Streetlights In the News

Oscar nominee 'Hair Love' stems back to film industry training non-profit focused on diversity

Oscar contender Matthew A. Cherry says he already feels like a winner. He's the creator of "Hair Love," one of the nominees in the animated short film category, which tells the story of an African-American dad who must learn how to style his daughter's hair.

The journey to that accomplishment started in 2017 during his time with Streetlights, an L.A.-based training program for production assistants aimed at diversity that was founded by Dorothy Thomson in the wake of the 1992 riots.

Nonprofit Streetlights Shows Hollywood That Diversity in All Levels of Showbiz Is Possible

When Oscar nominations were announced Jan. 14, protests about Hollywood’s lack of diversity centered on actors and, occasionally, writers and directors. But Dorothy Thompson, founder of the nonprofit Streetlights, knows that true diversity should involve every level of filmmaking — including behind-the-camera work. And her Hollywood-based organization proves that progress is possible.

Bias on Set: Minorities in the Commercial Production Workforce

Some Hollywood insiders tell NBC4 that discrimination remains a career-limiting reality for minorities seeking work on crews that operate behind the scenes. Jenna Susko reports for NBC4 News.