion Fund]( provides much-needed support to filmmakers looking to secure funding to complete their work. Grants are available for films that represent the range and richness of LGBTQ+ life.” - Rory Thost, Director, Documentary Film [Diego N.] “Film Independent’s [Project Involve]( supports emerging writers, directors, editors, producers, cinematographers (and more) from communities underrepresented in film and entertainment, and the [Sundance Institute]( works to discover, support and inspire independent filmmakers who want to make an impact in the world. I’ve been a fellow so I recommend them wholeheartedly.” - Diego Najera, Director, Narrative Film [Michaela B.] “For creators with a passion for justice, [Young Entertainment Activists]( pairs artists and creatives with nonprofits who need help in graphic design, editing, social media and digital art. And [Made In Her Image]( founded by film director Malakai, empowers young women and gender non-binary youth of color to break into the industry.” - Michaela Bethune, VP, Audience Development Got more resources you’d like to share with our community of Participants? Reply to this email to let us know about them! [EMAIL US](mailto:newsletters@participant.com?subject=Resources) [My name is Pauli Murray - IMAGE]( In Their Own Words Our recent film, FINAL ACCOUNT, explores our relationship with history through the eyes of those who experienced Nazi Germany firsthand. We’re excited to share this [discussion guide]( created for students and educators in collaboration with the Shoah Foundation to open classrooms to important questions about responsibility, complicity, and propaganda. If you missed it, check out our JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH [educational guide]( for colleges and universities wanting to incorporate the film into their curriculum on Black liberation. It was written in collaboration with Chairman Fred Hampton’s son, Chairman Fred Hampton Jr. And coming soon, [MY NAME IS PAULI MURRAY]( is an extraordinary journey through the life of the lawyer, activist, poet and priest that helped shape racial and gender equity laws in the U.S. You won’t find much about Pauli in history books, which makes this film ever more important. Check it out in theaters on September 17th or on PrimeVideo starting October 1st, and support Pauli’s legacy by selecting the Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice when you shop at [Amazon Smile](. [LEARN MORE]( [art + activism in the world] [Sing For Hope Pianos ]( For the Love of Learning We’re loving these art projects that inspire learning and creativity for artists from all walks of life. - [Sing for Hope Pianos]( places one-of-a-kind painted pianos in public spaces where anyone is invited to play. Afterwards, they’re donated to schools and community centers where they inspire creativity for years to come. We stopped by the workshop as they were getting painted to get a [behind the scenes]( look at the artistry taking place. You can see them now until September 6 in Beverly Hills. - Earlier this month, 150 Brooklyn school children held a [Basquiat inspired art show]( at the Barclays Center. As part of their studies, kids learned about how art can both serve as a vehicle for communication and as a means to facilitate social change. [Check out]( the pieces that were on display! - Our brand new season of [Kid Correspondent]( is up on the YouTube Originals for Kids & Family channel. The first three episodes, available now, feature kid anchors and their crew of young reporters as they help families gear up for school. [Participants Wanted] #ParticipantsWanted We couldn't end this newsletter without mentioning the opportunities to join our team at Participant. If you’re someone with a passion for storytelling that inspires lasting social change, make sure you check out our open positions! [JOIN OUR TEAM]( Like this email? [Forward to a friend]( or share on [Facebook]( or [Twitter](. Feedback? Reply and let us know what you think. Participants wanted. You are not a viewer. These are your stories. You are a Participant. [GET INVOLVED]( Participant is the leading media company dedicated to entertainment that inspires and compels social change. Founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll, Participant's content combines the power of a good story well told with opportunities for real-world impact and awareness around the most pressing global issues of our time. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [Instagram]( [ABOUT US]( // [PRIVACY POLICY]( // [TERMS OF SERVICE]( // [UNSUBSCRIBE]( © Copyright 2021 Participant, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by: Participant 331 Foothill Rd 3rd Floor Beverly Hills, CA, 90210,