EVOLVE ENTERTAINMENT FUND (EEF) IS LAUNCHED BY MAYOR ERIC GRACETTI, FILMMAKER AVA DUVERNAY, AND PRODUCER DAN LIN

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Mayor Eric Gracetti and filmmaker Ava DuVernay and producer Dan Lin launched a new program called the Evolve Entertainment Fund (EEF) in which the initiative is to fundraise $5 million dollars by 2020 in order to increase diversity in the film industry by 2020. The alliance is to create industry leaders in film television, women in music, minorities, and low-income Los Angeles residents.  This will increase opportunities for minorities in improvised communities. The program is looking for 150 interns this summer. Partnership filmmakers include DreamWorksAnimations, Kobe Bryants Granity Studios, Sundance, Warner Bros., and more.  The number of placements are expected to grow to 500 by 2020.  Dan Lin, CEO of Rideback said “Rideback is proud to join Mayor Garcetti and EEF to increase diversity in the entertainment industry.” The Evolve fund will also help the youth in working with award winning directors and producers in Hollywood. The program will consist of high-level mentors along with mini-grants with screen directors, animators, filmmakers, and storytellers. The first EEF grant to be released is the (WIE) Women in Entertainment grant sponsored by Hollywood Reporter and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles. There will also be professional entertainment scholarships, and college prep workshops for teenage adolescents.  Ryan Murphy who serves on the Advisory board on EEF stated “Our work with Mayor Garcetti and HIRE LA’s Youth has been rewarding as we continue to create creative pathways for underrepresented youth in Hollywood."