FRENCH PANEL

The landscape of the Entertainment Industry has changed substantially over the last ten years. During the course of those changes, many creatives started noticing loopholes concerning their rights. Some conversations had to happen, but they did not seem to come to a satisfying end. Not seeing the market's interest in adequately solving these problems and feeling wronged, they were left with two options: letting it go or fighting. They chose the latter. In May the Writers Guild of America went on strike, followed by the Screen Actors Guild in June. The Directors Guild of America may follow that same road in the coming weeks.

The fight for representation and inclusion extends beyond above-the-line creatives. Each department within the industry faces its own challenges, and it is crucial to address them all. ACTRA saw the need to fight and advocate for improvement in the Hair & Makeup departments, which resulted in the CMPA and AQPM accepting to commit to implementing a series of new procedures ensuring that BIPOC creatives talents and needs be accounted for and respected.

What are the changes the creative community wants to achieve in the end? And how will Black and Racialized creatives benefit from them?

MODERATOR

Phyllis Gooden, Professional Actor

Phyllis Gooden works in film, television, theatre and voice. Recent credits include supporting roles in the feature films, “The Draft” and “Celestine”, as well as the Sony videogame “Season”, which features a black female protagonist. In November 2022, Phyllis was awarded the ACTRA Montreal Life Member Award for her various contributions.

SPEAKERS

Anthony Q. Farrell, Showrunner

Anthony Q. Farrell (he/him) is a BAFTA-winning, Emmy-nominated writer/producer who has worked in Canada, the US, and the UK for over 15 years. He is currently the creator, showrunner and executive producer of CTV's half-hour comedy Shelved. He has served as executive producer and showrunner of CBC's Run the Burbs, Overlord and the Underwoods, The Parker Andersons/Amelia Parker, and the BAFTA-winning Secret Life of Boys. Anthony's writing credits also include NBC's The Office, Nickelodeon's The Thundermans, and Little Mosque on the Prairie. Anthony was honoured as Showrunner of the Year at the Writers Guild of Canada Awards in 2022, after receiving the same title from Playback in 2021.

Bethan Mowat, 1st Assistant Director, Chair - Directors Guild of Canada, Quebec Council

Bethan has worked in the film and television industry as an assistant director for over 25 years, with the last eight as a First Assistant Director. She has worked on both Quebecois and American productions in various countries including the US, China, Czech Republic, Morocco as well as every province across Canada. She presently serves as the Chair of the Directors Guild of Canada Quebec Council.

Jessica Carter, CSA winner Best Achievement in Makeup and Artist Mentor

Jessica Carter’s film and TV career spans 20+ years. She is a 2022 Canadian Screen Award winner for Makeup. Carter is involved in multiple aspects of the film industry. Currently she is launching a boutique talent management firm, Go Creative Entertainment Inc. She is also producing/writing her first documentary and continues to advocate and provide programs to diversify the makeup depts in Canada.

Mariah Inger, Actress, Mentor, Director, Chair of ACTRA National DEIB Committee.

Actress of 30+ yrs. Director, Mentor, Activist & Mother. Chair of ACTRA National DEIB Committee.

She helps companies & individuals on better diversity practices both in front and behind the scenes. Hoping to shed light on the matters and people that have been cloaked in darkness for far too long...

“May all art and creators shine equally one day…”