A new report from the Directors Guild of America has some rare good news about diversity in Hollywood, showcasing some major gains in the TV industry. In the 2018-2019 season of television, a full 50 percent of all TV episodes were directed by women or people of color — an industry first. That’s an eight percent jump from the previous period and more than double the number of just five years ago, when the percentage stood at 21 percent. [h/t Variety]
According to the study, 31 percent of TV episodes were directed by women and 27 percent were directed by people of color, a jump of 50 percent and 40 percent respectively.
“Inclusion has been a priority of our guild for a very long time as we’ve pushed the studios, networks and producers to do better in their hiring,” DGA president Thomas Schlamme said. “While change had been glacial in past years, we’re pleased and incredibly encouraged to see the recent commitment undertaken by the industry.”
Disney led the way, with women and people of color directing a full 57 percent of all their television output. Home Box Office was right behind, with 56 percent of their year of television directed by women and people of color. And Twentieth Century Fox was in third place, with 52 percent.
