Thesis
A multiple case analysis of Black creative development professionals in the U.S. television and film industry
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Mar 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00011336
Abstract
Among the major television and film studios in the United States, there is a disproportionately low number of Black creative development executives. This paper analyzes the conditions that contribute to Hollywood's racially homogenous executive ranks. The research was conducted by interviewing thirteen Black professionals who either formerly worked or currently work within or adjacent to varying stages of the television and film development executive talent pipeline, including but not limited to, assistants, junior executives, and senior executives. The purpose of this study was to understand how inequitable career opportunities in creative development affect the likeliness of Black television and film professionals becoming top decision makers in the industry and the broader cinematic arts ecosystem. Findings indicate that the lack of Black creative executives is both a result and factor of a perpetual cycle that reinforces lack of awareness, lack of network, and lack of job experience in relation to creative development.
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Details
- Title
- A multiple case analysis of Black creative development professionals in the U.S. television and film industry
- Creators
- Keyanna Wigglesworth
- Contributors
- Pamela Yau (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University
- Number of pages
- v, 61 pages
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Arts Administration; Arts and Entertainment Enterprise; Drexel University; Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design
- Other Identifier
- 991022172967604721