shonda rhimes

WATCH: ’Black Barbie’ Trailer From Shonda Rhimes for Netflix

by
’Black Barbie’ Trailer From Shonda Rhimes for Netflix

Television superproducer Shonda Rhimes made a Black Barbie documentary with Netflix, and we have the trailer.

Written and directed by Lagueria Davis, Black Barbie explores how three Black women revolutionized the iconography of the Barbie brand and the development of the first Black Barbie.

Here’s the official synopsis:

“Inspired by the story of her great aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, a star Mattel employee brave enough to ask company co-founder Ruth Handler, “Why don’t we make a Barbie that looks like me? Lagueria Davis explores the impact of that question, and the long road to introducing the first non-white official Barbie in 1980. That journey launches viewers into a discovery of the history of Black dolls, their impact on civil rights and Black entrepreneurship, and the significant role of imaginative play in shaping children’s identity. The film juxtaposes the legacy of three Black women who blazed new trails at Mattel with the stories of a select group of Black women memorialized by Barbie dolls made in their image, all while highlighting celebrity and fan reflections on the impact of this iconic doll. This is a celebration of Black culture over the past 70 years, and of the specific influence of the Black Barbie doll on the diverse array of dolls we’ve come to love today.”

Camilla Hall, Jyoti Sarda, Milan Chakraborty, Grace Lay, Sumalee Montano, Rhimes, and Betsy Beers executive produce Black Barbie.

“Black Barbie celebrates the momentous impact three Black women at Mattel had on the evolution of the Barbie brand as we know it,” the logline reads. “Through these charismatic insiders stories, the documentary tells the story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, examining the importance of representation and how dolls can be crucial to the formation of identity and imagination.”

Handling producer reins are Davis and Aaliyah Williams. “Black Barbie” hits on Netflix on June 19.

The post WATCH: ’Black Barbie’ Trailer From Shonda Rhimes for Netflix first appeared on The Source.

The post WATCH: ’Black Barbie’ Trailer From Shonda Rhimes for Netflix appeared first on The Source.

Shonda Rhimes Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs at Netflix

by
Shonda Rhimes Ended 15-Year Relationship With ABC Over Disneyland Pass

After extending their partnership last summer, Netflix and accomplished producer Shonda Rhimes broaden their commitment with the launch of new inclusive programs for diversity, equity, inclusion, access initiatives and opportunities. The new programs are called The Producers Inclusion Initiative and The Ladder, which both will be supported by Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity.

MORE: Shonda Rhimes and Netflix Extend Their Partnership Into New Ventures

The programs will allow graduates to be considered for job consideration on Shondaland and other Netflix productions. The Producers Inclusion Initiative is specifically designed as a nine-week virtual program to train indie producers, unit production managers, supervisors and first assistant directors, who come from those historically underrepresented communities. The program’s participants will learn from executives and key production department heads from Netflix, Shondaland and elsewhere in the industry with the express goal of minting qualified line producers for the studio system. In addition to monthly stipends while in the program, graduates will connect with folks at the two companies and others about potential gigs or other career development opportunities.

MORE: Shonda Rhimes Ended 15-Year Relationship With ABC Over Disneyland Pass

The Ladder, for its part, is set up to provide opportunities for people from marginalized groups who are looking to gain the kind of on-set experience and training that’s key to success in the film and TV business. Like the Inclusion Initiative, the Ladder participants will be paid during their time in the program, which will also transport those taking part from central points around London.

Shondaland’s Head of Production Sara Fischer had this to say on the new programs and opportunities: “At our core, Shondaland is a company dedicated to championing opportunities for underrepresented communities both on and off the screen. We have made incredible strides with ensuring women are represented in our productions and I’m excited to expand our efforts and see real results with all marginalized groups. Our partnership with Netflix has allowed us to create these two new incredible programs that have already led to palpable changes in our industry. I am extremely proud to be a part of history as we look forward to greater representation on set.”

Shonda Rhimes is one of the most high-profile and commercially successful showrunners in the business.

The post Shonda Rhimes Launches Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programs at Netflix appeared first on The Source.