Hollywood’s actor and producer Ryan Reynolds has launched a new diversity and inclusion initiative in a bid to develop talent from underrepresented groups in Hollywood and “tell better stories”. The programme entitled The Group Effort Initiative has been launched through his production banner Maximum Effort.
“The Group Effort Initiative is designed to invest in the talent and creativity of any and all under-represented communities who’ve felt this industry didn’t have room for their dreams,” stated Reynolds in his recent Twitter post (see below). It aims to bring 10 to 20 trainees who are either from minority ethnic groups or from marginalised communities regardless of age. Reynolds is forking out the investment to house and train the recruits on the programme for his next feature film out of his personal salary.
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL
“I’ve had a front-row seat to the immense talent of so many artisans, storytellers and experts,” Reynolds pointed out in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “Being a member of a film crew is a special experience – but that privilege hasn’t been extended to everyone. There’s a ton of untapped talent out there. This action is the right thing to do, but it’s worth noting that inclusivity will also make our industry stronger and more dynamic. We will tell better stories.”
Reynolds wants to keep the trainees on set so that they can learn from experience. It’s hoped the The Group Effort Initiative will be featured on Reynolds’ forthcoming time-travel movie by Free Guy and Night at the Museum filmmaker Shawn Levy. The film production is expected to begin this autumn in Vancouver. However, things may change depending on state of pandemic and any accompanying regulations. The actor outlines more details about the programme in the video below.
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