The Banff World Media Festival has added CBS Entertainment president Amy Reisenbach to its ‘In Conversation With’ session lineup ahead of its 45th edition in June.
On Thursday, the Canadian Rockies festival also announced as additional speakers Lisa Kramer, president, international TV licensing at Paramount Global Content Distribution; Asif Sadiq, chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Cori Wellins, William Morris Endeavor partner, for the June 9 to 12 gathering in Banff, Alberta.
Also joining the Banff lineup is Gold House CEO Bing Chen and Sandra Dewey, COO of Media Res as festival headliners during a conference expected to focus this year on international financing and co-productions for global TV content.
Banff earlier announced that Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO, and Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment keynote speakers this year. Their appearance in Banff comes as Hollywood’s studios and streamers emerge...
On Thursday, the Canadian Rockies festival also announced as additional speakers Lisa Kramer, president, international TV licensing at Paramount Global Content Distribution; Asif Sadiq, chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer at Warner Bros. Discovery; and Cori Wellins, William Morris Endeavor partner, for the June 9 to 12 gathering in Banff, Alberta.
Also joining the Banff lineup is Gold House CEO Bing Chen and Sandra Dewey, COO of Media Res as festival headliners during a conference expected to focus this year on international financing and co-productions for global TV content.
Banff earlier announced that Channing Dungey, Warner Bros. Television Group chairman and CEO, and Rob Wade, CEO of Fox Entertainment keynote speakers this year. Their appearance in Banff comes as Hollywood’s studios and streamers emerge...
- 4/18/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Banff World Media Festival has added more names to its lineup.
The event, which runs June 9 – 12 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada, has added executives including CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach.
Reisenbach will sit down for an In Conversation With session to speak about the network’s 2024/25 programming strategy.
Elsewhere, Bing Chen, CEO & Co-Founder, Gold House, Sandra Dewey, COO, Media Res, Lisa Kramer, President, International TV Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Asif Sadiq, Chief Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery and Cori Wellins, Partner, William Morris Endeavor.
They join the likes of Fox CEO Rob Wade, Warner Bros. TV boss Channing Dungey, Lionsgate’s Television Chair and Chief Creative Officer Kevin Beggs, Universal Television Alternative Studio President Toby Gorman, Universal International Studios and UCP President Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television President Erin Underhill at the event.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these...
The event, which runs June 9 – 12 at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel in Banff, Alberta, Canada, has added executives including CBS Entertainment President Amy Reisenbach.
Reisenbach will sit down for an In Conversation With session to speak about the network’s 2024/25 programming strategy.
Elsewhere, Bing Chen, CEO & Co-Founder, Gold House, Sandra Dewey, COO, Media Res, Lisa Kramer, President, International TV Licensing, Paramount Global Content Distribution, Asif Sadiq, Chief Global Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Warner Bros. Discovery and Cori Wellins, Partner, William Morris Endeavor.
They join the likes of Fox CEO Rob Wade, Warner Bros. TV boss Channing Dungey, Lionsgate’s Television Chair and Chief Creative Officer Kevin Beggs, Universal Television Alternative Studio President Toby Gorman, Universal International Studios and UCP President Beatrice Springborn and Universal Television President Erin Underhill at the event.
“We’re thrilled to welcome these...
- 4/18/2024
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Screen International has unveiled the shortlist for the second edition of the Global Production Awards which celebrates outstanding and sustainable work in the world of film and TV production, locations and studios.
The awards recognise organisations and companies working in the film and TV industry including studios, production companies, film commissions, location, suppliers and manufacturers and any services involved in film and TV production.
Among the companies shortlisted are Universal, Warner Bros, Fremantle, BBC and Sky.
Scroll down for full shortlist
The winners will be announced at the Cannes Film Festival on 20 May, 2024 at a ceremony at Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barrière.
The awards recognise organisations and companies working in the film and TV industry including studios, production companies, film commissions, location, suppliers and manufacturers and any services involved in film and TV production.
Among the companies shortlisted are Universal, Warner Bros, Fremantle, BBC and Sky.
Scroll down for full shortlist
The winners will be announced at the Cannes Film Festival on 20 May, 2024 at a ceremony at Mademoiselle Gray Plage Barrière.
