The Blackhouse Foundation and Starz Forge Partnership for Groundbreaking Producers’ Fellowship
In a significant stride towards fostering diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, The Blackhouse Foundation has forged a partnership with Starz #TakeTheLead to establish a pioneering producers’ fellowship targeted at supporting accomplished Black female creators. This exclusive program is designed to empower female-identifying producers working in episodic television, providing them with the necessary tools and mentorship to excel in their careers.
The fellowship’s debut cohort consists of five outstanding individuals: Sue-Ellen Chitunya, Jessica L. Funches, Moira Griffin, Dahéli Hall, and Trevite Willis. These talented producers were meticulously selected from The Blackhouse Foundation’s esteemed alumni network to participate in a comprehensive three-day intensive in Los Angeles.
Throughout the fellowship, participants will have access to invaluable educational workshops, personalized mentorship and coaching, and pivotal industry meetings with key stakeholders. This immersive experience aims to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to navigate the episodic production landscape as non-writing or writing producers.
Jenean Glover, Executive Director of The Blackhouse Foundation, expressed her enthusiasm for this partnership, stating, “We’re delighted to have found a partner in Starz that enables us to refine our previous year-long programs and offer a more streamlined and impactful experience for our smaller cohort.” She further emphasized the significance of personalized feedback and expert guidance in preparing these candidates for successful careers in episodic television.
Kathryn Busby, Starz’s President of Original Programming, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the company’s dedication to nurturing diverse voices and creating an inclusive television landscape. She stated, “Our partnership with The Blackhouse Foundation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to increasing the number of Black female producers, which is paramount to our mission of catering to women and underrepresented audiences.” Starz’s track record of championing diversity has resulted in industry-leading representation both on and off-screen, as well as throughout its corporate structure.
