Sponsored Content: Universal's Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) Celebrates 5 Years of Impact

Sponsored Content WHO WE ARE Universal's Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department has solidified itself as a premier thought leader in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space and across entertainment. Led by Janine Jones-Clark, Executive Vice President, Inclusion – Talent & Content, GTDI is a first-of-its-kind DEI department for the feature film industry continues to cultivate programs, initiatives and partnerships dedicated to creating access and opportunities for underrepresented talent and narratives across the content ecosystem. Made possible by the leadership of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG) Chairman Donna Langley and former UFEG Chairman, now NBCUniversal CEO, Jeff Shell, the GTDI team is committed to a business-led strategy that ensures DEI is at the forefront of Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation, Illumination’s culture and content creation, both in front of and behind the camera. [FIND OUT MORE]( GTDI TALENT EXPERIENCES Since 2017, GTDI has created access for and awareness of underrepresented talent. Through our talent experiences across writing, directing, composing and below-the-line, our team continues to demystify the entertainment industry, tearing down barriers for those creators and artisans seeking career opportunities within the Studio system. [FIND OUT MORE]( ABOVE THE LINE The brand new Universal Global Writers Program, which marks GTDI’s first talent program to be headquartered internationally, will work with both experienced and up-and-coming writers based in the United Kingdom pursuing a writing career in feature film. In partnership with Working Title, the program seeks to develop storytellers who organically incorporate multicultural and global perspectives in their writing and provides them with creative guidance from executives, producers and/or designated creative consultants to help shape their material. As the first and flagship DEI program that the Studio launched, the Universal Writers Lab aims to increase the participants’ knowledge of the studio system, expand their networks both within NBCUniversal and industry wide, as well as enhance their ability to deliver commercial concepts and scripts, setting them up for increased job opportunities and career momentum during and after their tenure. In its second year, the first-of-its-kind Universal Animation Writers Program combines film and television content into one animation writing program that identifies and develops an inclusive group of talent who can build upon the Studio’s commitment to telling stories with unique narratives that appeal to and reflect the vast diversity of its audiences. Writers will partner closely with animation creative executives at DreamWorks Animation and Illumination in a variety of ways including brainstorms, writers’ room participation and various writing exercises. As part of the studio’s ongoing commitment to inclusive filmmaking and storytelling, GTDI launched the Universal Directors Initiative in 2017. The team is currently developing an elevated experience with an application launch coming, so stay tuned for more exciting updates on the initiative’s evolution. BELOW THE LINE Launched in 2021 on Jordan Peele’s Nope, the Universal Below-the-Line Traineeship provides on and off-the-job training and mentorship across select below-the-line departments on several NBCUniversal film projects around the world. With the increasing demand for experienced craft talent and artisans throughout the industry, this innovative and immersive experience cultivates the next generation of costume designers, prop masters, camera operators, technicians and the myriad of roles crucial to any production team by collaborating with local partners to source up-and-coming talent. The first-of-its-kind Universal Composers Initiative was created in 2018. The idea stemmed from the absence of media coverage or basic information on diversity in film music composition. In partnership with the Universal Film Music division, the two-year initiative welcomes applicants from all creative and professional backgrounds seeking to enhance their current career efforts. Participants have unparalleled access to the studio and network process, while the GTDI team increases the awareness of this underrepresented talent among NBCUniversal’s vast network of executives, producers and directors, leading to additional industry connections and mentors. THE CULTURE Culture at NBCUniversal is the lifeline to the success of our Company. From our leadership team to our interns, we strive to support one another, create an inclusive environment, and celebrate and appreciate what each individual brings to the organization as a whole. GTDI values its synergy with Comcast-NBCUniversal, as well as our work with key external partners. Check out the following resources to give you a snapshot of all the impactful work from our internal and external partners! NBCUniversal celebrates inclusive cultures and backgrounds by presenting positive role models, sharing unique success stories, commemorating heritage, and fostering dialogue on a variety of platforms to create powerfully engaging content that makes a real difference in people’s lives. [FIND OUT MORE]( [Share]( [Tweet]( [Share]( [Forward]( TheWrap 1808 Stanford Street Santa Monica California, U.S. 90404 424-248-0662 @2022 The Wrap News Inc. All Right Reserved. This is a sponsored message from Universal's Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department. [Preferences]( | [Unsubscribe](