We Believe Representation Matters on Screen and Behind the Camera

STARZ IS CREATING A CULTURE OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION

#TakeTheLead is STARZ's commitment to amplifying narratives by, about and for women and underrepresented audiences. We hope that by taking the lead and remaining fiercely dedicated to inclusion on and off screen, and throughout the company, as well as our commitment to bold, unapologetic stories and characters, it will inspire others across the industry.​

The Hollywood Reporter

STARZ Received The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 “Trailblazer Award”

STARZ #TAKETHELEAD TRANSPARENCY TALKS

Achieving Gender Equity in Storytelling

PREVIOUS

Achieving Gender Equity in Storytelling

SEPTEMBER 2024

At The Hollywood Reporter’s annual “Raising Our Voices” event, our panel explores various strategies to promote gender equity both on-screen and behind the scenes. From inclusive casting practices to fostering equity in writers' rooms and directing with a focus on the female perspective, panelists discuss how Hollywood can improve representation for women across the industry.

Lyrically Correct: How Black Music Shapes Narratives & Influences Culture

Lyrically Correct: How Black Music Shapes Narratives & Influences Culture

JUNE 2024

For generations, Black music has played a pivotal role in shaping the social, cultural and political landscapes within our nation and across the globe. Panelists discuss the contributions made by this art form that transcends spaces and the profound impact it has on storytelling in television and film.

Things I Wish I Would’ve Known: Learnings from Female Leaders

Things I Wish I Would’ve Known: Learnings from Female Leaders

MARCH 2024

At the 7th Annual Women in Entertainment Summit, STARZ hosts a discussion with female leaders about navigating the industry and why it's important to create a more inclusive environment in front and behind the camera for all.

The Battle for Representation: Overcoming Barriers and Gaining Access to Careers in Entertainment and the Arts

The Battle for Representation: Overcoming Barriers and Gaining Access to Careers in Entertainment and the Arts

SEPTEMBER 2023

STARZ brings together actors from its hit shows, “P-Valley” and “Run the World,” to discuss career opportunities in the entertainment industry. The Talk examines the challenges of securing jobs in the arts and explores how colleges and extracurricular programs can prepare the next generation of creatives to pursue their professional ambitions.

Amplifying Asian and Pacific Islander Narratives Through Authentic Representation

Amplifying Asian and Pacific Islander Narratives Through Authentic Representation

MAY 2023

STARZ, in partnership with CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment), hosts a discussion on the importance of building allyship to increase Asian and Pacific Islander representation, and the impact that authentic storytelling has in media and culture.

The Power of Women Taking the Lead in Entertainment and Government

The Power of Women Taking the Lead in Entertainment and Government

MARCH 2023

Panelists will discuss how women in entertainment and government can come together to advocate for increased representation that will continue to shatter stereotypes, attract diverse audiences and build a more inclusive society.

Why Companies Are Thriving By Expanding Their Markets To Include Historically Excluded Consumers

Why Companies Are Thriving By Expanding Their Markets To Include Historically Excluded Consumers

NOVEMBER 2022

Business leaders will discuss the importance of cultural inclusion and how focusing on representation is changing the global landscape.

The Impact of Education on Increasing Opportunities for Underrepresented Students

The Impact of Education on Increasing Opportunities for Underrepresented Students

AUGUST 2022

Join thought leaders for a conversation on ways to prepare marginalized students with education and job training for opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Women's History Month: Exploring Global Progress Towards Gender Equality and the Importance of International Content for Women

Women's History Month: Exploring Global Progress Towards Gender Equality and the Importance of International Content for Women

MARCH 2022

STARZ President, International Networks Superna Kalle and international thought-leaders discuss the importance of women shaping global content and the economic ramifications of under-representation.

Legacy of Dr. MLK Jr. and the Impact on Storytelling

Legacy of Dr. MLK Jr. and the Impact on Storytelling

JANUARY 2022

NAACP President Derrick Johnson and highest-ranking, African American Congresswoman Barbara Lee join influential voices to discuss the importance of speaking powerful truth based on principles and examples paved by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and how narratives within media have an impact on society.

Breaking Down Economic Barriers and Finding Pathways to an Equitable Society

Breaking Down Economic Barriers and Finding Pathways to an Equitable Society

NOVEMBER 2021

Cultural change-makers join STARZ President and CEO Jeffrey Hirsch and the Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves for a conversation about the role that both culture and policy play in leading our future to a more equitable society.

Addressing the (Mis)representation of the Latinx Community Through TV and Film

Addressing the (Mis)representation of the Latinx Community Through TV and Film

SEPTEMBER 2021

The Latinx House Co-founders Mónica Ramírez and Olga Segura lead a timely and important conversation about Latinx representation on and off screen, from the writing room to the board room. Latino TV and film writers and creators have expressed growing frustration with the underrepresentation of Latinos in Hollywood, and statistics over the last year confirm a significant underrepresentation which individuals in the industry...

Creating Opportunities Through Inclusive Hiring Practices

Creating Opportunities Through Inclusive Hiring Practices

AUGUST 2021

STARZ, in partnership with the California Film Commission, hosts a conversation about the importance of diversity in hiring for jobs in front of and behind the camera, as well as in executive leadership. Panelists will discuss the challenges, accomplishments and impact of these efforts on the entertainment industry.

Producing for Television and Building Inclusivity

Producing for Television and Building Inclusivity

JULY 2021

STARZ, in partnership with the Producers Guild of America (PGA) hosts a conversation with creators that will focus on the efforts to be more inclusive in all aspects of producing for television. The discussion will also include how ratings affect the decisions of networks and studios and the race to attract audiences in this new television landscape.

Authentic and Inclusive Storytelling

Authentic and Inclusive Storytelling

JUNE 2021

This Transparency Talk focused on authentic and inclusive storytelling where panelists discussed the need for better representation and increased opportunities for women and diverse writers across media.

Consumer Demand for Diverse Representation

Consumer Demand for Diverse Representation

MAY 2021

STARZ, in partnership with the ACLU of Southern California, hosts a discussion including new data from UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers looking at consumer perceptions and demands for diverse, authentic and inclusive media representation. The findings unveil how important it is to audiences to have representation both in front of and behind the camera and show how heavily diversity factors into content selection...

Increasing Representation in the Director's Chair

Increasing Representation in the Director's Chair

APRIL 2021

STARZ President & CEO Jeffrey Hirsch, in partnership with Alliance of Women Directors, welcomes five inspiring women who are taking the lead in breaking down barriers for women and underrepresented groups to kick off Starz’s #TakeTheLead “Transparency Talks” series. The discussion will include a look at findings from Starz’s inclusion study with UCLA’s Center for Scholars & Storytellers which revealed that 49.3% of its directors...

STARZ #TAKETHELEAD PARTNERSHIPS

To strengthen our commitment to inclusion on and off the screen, STARZ has proudly partnered with these organizations.

Together, we can take the lead on creating change in the entertainment industry.

HUMANITAS
NEWFILMMAKERS LA
Veterans in Media & EntertainmentWomen in Film