Ava DuVernay, Ron Howard Explain What Drove Them to Create Massive Hiring Network

Two of Hollywood’s most renowned filmmakers, Ron Howard and Ava DuVernay, are teaming up to launch an initiative aimed at revolutionizing hiring in the entertainment industry.

Howard’s Impact app, a professional hiring network tailored for television and film production, is merging its resources with DuVernay’s Array Crew, a personnel database designed to connect underrepresented candidates with producers and entertainment executives.

One of the key features of the collaboration is the introduction of Array Crew profile badges within the Impact app that will allow users who identify as belonging to minority groups — including those underrepresented based on gender identity, sexual identity, race, ethnicity and other backgrounds — to showcase their diverse identities.

DuVernay said the integration of the badges aims to simplify the process of hiring diverse crews for directors and executives.

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Despite recent developments that have seen diversity chiefs stepping down from prominent positions in major studios, both Howard and DuVernay said they believe the industry must remain committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, especially during the current industry strike, and prioritize the well-being of all individuals involved in the creative process.

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