Scene 2 Seen Podcast: Latasha Gillespie, Head Of DEIA At Amazon For MGM Studios Talks Creating Lasting Change For The Of Inclusion
Monkeypaw Partners With TIFF & Universal Filmmakers Project To Launch No Drama Initiative For Short Films
Hello, and welcome to the Scene 2 Seen Podcast. I am Valerie Complex, an associate editor and film writer.
In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Latasha Gillespie, the Head of Global Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) for Amazon MGM Studios, Prime Video, and Freevee. Latasha holds a pivotal role in the organization, overseeing all content-related and customer-facing DEIA work.
Under Latasha’s leadership, Amazon MGM Studios has made significant strides in advancing diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. They have developed the first Inclusion Policy and Playbook, and integrated DEIA into their Greenlight Process. Latasha’s achievements also include the establishment of the groundbreaking Howard Entertainment Program, a partnership between a major studio and an HBCU.
Before her current position, Latasha led the Global Diversity and Inclusion organization across Amazon, where she worked closely with Jeff Bezos. She provided regular briefings to both the Board of Directors and Congressional members, sharing insights on Amazon’s DEIA strategies and progress. Latasha is also known for Amazon’s participation in the HBCU Partnership Challenge and the creation of Amazon’s Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) annual conference and curriculum.
With over 20 years of experience, Latasha brings a wealth of knowledge to this conversation. She shares valuable insights on creating lasting system change within an organization, the future of content, and the importance of DEI initiatives in Hollywood’s sustainable growth.
During our discussion, Latasha highlights the significance of diversity not just in front of the camera, but behind it as well. She emphasizes the need for diverse perspectives throughout the entire filmmaking process to tell authentic stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Latasha’s journey in promoting diversity and inclusion began during her tenure with Caterpillar Inc., where she held various positions in Finance and Human Resources. She was instrumental in launching the company’s first diversity recruiting team and Employee Resource Groups. Prior to relocating overseas, Latasha served as Chief Diversity Officer for the organization.
In an effort to further support underrepresented voices in the film industry, Monkeypaw has partnered with TIFF and the Universal Filmmakers Project to launch the No Drama initiative for short films. This initiative aims to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to tell their stories without the constraints of conventional drama genres. By embracing a wider range of storytelling styles, the project aims to foster diversity and creativity in filmmaking.
The collaboration between Monkeypaw, TIFF, and the Universal Filmmakers Project demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering inclusive storytelling and creating opportunities for emerging talent. Through the No Drama initiative, these organizations hope to inspire filmmakers to push boundaries and challenge traditional film genres.
As the conversation concludes, it is clear that Latasha Gillespie’s passion for inclusivity and diversity has been instrumental in shaping the future of Hollywood. Her work at Amazon MGM Studios and her dedication to fostering lasting change will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry.
It is through initiatives like No Drama that we can continue to push the boundaries of storytelling and provide opportunities for diverse voices to be heard. By embracing DEI initiatives, Hollywood can create a robust and inclusive future that reflects the diverse world we live in.
Thank you for joining us on this episode of the Scene 2 Seen Podcast. Stay tuned for more insightful conversations with industry leaders who are driving change and shaping the future of entertainment.