- 4/10/2024
- ScreenDaily
Entries for Screen’s Global Production Awards close this Friday (March 15) at midnight.
The Global Production Awards, in association with Kftv and Broadcast, celebrates outstanding and sustainable work from the world of film and TV production, locations and studios around the globe. The awards ceremony takes place at Cannes film festival.
Applications can be made here and for any enquiries please contact globalproductionawards@screendaily.com.
The first batch of judges was recently announced and includes John Wick producer Erica Lee; Asif Sadiq, Warner Bros’ chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer; and Tim Clawson, Amazon Studios’ head of worldwide production and post production.
The Global Production Awards, in association with Kftv and Broadcast, celebrates outstanding and sustainable work from the world of film and TV production, locations and studios around the globe. The awards ceremony takes place at Cannes film festival.
Applications can be made here and for any enquiries please contact globalproductionawards@screendaily.com.
The first batch of judges was recently announced and includes John Wick producer Erica Lee; Asif Sadiq, Warner Bros’ chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer; and Tim Clawson, Amazon Studios’ head of worldwide production and post production.
- 3/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
Leading international producers and executives from Warner Bros, Amazon Studios and NBCUniversal are among the judges for Screen International’s second annual Global Production Awards.
Sicario and John Wick producer Erica Lee, partner at Thunder Road Films, joins the jury along with Asif Sadiq, Warner Bros’ chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer; Tim Clawson, Amazon Studios’ head of worldwide production and post production; and Veronica Sullivan, NBCUniversal’s senior vice president, head of global production external affairs and state and local government.
Other judges announced so far also include Daphné Lora, head of Film France at Cnc; Morrocan producer Khadija Alami,...
Sicario and John Wick producer Erica Lee, partner at Thunder Road Films, joins the jury along with Asif Sadiq, Warner Bros’ chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer; Tim Clawson, Amazon Studios’ head of worldwide production and post production; and Veronica Sullivan, NBCUniversal’s senior vice president, head of global production external affairs and state and local government.
Other judges announced so far also include Daphné Lora, head of Film France at Cnc; Morrocan producer Khadija Alami,...
- 3/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros. Discovery executive Lisa Collins has been named Group Vice President and will oversee the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across North America.
Collins, who previously worked as head of People & Culture Partners for Production at Wbd, will report to Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Asif Sadiq. Her appointment comes after Karen Horne, who had been Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, North America, was laid off by the company at the end of June, as the division sought a broader reorganization.
Other Wbd executives are moving onto the Dei senior leadership team, including Christian Hug, who will now be Gvp of Dei International; Yvette Latour who will be VP of Dei Workforce and Strategy, and Claire Brody, moving to Director of Dei, Emea.
In her previous role at Wbd, Collins was in charge of the team that provided Hr support to cast and crew...
Collins, who previously worked as head of People & Culture Partners for Production at Wbd, will report to Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Asif Sadiq. Her appointment comes after Karen Horne, who had been Senior Vice President, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, North America, was laid off by the company at the end of June, as the division sought a broader reorganization.
Other Wbd executives are moving onto the Dei senior leadership team, including Christian Hug, who will now be Gvp of Dei International; Yvette Latour who will be VP of Dei Workforce and Strategy, and Claire Brody, moving to Director of Dei, Emea.
In her previous role at Wbd, Collins was in charge of the team that provided Hr support to cast and crew...
- 7/25/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Lisa Collins has been named as Warner Bros. Discovery’s Group vice president overseeing diversity, equity and inclusion employee initiatives across North America. Collins will be replacing Karen Horne, who was let go a month ago amid restructuring efforts. She will, like her predecessor, be reporting to chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq.
Her promotion comes as Dei roles are under scrutiny following high-profile departures from Netflix (Vernā Myers), Disney (Latondra Newton), the Motion Picture Academy (Jeannell English) and elsewhere.
“Lisa is already a highly respected member of the Wbd team who deeply understands our employee population and has seen first-hand the positive impact equity and inclusion initiatives have on the corporate, creative and production processes – she is the perfect person to accelerate our employee programs throughout the region and will be an invaluable addition to my senior team,” Sadiq said.
