Advancing Inclusion, Community, & Belonging
Bringing creative content to the screen depends on the passion of creators from a wide array of backgrounds, geographies, skills, and pursuits.
As research suggests, not only is a diversity of viewpoints essential to the creative process, but it can also be profitable. 75% of consumers globally say that diversity and inclusion – or a lack thereof – influence their purchase decisions. According to a 2024 McKinsey report, the media industry could increase revenue by $30 Billion annually if it adopted more culturally inclusive creative practices.
The Motion Picture Association is committed to great storytelling that reflects the viewpoints and experiences of all creators and audiences – which is why we are working hard with our member studios to collectively address diversity, gender parity, authentic cultural representation, and pipeline recruitment opportunities from underrepresented communities in our industry. We know that “talent is equally distributed among the population, opportunity is not.” By establishing programs that promote a diverse talent pipeline, creating new partnerships, and sharing what we learn, the MPA hopes to lead by example.
Established in 2012, the MPA’s Inclusion, Community, and Belonging program is led by John Gibson, Vice President, External and Multicultural Affairs.
John works to establish partnerships, promote programs, and highlight initiatives that have an impact on diversity in front of and behind the camera. In addition, he manages the MPA’s partnerships with national civil rights and multicultural groups as part of our outreach to leading third-party organizations.
Since creating the MPA’s program, John has cultivated key partnerships with more than 60 leading organizations, including the American Black Film Festival, Atlanta Film Society, Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP), Georgia International Latino Film Festival and New York Latino Film Festival, of whose advisory boards he serves on; the Washington Bureau of the National Urban League, serving on its Urban Solutions Council; Women in Animation, National Association of Latino Independent Producers, Native American Media Alliance, and many other groups working tirelessly to promote gender equality and diversity in film and television.
Through his active engagement, speaking with multicultural media outlets, and addressing participants at national conferences throughout the country, John has helped increase awareness of the multicultural projects pursued by both the MPA and its member studios.
Our Studios
Learn how our member studios are working to address representation, inclusion, and belonging in our industry:
Outreach and partnership programs
“Talent is equally distributed among the population, opportunity is not.”
The Motion Picture Association partners with organizations across the country to improve inclusion and representation in the film, television, and streaming industry. Learn more about some of our partnerships below:
In Conversation
Watch important discussions highlighting representation, inclusion, and belonging in film and entertainment:
