In a landmark move towards fostering inclusivity and diversity in the film and television industry, Adobe, alongside the Adobe Foundation, has announced the establishment of the first-ever Adobe Film & TV Fund. With a commitment of $6 million, this initiative aims to provide crucial support to underrepresented creators and filmmakers, both on-screen and behind the camera.
The film industry has long grappled with issues of representation, inequity in funding, and limited career opportunities for diverse voices. Recognizing this, Adobe’s Film & TV Fund steps in to address these challenges head-on. By offering grants, contributions, and fellowships, Adobe seeks to empower creators from marginalized communities, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in the industry.
Stacy Martinet, VP Marketing Strategy and Communications at Adobe and a member of the Adobe Foundation board, emphasized the significance of diversity in storytelling, stating, “Diversity in front of and behind the camera is key to unlocking more diverse and more inclusive storytelling across TV and film.” This sentiment underscores Adobe’s commitment to leveraging its position in the creative industry to create pathways for underrepresented creators.
Central to the initiative is collaboration with global organizations dedicated to empowering marginalized communities. Partnerships with organizations such as Easterseals, Gold House, The Latinx House, NAACP, Sundance Institute and Yuvaa will facilitate the distribution of grants and contributions. These funds will support fellowships and apprenticeships, offering hands-on industry experience, mentorship, and networking opportunities with established production houses, studios, and distributors.
One of the flagship programs under the Film & TV Fund is the fellowship in collaboration with the NAACP. This 14-week program is specifically designed to increase diverse representation in the post-production sector. It will provide education, training, career growth opportunities, and workplace experience to emerging creators. Moreover, access to Adobe Creative Cloud software ensures participants have the necessary tools to succeed in their endeavors.
Kyle Bowser, senior vice president of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau, emphasized the importance of collective action in advancing diversity and inclusion in the industry. “Equity matters, and it is incumbent upon those of us who sit in positions of power and authority to help identify solutions to advance diversity and inclusion both in front of and behind the lens,” Bowser stated.
Adobe’s commitment to inclusivity extends beyond the Film & TV Fund. The company has a longstanding collaboration with the Sundance Institute, supporting initiatives such as the Sundance Ignite x Adobe Fellowship and the Sundance Women to Watch x Adobe Fellowship. These programs aim to nurture emerging talent and amplify underrepresented voices in filmmaking.
Additionally, Adobe Foundation’s support for projects like The Inclusion List with USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and the USC School of Dramatic Arts MFA Acting Program underscores its dedication to fostering diversity across various creative domains.
As the inaugural year of the Adobe Film & TV Fund unfolds, it promises to catalyze meaningful change within the industry. By providing vital resources, mentorship, and opportunities, Adobe is paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in film and television. Through collaborative efforts and sustained support, the voices of underrepresented creators will continue to resonate on screens worldwide, enriching the cultural landscape with diverse perspectives and narratives.