Collins has worked for Warner since 2015, spending 30 months as a...
Her promotion comes as Dei roles are under scrutiny following high-profile departures from Netflix (Vernā Myers), Disney (Latondra Newton), the Motion Picture Academy (Jeannell English) and elsewhere.
“Lisa is already a highly respected member of the Wbd team who deeply understands our employee population and has seen first-hand the positive impact equity and inclusion initiatives have on the corporate, creative and production processes – she is the perfect person to accelerate our employee programs throughout the region and will be an invaluable addition to my senior team,” Sadiq said.
Collins has worked for Warner since 2015, spending 30 months as a...
- 7/25/2023
- by Scott Mendelson
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Discovery has appointed Lisa Collins as vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, overseeing employee-initiatives across North America. She will report to chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq.
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training, retaining and promoting talented colleagues from across the company,” Collins said in a statement. “I am committed to this impactful approach and advancing our Dei initiatives to ensure our employees feel a sense of belonging and enthusiasm to build their careers here.”
In her new role, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs, such as “designing business unit specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding...
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training, retaining and promoting talented colleagues from across the company,” Collins said in a statement. “I am committed to this impactful approach and advancing our Dei initiatives to ensure our employees feel a sense of belonging and enthusiasm to build their careers here.”
In her new role, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs, such as “designing business unit specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding...
- 7/25/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Lisa Collins is Warner Bros. Discovery’s new Group Vice President, overseeing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion employee initiatives across North America. She will report to Chief Dei Officer Asif Sadiq.
Prior to Collins, Karen Horne served in the position before her exit in late June as the company was rethinking the Dei division.
The Wbd vet’s new duties will include serving employees’ regional needs and creating global opportunities around content and pipeline program initiatives. Additionally, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs including: designing business unit-specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding the growth of Wbd’s Business Resource Groups.
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training,...
Prior to Collins, Karen Horne served in the position before her exit in late June as the company was rethinking the Dei division.
The Wbd vet’s new duties will include serving employees’ regional needs and creating global opportunities around content and pipeline program initiatives. Additionally, Collins will create and implement internal Dei programs including: designing business unit-specific programs focused on recruitment, retention, progression, performance management, leadership development and employee engagement; working with executives in the region to further embed Dei in all areas of Wbd’s operations; and shepherding the growth of Wbd’s Business Resource Groups.
“I am thrilled to join the Dei team. Under Asif’s leadership, the Dei organization has become a shining example of Wbd’s commitment to training,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
A mass exodus of Black women from senior leadership posts across Hollywood during the last few weeks is raising questions about the depth of the film and television industry’s commitment to diversifying the top ranks of the entertainment industry. The high-profile departures have sparked outrage on social media, with mounting concerns that major studios are only performing lip service after pledging to elevate more people of color to positions of influence.
In the last month, six Black women executives in prominent leadership roles have abruptly left their positions in the studio system. Many oversaw Dei departments, putting them on the frontlines of larger effort to change corporate cultures and hiring practices. The exits include Karen Horne, who led Dei efforts at Warner Bros. Discovery and Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The other prominent executives are Netflix’s Vernā Myers,...
In the last month, six Black women executives in prominent leadership roles have abruptly left their positions in the studio system. Many oversaw Dei departments, putting them on the frontlines of larger effort to change corporate cultures and hiring practices. The exits include Karen Horne, who led Dei efforts at Warner Bros. Discovery and Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The other prominent executives are Netflix’s Vernā Myers,...
- 7/5/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
Karen Horne has exited her post as Senior V.P. of North America Diversity Equity and Inclusion for Warner Bros. Discovery as part of the company’s restructuring. A Wbd memo from Chief Global Dei Officer Asif Sadiq to staffers, which Variety has obtained, revealed the news on Friday.
Horne oversaw the Dei efforts for creative talent development pipeline programs, workforce, content and production while working closely with Sadiq to craft a global strategy for the company.
She joined the company in March of 2020, and was responsible for creating and implementing multiple pipeline programs that aim to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Prior to her appointment, Horne was at NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios as Senior Vice President, Programming Talent Development and Inclusion where she was responsible for overseeing in-front-of and behind-the-camera primetime diversity efforts for NBC and Universal Television. While there, she started the Late-Night Writers Workshop in 2013.
