Equity in Media and Entertainment Initiative (EMEI)

About This Project

Summary

The Equity in Media and Entertainment Initiative (EMEI) is a year-long program designed specifically for Black LGBTQ+ creatives to elevate Black queer storytelling in entertainment and media. EMEI is designed as a pathway program to help address, and begin to resolve, the existing gap in equitable representation on screen and behind the scenes in entertainment. The inaugural cohort focused on 10 emerging filmmakers. The 2024 EMEI Cohort, consisting of talented LGBTQ+ music artists.

Goals & Objectives

Each participating creative is granted $10,000 to fund a current or new creative project to help produce more authentic Black queer stories. EMEI works to strengthen creatives’ networks while advancing their access to executive leadership and spaces that provide insider knowledge and resources.

Results & Impact

- Year 1: 100% Retention for 1st year cohort and 10 new short films developed and produced and screened at CAA. $100,000 in project support. - Year 2: Partnered with the Recording Academy to launch Academy Proud. The 10 artists have performed at key events: Super Bowl, GLAAD Media Awards, MOBIfest.