CBS Studios and NAACP Production Venture recently announced a new partnership with script platform The Black List that’s focused on compiling a list of writers who can authentically create stories about the Black experience.
Already having started on Aug. 16 and expected to last until Nov. 16, writers with feature plays, musicals, TV shows or movies can upload their scripts for a new pilot that revolves around accurate Black representation on the platform in order to be considered for a new WGA-minimum open script deal.
Those who are already on the site will be considered without having to pay a fee while those who register to be considered specifically for the initiative will have to upload a script for at least a week to take part; they can also participate at no additional charge. Through their site, The Black List will compile a list of writers to be shared with the CBS/NAACP Production Venture for them to make a decision on which script to pick up.
“The Black List has provided a much-needed platform for writers to showcase their work and engage with industry leaders,” said the president of the CBS/NAACP Production Venture, Sheila Ducksworth, in a statement. “We are very excited to participate in this new partnership, and we look forward to supporting the talents and endeavors of these dynamic storytellers.”
While only one writer will be chosen, members of CBS/NAACP and The Black List hope the initiative will open doors and give the other finalists that won’t be picked for the script deal the potential to have their pilot ideas picked up by others in the industry.
“Anytime a show gets made, it’s not just one person who gets an employment opportunity, but a bunch of other people at various levels in the business,” said the CEO and creator of The Black List, Franklin Leonard in conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. “Particularly in the context of Black television, but also television generally, every single one of those shows that’s ever gotten made, those writers then went and made other shows and hired other people that made other shows.”
As of now, only a limited number of shows aired by CBS are Black-led. In addition to a reboot of “The Equalizer” led by actor Queen Latifah, “The Neighborhood,” starring actors Tichina Arnold and Cedric the Entertainer, and “Bob Hearts Abishola,” a comedy starring actor Folake Olowofoyeku, are considered to be amongst the network’s most popular primetime TV shows as both shows are set to air their third season.
The latest partnership with The Black List marks the first step the network has taken toward diversifying scripted series on any level. In 2020, CBS Studios previously promised to diversify the cast in unscripted series, such as “Big Brother” and “Survivor” by pledging to make up 50% of their casts with Black, Indigenous and people of color. The network also dedicated a quarter of its budget for unscripted series to work created and produced by BIPOC artists.