According to the memo,...
Horne oversaw the Dei efforts for creative talent development pipeline programs, workforce, content and production while working closely with Sadiq to craft a global strategy for the company.
She joined the company in March of 2020, and was responsible for creating and implementing multiple pipeline programs that aim to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Prior to her appointment, Horne was at NBC Entertainment and Universal Television Studios as Senior Vice President, Programming Talent Development and Inclusion where she was responsible for overseeing in-front-of and behind-the-camera primetime diversity efforts for NBC and Universal Television. While there, she started the Late-Night Writers Workshop in 2013.
According to the memo,...
- 6/30/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
Karen Horne, who led Warner Bros. Discovery Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for North America, is leaving the company amid a raft of layoffs and major restructuring since the merger. Executives said Horne’s departure was not part of the broader staff retrenchment but a rethinking of the Dei division.
Dei head Asif Sadiq announced the departure of the well-respected, Burbank-based Horne in an email to staff. In September, Wbd revamped its Dei team under Sadiq, and Horne, SVP for North America, was a key leader. Three other positions — Europe/Middle East/Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific — reported to him. That move came after merged company faced criticism in its early going over its decision to appoint a slate of entirely white, male directors to its board and a relative lack of diversity in its top exec ranks.
Last year, Horne was put in charge of Warner Bros. Discovery’s popular directors program.
Dei head Asif Sadiq announced the departure of the well-respected, Burbank-based Horne in an email to staff. In September, Wbd revamped its Dei team under Sadiq, and Horne, SVP for North America, was a key leader. Three other positions — Europe/Middle East/Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific — reported to him. That move came after merged company faced criticism in its early going over its decision to appoint a slate of entirely white, male directors to its board and a relative lack of diversity in its top exec ranks.
Last year, Horne was put in charge of Warner Bros. Discovery’s popular directors program.
- 6/30/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery is laying off Karen Horne, a diversity, equity and inclusion executive, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Horne’s departure is not a result of cost-cutting measures, according to a memo sent by Warner Bros. Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq, but is rather due to reorganization of the division, which is meant to focus more on “employee-related initiatives.” The Dei team will search for a new group vp to oversee North America and employee Dei initiatives and a new group vp internationally, resulting in an expansion of the team.
“Importantly, these changes do not alter our commitment to or our plans for pipeline programs and content-driven initiatives — these are fundamental pillars of our DE&I strategy and will continue to be areas of investment and focus,” Sadiq said in the memo.
However, the layoff comes amid a trend of departures from Dei positions in the industry.
Horne’s departure is not a result of cost-cutting measures, according to a memo sent by Warner Bros. Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq, but is rather due to reorganization of the division, which is meant to focus more on “employee-related initiatives.” The Dei team will search for a new group vp to oversee North America and employee Dei initiatives and a new group vp internationally, resulting in an expansion of the team.
“Importantly, these changes do not alter our commitment to or our plans for pipeline programs and content-driven initiatives — these are fundamental pillars of our DE&I strategy and will continue to be areas of investment and focus,” Sadiq said in the memo.
However, the layoff comes amid a trend of departures from Dei positions in the industry.
- 6/30/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. Discovery has laid off top diversity executive Karen Horne, a rep for the company confirmed to TheWrap on Friday.
Horne is the latest senior executive laid off at the studio as it conducts massive restructuring under CEO David Zaslav, following the much-protested June 20 axing of longtime TCM executives Anne Wilson, Dexter Fedor and Genevieve McGillicuddy.
In a worrying trend, a number of Dei execs have also exited in recent weeks at other studios, including Netflix’s Vernā Myers and Disney’s Latondra Newton.
Horne’s departure was announced internally on Wednesday, per an L.A. Times report published Friday. She was SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion in North America, having joined the company in March 2020.
Also Read:
Netflix’s Head of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers to Leave, Wade Davis Tapped as Replacement
The company’s Dei program will still be led by Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer,...
Horne is the latest senior executive laid off at the studio as it conducts massive restructuring under CEO David Zaslav, following the much-protested June 20 axing of longtime TCM executives Anne Wilson, Dexter Fedor and Genevieve McGillicuddy.
