On the heels of Oscar night, I applaud the broad Asian representation among the winners and am particularly in awe of Michelle Yeoh, who made history as the first Asian woman to win the Academy Award for best actress. While this is welcome progress, we are all aware that many extraordinary filmmakers, cinematographers and craftspeople from underrepresented backgrounds remain undiscovered because they don’t have the right opportunity to break into the industry.
The job market is daunting for filmmakers, media producers, editors and other early career talent, while the arts and media sectors lack a broad enough infrastructure to support accessible pathways for in-demand jobs. Job seekers need an impressive reel of visual stories just to get their foot in the door, and in a Catch-22 scenario, one can’t build that without professional experience.
This point was crystalized for me recently by Jenni Loo, a paid apprentice in Los Angeles,...
The job market is daunting for filmmakers, media producers, editors and other early career talent, while the arts and media sectors lack a broad enough infrastructure to support accessible pathways for in-demand jobs. Job seekers need an impressive reel of visual stories just to get their foot in the door, and in a Catch-22 scenario, one can’t build that without professional experience.
This point was crystalized for me recently by Jenni Loo, a paid apprentice in Los Angeles,...
- 3/14/2023
- by Hilary Smith
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal has partnered with the Alliance for Media Arts + Culture to build on the company’s Creative Impact Lab.
The Lab, launched last September, is meant to boost diversity in the creative marketing field by giving apprentices from historically excluded backgrounds the opportunity to develop marketing assets for NBCU’s nonprofit partners, with guidance from employee volunteers. These spots are then seen on Comcast NBCU’s various networks and platforms.
NBCU will grant 119,000 to the Alliance, a nonprofit focused on cultural impact in media arts, to train NBCU volunteers on how to mentor the Lab apprentices effectively and to share best practices with the apprentices’ nonprofit creative agencies on how to create powerful and impactful spots. These agencies include Reel Works, Re:imagine, PhillyCAM, Spy Hop and Youth FX. The Alliance’s grant will also be used to support its own Arts2Work workforce development program and its Accelerator Fund to help women,...
The Lab, launched last September, is meant to boost diversity in the creative marketing field by giving apprentices from historically excluded backgrounds the opportunity to develop marketing assets for NBCU’s nonprofit partners, with guidance from employee volunteers. These spots are then seen on Comcast NBCU’s various networks and platforms.
NBCU will grant 119,000 to the Alliance, a nonprofit focused on cultural impact in media arts, to train NBCU volunteers on how to mentor the Lab apprentices effectively and to share best practices with the apprentices’ nonprofit creative agencies on how to create powerful and impactful spots. These agencies include Reel Works, Re:imagine, PhillyCAM, Spy Hop and Youth FX. The Alliance’s grant will also be used to support its own Arts2Work workforce development program and its Accelerator Fund to help women,...
- 2/14/2023
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Click here to read the full article.
“The More You Know” is making a comeback.
The long-running NBC public service announcement series, best known for its interstitials during network programming, is being rebooted for the digital age as a conversation series, to be hosted on NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock, and TheMoreYouKnow.com.
Musician John Legend; NBA star Steph Curry; NBC News anchors Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Kate Snow and Savannah Sellers; and the cast of the NBC comedy Grand Crew will be the initial batch of participants in the PSA series.
While the network PSAs clocked in at 30 seconds or under, each episode of the new campaign will be 5 to 9 minutes long, featuring more depth and discussion.
“My number one goal with this new format is, let’s get people talking about the important issues and spark a dialogue that leads to change,” Hilary Smith, executive vp of corporate social responsibility for NBCUniversal,...
“The More You Know” is making a comeback.
The long-running NBC public service announcement series, best known for its interstitials during network programming, is being rebooted for the digital age as a conversation series, to be hosted on NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock, and TheMoreYouKnow.com.
Musician John Legend; NBA star Steph Curry; NBC News anchors Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, Kate Snow and Savannah Sellers; and the cast of the NBC comedy Grand Crew will be the initial batch of participants in the PSA series.
