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Carmen Jean Smith
Weaves a Tapestry of TV Diversity
Interview by JOSEPH G. NAZEL, JR.
Q&A:
Q:
Diversity? What
does it mean at ABC?
SMITH:
I am probably the
one person in the company that is driven
by our mandate-handed down by the president
of the company-to increase diversity on
the entertainment side. And by doing that
I interface with organizations all over
the country. I also operate creatively within
the entertainment division in that my department
develops and works with actors, writers
and directors and also creates programming
for entertainment.
Because we believe that there is no lack
of talent, our goal always is to cast a
very wide net. When you do that you'll find
that there are volumes of people that may
not have access to Hollywood or to the entertainment
industry but have been busy honing their
craft. And it gives us the opportunity to
bring them to New York to audition for consideration
to our program.
Q:
: Is this a reaction to the negative press
about the lack of diversity in the entertainment
industry?
SMITH: ABC's programs have
been around for a very long time. Our writing
program is 15 years old. Our directing program
is going on its fourth year. Our scholarship
grant program, which is nationwide, I believe,
is actually going into its sixth year.
It has always been our goal to seek out
new talent. Can we do better? Absolutely.
That's why we work, pretty much every day.
My department runs … 365 days a year--in
terms of scouting, recruiting and development.
Q: Specifically
for minorities?
SMITH:My program encompasses everyone,
with a special emphasis on casting a wide
net and bringing in talented people that
are diverse ---African American, Native
American, Asian, Asian Pacific Islander,
Latino--all races.
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