In a worrying trend, a number of Dei execs have also exited in recent weeks at other studios, including Netflix’s Vernā Myers and Disney’s Latondra Newton.
Horne’s departure was announced internally on Wednesday, per an L.A. Times report published Friday. She was SVP of diversity, equity and inclusion in North America, having joined the company in March 2020.
Also Read:
Netflix’s Head of Inclusion Strategy Vernā Myers to Leave, Wade Davis Tapped as Replacement
The company’s Dei program will still be led by Discovery’s chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer,...
- 6/30/2023
- by Sharon Knolle
- The Wrap
To celebrate its century-long run as one of Hollywood's biggest movie studios, Warner Bros. is releasing 20-minute-long remakes of six of its most classic films. The company, which is now called Warner Bros. Discovery after a merger with Discovery, Inc., plans on developing the short film series through its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion team and stated that the series will reimagine these stories through "representative casting, storytelling, and narrative."
The six films on the slate are the recently remade "A Star is Born," the swashbuckling "The Adventures of Robin Hood," the Western "Calamity Jane," the Abbott and Costello comedy "Jack and the Beanstalk," the much-adapted "The Prince and the Pauper," and the James Dean drama "Rebel Without a Cause." Production is slated to begin this summer, with Ali Afshar ("American Wrestler: The Wizard" and a whole slew of Christmas-related material) serving as consulting producer. "We can't think of a better...
The six films on the slate are the recently remade "A Star is Born," the swashbuckling "The Adventures of Robin Hood," the Western "Calamity Jane," the Abbott and Costello comedy "Jack and the Beanstalk," the much-adapted "The Prince and the Pauper," and the James Dean drama "Rebel Without a Cause." Production is slated to begin this summer, with Ali Afshar ("American Wrestler: The Wizard" and a whole slew of Christmas-related material) serving as consulting producer. "We can't think of a better...
- 4/19/2023
- by Andrew Housman
- Slash Film
As part of its ongoing celebration of the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Studios, parent company Warner Bros. Discovery has commissioned short film adaptations of six classic movies from its vault.
These 20-minute shorts, which will be available to stream on Max later this year, will update the films through today’s more diverse and inclusive understanding of the world, with what Wbd’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team calls “representative casting, storytelling and narrative.”
Six filmmakers have already been chosen by a committee that includes Wbd senior vp Dei in North America Karen Horne alongside individuals from Warner Bros. Pictures, Visual Communications, Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, Urban World, Sundance Indigenous Lab, Outfest and ReelAbilities Film Fest. The filmmakers, who will receive a budget through which they can derive their own compensation, will begin production this summer and be mentored by a group of established producers and directors,...
These 20-minute shorts, which will be available to stream on Max later this year, will update the films through today’s more diverse and inclusive understanding of the world, with what Wbd’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team calls “representative casting, storytelling and narrative.”
Six filmmakers have already been chosen by a committee that includes Wbd senior vp Dei in North America Karen Horne alongside individuals from Warner Bros. Pictures, Visual Communications, Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, Urban World, Sundance Indigenous Lab, Outfest and ReelAbilities Film Fest. The filmmakers, who will receive a budget through which they can derive their own compensation, will begin production this summer and be mentored by a group of established producers and directors,...
- 4/18/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Black Britain Unspoken supports and finances the production of three short films from Black British filmmakers
Warner Bros Discovery is launching the second edition of Black Britain Unspoken, that will support three short films from Black British filmmakers, it was announced today at The New Black Film Collective convention in London.
Delivered with Media Trust, a charity focusing on better representation in the media, the three completed films are presented to industry figures before screening on Discovery+ during the UK’s Black History Month in October. In addition, the filmmakers will receive a professional development programme delivered by Media Trust.
Warner Bros Discovery is launching the second edition of Black Britain Unspoken, that will support three short films from Black British filmmakers, it was announced today at The New Black Film Collective convention in London.
Delivered with Media Trust, a charity focusing on better representation in the media, the three completed films are presented to industry figures before screening on Discovery+ during the UK’s Black History Month in October. In addition, the filmmakers will receive a professional development programme delivered by Media Trust.
