Powering Inclusive Content
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMERGING CREATORS
Across our company and within our brands, we are committed to creating opportunities for talent with unique and authentic experiences, viewpoints, and voices, both on camera and behind the scenes.
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Content for Change Academy
The Content for Change Academy is a talent program that aims to remove barriers to entry for new storytellers, build equity, and invest in the industry’s next generation of leaders from nontraditional pathways, including individuals from community colleges and certification programs.
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CBS Performers With Disabilities
A casting database and customized programs providing career guidance, acting workshops and open calls for people with disabilities.
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Nick Writing Program
The Nick Writing Program gives participants exposure to seasoned writers and executives.
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Nick Artist Program
The Nick Artist Program allows aspiring artists to develop their skills.
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Showcase
Paramount’s Comedy Showcase started in 2005 and is a highly anticipated annual hybrid comedy show with live performances and original, creative writing. Casting agents, showrunners and other entertainment executives attend the annual event.
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CBS Studios Casting Fellowship
This fellowship is a paid opportunity that aims to remove barriers to a career in the entertainment industry. It provides invaluable hands-on training in pilot/episodic TV casting and offers mentorship from the CBS Studios casting team.
OUR INCLUSIVE CONTENT LEGACY
We are passionate about creating content and experiences that connect with and celebrate our audiences in more than 180 countries. This commitment has shaped a long history and rich tradition of influential entertainment brands.
Paramount's Full Content HistoryADVANCING INCLUSIVE CONTENT GLOBALLY
Paramount International Networks & Streaming launched its “No Diversity, No Commission” content policy across the company’s international properties, effective October 2020. The policy, which started at ViacomCBS Networks U.K. in July 2020, is designed to promote and increase diversity in content and production. Among other changes, the policy requires production companies to meet prescribed diversity and inclusion guidelines prior to getting a final sign-off from Paramount International Networks & Streaming. The policy also includes “New Faces, New Voices,” a search for diverse contributors that aims to boost on-screen representation.
Previously, Channel 5 commissioned shows under the Diverse Indie Initiative, which it co-founded with The TV Collective in 2019 with the intent to partner with the most culturally diverse production companies to create mainstream programs for the channel. At BET UK, a $1m (£714k) commissioning budget was created to invest in new UK originals addressing themes and topical issues relevant to young, Black British audiences.
In October 2021, Paramount International Studios (PIS) launched PIS Social Impact. The new studio division will develop groundbreaking social impact-driven content addressing climate, equity, and health for the Paramount portfolio of brands, including Paramount+, as well as for third-party partners. PIS Social Impact is part of Content for Change and will also champion diverse creators and content focused on underrepresented communities. PIS Social Impact commissioned “Protest & Progress” from world-renowned, history-making photographer and social activist, Misan Harriman. The studio is also launching an inclusive writers’ room focused on scripted ideas powered by a diverse group of creatives, with a strong presence of participants from LGBTQ+ communities led by actor, writer and director Thishiwe Ziqubu. Earlier in May, 2021, Paramount International Networks & Streaming launched Narrativas Negras, a writing room of Black writers dedicated to ”developing representative and inclusive content.” The writing team is based in Brazil and led by Marton Olympio.