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Tribeca Film Festival panel (2024) - Why do literary agents hesitate to represent BIPOC Deaf writers?



Expressions of Black Freedom

Please join Diverse Representation as we explore the various opportunities and challenges shaping the future of talent representation in the entertainment industry. Over the past five years, we have experienced historic labor union strikes, a global pandemic, tons of mergers and acquisitions, and the complete closure of entertainment companies, which have all contributed to the evolving role of agents and managers, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and the impact of technology on talent discovery and promotion. Panelists will exchange insights on how some of these key themes are transforming the way talent is scouted, managed, and marketed. The conversation will also discuss the importance of ethical representation, fair compensation, and empowering talent from underrepresented backgrounds. 

My summary with some swag here and there. You know how Queen Jade rolls. 

Hello! I'm happy to be here. My name is Jade Bryan. I graduated from the Tisch School of Art in 1993. In fact, I am the first Black deaf filmmaker. I have been producing films for over 30 years. I am one of the 13,000  filmmakers who submitted their films in this year's festival. Unfortunately, we weren't selected. Not this year, maybe the next one. 

However, this does not stop me from being here! Our episodic pilot, What Somalia Wants has won the Harlem spotlight at the Harlem International Film Festival two weeks ago. We're heading to SF Black Film Festival next week. Now about representation, the stories of the Black deaf experiences are the most untapped market. 

My question is for all of you, what is stopping you from signing a Black deaf filmmaker/writer like myself from getting representation? I have been waiting for IAG to sign me up since January. What do you think is the big hold-up? Why are they taking so long? 

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