- 3/29/2023
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Yesterday, we reported that the prestigious Warner Bros. TV Writers and Directors Workshops were shutting down in a company-wide cost-saving initiative. At the time, this meant that the programs, which ran for four decades and helped launch the careers of countless industry talent, would no longer be operating, meaning an essential stepping stone for creatives was gone for good.
However, that doesn't necessarily seem to be the case anymore. Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that both workshops will still be operating after the conclusion of the 2022-2023 writers' cohort. According to them, though, it will now be retooled under their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion division.
"By continuing this successful Wbtv initiative through the Dei division, we ensure that Warner Bros. Discovery's continued commitment to training and development continues," said chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer Asif Sadiq in a new statement. "We are excited to be able to expand this important...
However, that doesn't necessarily seem to be the case anymore. Warner Bros. Discovery announced today that both workshops will still be operating after the conclusion of the 2022-2023 writers' cohort. According to them, though, it will now be retooled under their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion division.
"By continuing this successful Wbtv initiative through the Dei division, we ensure that Warner Bros. Discovery's continued commitment to training and development continues," said chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer Asif Sadiq in a new statement. "We are excited to be able to expand this important...
- 10/12/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Warner Bros. Discovery will now keep its Writers and Directors Workshops and fold them into its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Unit after industry backlash, including from the Director’s Guild of America on Wednesday, that the program championing diverse voices would be shuttered as part of cost-cutting moves.
Wbd’s chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq will partner with Warner Bros. Television upon the completion of the current workshop class and will work to grow the program. The announcement from Warner Bros. Discovery came shortly after a statement on Wednesday from the DGA that the guild would “fight” against the decision to dismantle the program and said that including it is mandated as part of the guild’s collective bargaining agreement.
“This program was established as the result of the Guild’s decades of work to pressure the Studios to diversify their hiring practices,” the DGA said in part in a statement.
Wbd’s chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq will partner with Warner Bros. Television upon the completion of the current workshop class and will work to grow the program. The announcement from Warner Bros. Discovery came shortly after a statement on Wednesday from the DGA that the guild would “fight” against the decision to dismantle the program and said that including it is mandated as part of the guild’s collective bargaining agreement.
“This program was established as the result of the Guild’s decades of work to pressure the Studios to diversify their hiring practices,” the DGA said in part in a statement.
- 10/12/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Warner Bros. Discovery’s decision to end its long-running writers and directors training program, which the conglom announced Tuesday as part of a series of layoffs and budget cuts at Warner Bros. TV Group, drew a strong rebuke from different parts of the industry, including a stinging statement on Wednesday by the Directors Guild of America.
But what Warner Bros. Discovery hadn’t followed up to explain — and quickly revealed on Wednesday — is that its Writers Workshop and Directors Workshop will live on but now move from Warner Bros. Television and be housed inside the conglom’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unit.
The shift will happen in April, after the current 2022–23 Wbtv Writers Workshop class winds down. New chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq will take over the workshop programs, which will join existing pipeline programs division led by Warner Bros. Discovery Dei vice president Grace Moss and overseen by Warner Bros.
But what Warner Bros. Discovery hadn’t followed up to explain — and quickly revealed on Wednesday — is that its Writers Workshop and Directors Workshop will live on but now move from Warner Bros. Television and be housed inside the conglom’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unit.
The shift will happen in April, after the current 2022–23 Wbtv Writers Workshop class winds down. New chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer Asif Sadiq will take over the workshop programs, which will join existing pipeline programs division led by Warner Bros. Discovery Dei vice president Grace Moss and overseen by Warner Bros.
- 10/12/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Warner Bros Discovery has performed a quick U-turn on its decision to close its Writers and Directors Workshops.
On Tuesday, the company revealed that the two initiatives, which have been lauded for their inclusion of diverse voices into the television industry, were being shuttered at Warner Bros. Television, where they have resided, as part of a massive slew of cuts.
Related Story Warner Bros TV Layoffs: Studio Cuts 26 Of Workforce, Unscripted & Animation Divisions Merge Functions Related Story Former Osn, Warner Bros Discovery Execs Launch Mena-Focused Rise Studios, Talk Multi-Format, Premium Strategy Related Story Warner Bros. Discovery Layoffs: Streaming Marketing Latest Division To Be Hit
Today, the company said that the workshops will now be housed within Wbd’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unit, in partnership with Wbtv. They will now be led by Warner Bros. Discovery Dei Vice President Grace Moss and overseen by recently elevated Warner Bros. Discovery Dei U.
