Issa Rae Signs Multi-Picture Production Deal With Columbia Pictures To Find New Diverse Screenwriters

Issa Rae has signed off a new a deal with Columbia Pictures that will seek out new diverse writers.

Rae, the mastermind behind the hit HBO show “Insecure” is taking on a new business venture with Columbia Pictures and her company, ColorCreative, in a new multi-picture production deal where she will help search for new diverse talent.

Under the new deal, ColorCreative will work with and support projects from up and coming screenwriters. The deal comes as the entertainment industry is beginning to acknowledge the lack of diversity in the realm of media production, writing and on-screen talent. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Underrepresented groups and their stories are often deemed less “profitable” or more difficult to sell to big studios. However, after the amazing success of “Black Panther” and “Crazy Rich Asians” studios have now been opening up to more diverse talents. A recent USC study found that only 29.3% of characters in the 100 top grossing movies of 2017 were from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, Variety reports.

Rae has been a content creator for several years, gaining huge notability from her YouTube show “Awkward Black Girl.” “Issa is a force of nature, and a magnet for talented people,” said Sanford Panitch, president of Columbia Pictures, in a statement. “We couldn’t be more excited to join her in her mission to pave the way for fresh and authentic voices.”

Rae added,  “Working with Bryan Smiley and Columbia Pictures to further the mission ColorCreative set out to achieve four years ago in creating access for underrepresented writers, has been a dream come true.” She continued, “All of the projects we are working on are fresh and promising and we can’t wait to continue the work. We hope to set a precedent and inspire the industry at large to invest in undiscovered talent, original IP, and fresh stories and perspectives.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

The selected participants will be announced in spring 2019.