The Television Academy's third Inclusion Summit stands as a significant milestone in the exploration of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) within the television industry. This recurring series, committed to these principles, opened its doors to Academy members for the first time. Held at the Academy's Saban Media Center in the NoHo Arts District on December 4, the summit featured two engaging morning panels, accompanied by networking opportunities for attendees.

Unveiling the Power of Inclusion in Television

State of Inclusion in the Television Industry

Jerome Core, head of DEIA content at Amazon MGM Studios, expresses optimism about the current state of DEIA. The studio has recently launched the crime series "Cross" with a Black lead and "Betty la Fea, the Story Continues" in July. Tiffany Chao from Gold House highlights the need for more authentic Asian Pacific representation, noting that while Asians are more visible, the quality and specificity of characters often fall short. Diana Luna of NALIP emphasizes the massive spending power and streaming service subscriber base of the U.S. Latino community, urging the industry to develop content for these audiences. Vicki Shabo focuses on caregiving, noting its absence on screen and the importance of reflecting diverse family situations.There is an opportunity for the television industry to break stereotypes and develop projects in Latin America. While few executives are Latino, the ranks of decision-makers are rising with the influence of creatives like Eva Longoria and John Leguizamo.

Shōgun - A Case Study

The FX Japanese feudal historical epic "Shōgun" serves as a case study in authenticity. With 70% of the dialogue in Japanese spoken by native Japanese performers with little or no English, the show achieved remarkable success. It scored 25 Emmy Award nominations and won 18, including Outstanding Drama Series, with lead actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai becoming the first Japanese actors to win Emmys.Unlike previous adaptations, the decision was made to tell the story from the Japanese perspective, with scouting trips to Japan and filming in Vancouver. Asian-American writers wrote the scripts in English and translated them into Japanese. When casting mainly Japanese actors, the use of subtitles was a natural choice.The production team learned from a Japanese prop person and opened up the process to the entire cast and crew. Experts were brought in from Japan to ensure accuracy in kimonos, wigs, and gestures. A Noh theater was constructed for a performance within the story.During the 10-year development process, Disney's acquisition of Fox provided financial support and global reach. Premieres in both the US and Japan, including a blessing ceremony at an historic temple, and immersive marketing events enhanced the show's impact.The quest for authenticity in storytelling paid off, with "Shōgun" ranking in the top five in 107 countries and number one in 65. It is also FX's most-watched show on any Disney streaming platform.