On Tuesday, the company revealed that the two initiatives, which have been lauded for their inclusion of diverse voices into the television industry, were being shuttered at Warner Bros. Television, where they have resided, as part of a massive slew of cuts.
Related Story Warner Bros TV Layoffs: Studio Cuts 26 Of Workforce, Unscripted & Animation Divisions Merge Functions Related Story Former Osn, Warner Bros Discovery Execs Launch Mena-Focused Rise Studios, Talk Multi-Format, Premium Strategy Related Story Warner Bros. Discovery Layoffs: Streaming Marketing Latest Division To Be Hit
Today, the company said that the workshops will now be housed within Wbd’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion unit, in partnership with Wbtv. They will now be led by Warner Bros. Discovery Dei Vice President Grace Moss and overseen by recently elevated Warner Bros. Discovery Dei U.
- 10/12/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros Discovery has revamped its group focused on diversity, equity and inclusion and announced its new executive team.
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Asif Sadiq will head the group. Other key leaders include Karen Horne, SVP for North America; Rukasana Bhaijee, VP in Europe, Middle East and Africa; Niarchos Pabalis, director for Latin America; with a new role for Asia-Pacific to be announced soon. All four leaders will report to Sadiq.
The move comes nearly six months after the close of the 43 billion merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery. The combined company has faced criticism in the early going over its decision to appoint a slate of entirely white, male directors to its board of directors and a relative lack of diversity in its top exec ranks. Advocates and lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Joaquin Castro, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have voiced their concerns.
In announcing the new configuration and team,...
Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Asif Sadiq will head the group. Other key leaders include Karen Horne, SVP for North America; Rukasana Bhaijee, VP in Europe, Middle East and Africa; Niarchos Pabalis, director for Latin America; with a new role for Asia-Pacific to be announced soon. All four leaders will report to Sadiq.
The move comes nearly six months after the close of the 43 billion merger of WarnerMedia and Discovery. The combined company has faced criticism in the early going over its decision to appoint a slate of entirely white, male directors to its board of directors and a relative lack of diversity in its top exec ranks. Advocates and lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Joaquin Castro, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, have voiced their concerns.
In announcing the new configuration and team,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Warner Bros. Discovery announced the leaders of its diversity, equity and inclusion team, with WarnerMedia UK SVP Asif Sadiq serving as its global chief officer.
Four regional vice presidents will report to Sadiq, including Karen Horne serving as SVP for North America, Rukasana Bhaijee as VP in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (Emea), Niarchos Pabalis appointed director for Latin America. A VP for the Asia-Pacific region will be announced at a later date.
“A strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is a top priority for our company, and we are committed to doing everything we can to get this right — not only because it makes good business sense, but because it allows us to build stronger connections with employees, partners and consumers,” said Sadiq, who was announced as chief Dei officer in July.
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Four regional vice presidents will report to Sadiq, including Karen Horne serving as SVP for North America, Rukasana Bhaijee as VP in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (Emea), Niarchos Pabalis appointed director for Latin America. A VP for the Asia-Pacific region will be announced at a later date.
“A strong focus on diversity, equity and inclusion is a top priority for our company, and we are committed to doing everything we can to get this right — not only because it makes good business sense, but because it allows us to build stronger connections with employees, partners and consumers,” said Sadiq, who was announced as chief Dei officer in July.
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- 9/20/2022
- by Jeremy Fuster
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Warner Bros. Discovery has restructured its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group for the first time since the newly formed company’s merger was completed in April.
With chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq, promoted in late July, based in London, the new structure puts an emphasis on handling Dei issues by international region: North America (led by senior vp Karen Horne, formerly WarnerMedia senior vp pipeline programs); Europe, Middle East and Africa (led by vp Rukasana Bhaijee, who was hired from Google in March to serve as executive director of Wbd’s workforce Dei strategy internationally); Latin America (led by director Niarchos Pabalis, hired from Booking.com in March); and Asia-Pacific (with a director to be announced soon). All four regional leaders will report to Sadiq, who reports jointly to Wbd CEO David Zaslav and chief people officer Adria Alpert Romm.
