Ford Returned as Sole Sponsor for 10th Annual Hollywood Bureau Symposium during 45th NAACP Image Awards Week
Ford Motor Company Fund returned as sole sponsor of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium, marking its 10th year with the title “Moving Forward: The State of the Industry.” The annual event was held at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. A portion of Ford’s sponsorship will be directed to support community programs, including a $10,000 grant to Duke Media Foundation.
Last year, the film entertainment industry set a record with box office receipts totaling $11 billion. Black filmmakers, including an increased number of black film directors and actors starring in lead roles, as well as gripping feature films and moving historical pieces all played a role in this unprecedented success.
“Ford is proud to be working again with the NAACP Hollywood Bureau Symposium to showcase a renaissance in black film at all levels,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development, Ford Motor Company Fund. “We congratulate the award-winning Bill Duke and Duke Media Foundation for their work in developing media and financial literacy programs to prepare inner-city and gifted high school students for the new digital media age.”
The event focused on whether this newfound success was due to a broader industry trend or the achievement of a new stronghold for blacks in the film industry. More than 300 people including Hollywood entertainers, NAACP board members, members of the NAACP Image Awards’ committee and television academy, as well as film and television students from local colleges and universities convened for this event.
They also engaged in the question and answer session by directly addressing the panel participants with various inquiries. All panelists encourage aspiring artists to persevere and learn to perfect their craft.
Panel participants included humanitarian/activist/director Bill Duke, CAA agent Cameron Mitchell, senior vice president of production for Columbia Tristar Pictures Devon Franklin, and author and producer Flo McAfee. Ramsey Jay Jr., nationally renowned writer, interviewer and producer, served as panel moderator.
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