Specifically, the policy includes:
- Each film or series with a creative team of three or more people in above-the-line roles (Directors, Writers, Producers) should ideally include a minimum 30% women and 30% members of an underrepresented racial/ethnic group. This aspirational goal will increase to 50% by 2024.
- Casting actors whose identity (gender, gender identity, nationality, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability) aligns with the character they will be playing.
- Aiming to include one character from each of the following categories in speaking roles, with minimum 50% of these to be women: LGBTQIA+, person with a disability, and three regionally underrepresented race/ethnic/cultural groups. A single character can fulfill one or more of these identities.
- Seeking at least three bids from vendors or suppliers on productions, one of which must be from a woman-owned business and one from a minority-owned business.
- Pay equity across casting, behind the camera staff and crew, and for vendors and suppliers.
The third bullet point makes it very clear that Prime Video does indeed have racial, gender, and even sexuality quotas.
Not only did Amazon Studios detail these policies, but their Inclusion documents are guided by the Amazon Studios DEI team whose focus is:
- Ensure diverse representation of talent (in front of and behind the camera, above and below the line).
- Dismantle longstanding barriers to success in the Industry and inspect our processes so we do not create or perpetuate inequities.
- And tell inclusive narratives to reach a globally diverse audience.
When Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke first talked about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, this is what she said, “As for
how many people need to watch Lord of the Rings? A lot.
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