In addition,...
Warner Bros. Discovery has restructured its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group for the first time since the newly formed company’s merger was completed in April.
With chief Dei officer Asif Sadiq, promoted in late July, based in London, the new structure puts an emphasis on handling Dei issues by international region: North America (led by senior vp Karen Horne, formerly WarnerMedia senior vp pipeline programs); Europe, Middle East and Africa (led by vp Rukasana Bhaijee, who was hired from Google in March to serve as executive director of Wbd’s workforce Dei strategy internationally); Latin America (led by director Niarchos Pabalis, hired from Booking.com in March); and Asia-Pacific (with a director to be announced soon). All four regional leaders will report to Sadiq, who reports jointly to Wbd CEO David Zaslav and chief people officer Adria Alpert Romm.
In addition,...
- 9/20/2022
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Warner Bros. Discovery has appointed Asif Sadiq as its chief officer of global diversity, equity and inclusion, the company said Wednesday.
Sadiq will lead the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and global team, expanding on initiatives from both legacy Discovery, Inc. and legacy WarnerMedia.
Sadiq will jointly report to CEO David Zaslav and people and culture chief Adria Alpert Romm.
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Hollywood Veteran Alan Horn Joins Warner Bros. Discovery as Senior Adviser (Exclusive)
Sadiq most recently served as the head of international diversity, equity and inclusion for WarnerMedia and was a key architect of many of the WarnerMedia DE&I internal and content-focused initiatives on which Wbd plans to build. Earlier, Sadiq held senior diversity positions at Adidas, The Telegraph Media Group, Ey Financial Services and the City of London Police.
In his role, Sadiq will chair Wbd’s new Business Diversity Council, a senior advisory board...
Sadiq will lead the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion strategy and global team, expanding on initiatives from both legacy Discovery, Inc. and legacy WarnerMedia.
Sadiq will jointly report to CEO David Zaslav and people and culture chief Adria Alpert Romm.
Also Read:
Hollywood Veteran Alan Horn Joins Warner Bros. Discovery as Senior Adviser (Exclusive)
Sadiq most recently served as the head of international diversity, equity and inclusion for WarnerMedia and was a key architect of many of the WarnerMedia DE&I internal and content-focused initiatives on which Wbd plans to build. Earlier, Sadiq held senior diversity positions at Adidas, The Telegraph Media Group, Ey Financial Services and the City of London Police.
In his role, Sadiq will chair Wbd’s new Business Diversity Council, a senior advisory board...
- 7/28/2022
- by Umberto Gonzalez
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Warner Bros. Discovery has found its head of diversity and inclusion, filling one of the last top executive roles at the David Zaslav-led company.
Asif Sadiq has been named chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the company, reporting to Zaslav and Wbd chief people officer Adria Alpert Romm. Sadiq was most recently head of diversity, equity and inclusion, international for WarnerMedia.
In his new role he will lead the company’s DE&I strategy and team, expanding and building on the initiatives that were in place at Discovery Inc. and WarnerMedia before the merger.
He will also chair what the company is calling its Business Diversity Council and Creative Diversity Council.
The business council will include leaders from Wbd’s sports, games, technology, revenue, and corporate groups and will oversee enterprise-wide diversity programs for employees.
The creative council “will help...
Warner Bros. Discovery has found its head of diversity and inclusion, filling one of the last top executive roles at the David Zaslav-led company.
Asif Sadiq has been named chief global diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the company, reporting to Zaslav and Wbd chief people officer Adria Alpert Romm. Sadiq was most recently head of diversity, equity and inclusion, international for WarnerMedia.
In his new role he will lead the company’s DE&I strategy and team, expanding and building on the initiatives that were in place at Discovery Inc. and WarnerMedia before the merger.
He will also chair what the company is calling its Business Diversity Council and Creative Diversity Council.
The business council will include leaders from Wbd’s sports, games, technology, revenue, and corporate groups and will oversee enterprise-wide diversity programs for employees.
The creative council “will help...
- 7/28/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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