Even on my level right now as a producer (still up and coming) I've run into situations that would be hilarious if it weren't true. I write and produce stage plays, independent film, and tv programming. Let's start with the stage plays. I'm from Philadelphia which means I'm from the wilderness if you're black/Latino, artistically speaking. When I say "wilderness" I don't mean there are no art forms for and from African Americans and Latinos, but they're usually underground, a hidden current just beneath the mainstream. Philadelphia has lots of healthily monetized, artistic adventures to choose from...especially if you're Caucasian. It absolutely amazes me how their organizations can hit the mother load time and time again, while minority owned theater companies barely eek along. What! In the age of Barack Obama? I hate to say it, but it's still true. In Philadelphia there are only 2 wholly owned and operated African American theater venues, that is, New Freedom Theatre (it used to simply be called Freedom Theatre. I don't know what the difference is) which is now basically defunct, and Bushfire Repertory Theatre (their house is always dark. People are always asking me if it's even open. What a waste of a magnificent space) which won't even respond to phone calls. So, trying to produce in Philadelphia while being a woman of color is, and has been, one of the greatest challenges of my adult life next to raising my four children.
Unfortunately, my biggest fights and power struggles have been with black men. Usually, they were significantly older than me and had been in the business many number of years longer than me. However, Landmark Productions was my company and sometimes decisions had to be made that were unpopular and uncomfortable in the present, but would be very beneficial for the company much later down the road. It was rare that I made decisions based on the comfort level of the team, or myself. I never asked anything of them that I wouldn't do myself; as a matter of fact, I was the first in line to take a hit, and take it like a woman.
I think the power struggles come to life simply because I'm a woman, and then I'm not taken seriously because of my skin color. But all of that is beginning to change. At this stage in the company's gradual growth, I have a large portfolio of work that my company has produced with the tightest budget you can possibly imagine. I've gotten dirty in the backyard and had dogfights with the best of them and came out bloody, but still standing and ready to take on another fight.
To any black or Latino woman reading this blog who may be considering becoming a producer I would tell her to first consider if she's ready to die many deaths. This is not a light question. You will die over and over again as you learn and grow. I won't lie to you...these deaths are excrutiatingly painful. However, if you choose to survive, you will reach the pinnacle of success. Good luck...and look out!
Back to the Old Landmark...Wow...This is the play that started it all for me with Landmark Productions.