While the network PSAs clocked in at 30 seconds or under, each episode of the new campaign will be 5 to 9 minutes long, featuring more depth and discussion.
“My number one goal with this new format is, let’s get people talking about the important issues and spark a dialogue that leads to change,” Hilary Smith, executive vp of corporate social responsibility for NBCUniversal,...
- 11/14/2022
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NBCUniversal hopes to help some people break into the media business who might not previously have found an easy path.
The Comcast-backed media conglomerate committed to help young people from diverse backgrounds break into the industry through the efforts of a new Creative Impact Lab, which aims to focus on non-profit storytelling and provide opportunities for apprentices from diverse backgrounds to hone their production skills.
“It is critical for non-profits to visually illustrate their impact through personal, human stories,” said Hilary Smith, NBCU’s executive vice president of corporate social responsibility, in a prepared statement. “Powerful marketing can help drive recruitment and serve as a fundraising tool. By giving diverse students unique assignments to create these assets under NBCU employees’ mentorship, the Creative Impact Lab is providing value on multiple levels.”
As part of this effort, NBCUniversal has forged partnerships with numerous creative non-profit organizations across the U.S,...
The Comcast-backed media conglomerate committed to help young people from diverse backgrounds break into the industry through the efforts of a new Creative Impact Lab, which aims to focus on non-profit storytelling and provide opportunities for apprentices from diverse backgrounds to hone their production skills.
“It is critical for non-profits to visually illustrate their impact through personal, human stories,” said Hilary Smith, NBCU’s executive vice president of corporate social responsibility, in a prepared statement. “Powerful marketing can help drive recruitment and serve as a fundraising tool. By giving diverse students unique assignments to create these assets under NBCU employees’ mentorship, the Creative Impact Lab is providing value on multiple levels.”
As part of this effort, NBCUniversal has forged partnerships with numerous creative non-profit organizations across the U.S,...
- 9/19/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal has hired Jen Friedman, who has held senior posts at Blackstone and General Electric as well as in the political realm, as its new head of global communications.
Beginning January 10, Friedman will be EVP of Communications, taking on many of the duties previously handled by Hilary Smith. In October, Adam Miller, Chief Administrative Officer, Comcast and EVP, NBCUniversal, announced Smith would shift her focus to corporate social responsibility.
Friedman will report to Miller. Her appointment is the latest communications appointment in the media and entertainment sector giving a relative outsider the top job. Disney this month brought in former Bp exec Geoff Morrell as its chief corporate affairs officer, who succeeds Zenia Mucha in a newly created position.
At Blackstone, Friedman helped oversee public affairs globally across the investment firm’s businesses. Before that, she was Senior Director for Corporate Reputation at General Electric, part of the communications leadership...
Beginning January 10, Friedman will be EVP of Communications, taking on many of the duties previously handled by Hilary Smith. In October, Adam Miller, Chief Administrative Officer, Comcast and EVP, NBCUniversal, announced Smith would shift her focus to corporate social responsibility.
Friedman will report to Miller. Her appointment is the latest communications appointment in the media and entertainment sector giving a relative outsider the top job. Disney this month brought in former Bp exec Geoff Morrell as its chief corporate affairs officer, who succeeds Zenia Mucha in a newly created position.
At Blackstone, Friedman helped oversee public affairs globally across the investment firm’s businesses. Before that, she was Senior Director for Corporate Reputation at General Electric, part of the communications leadership...
- 12/14/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Hilary Smith, a 23-year NBCUniversal PR veteran who most recently served as EVP Corporate Communications and Social Impact, is leaving her corporate communication role to focus on the social impact part of her responsibilities full-time. The announcement was made internally this morning by Adam Miller, Chief Administrative Officer, Comcast and EVP, NBCUniversal.
“As many of you are aware, Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr) has become increasingly important to the company. Over the last year, NBCUniversal has stepped up in this area, more than doubling the amount of charitable grants we provide to deserving organizations, while also increasing our focus on the employee engagement programs that go hand-in-hand with this funding,” Miller said in a memo (you can read it in full below). “Given the increased significance and scope of this work, (NBCU CEO) Jeff (Shell) and I have asked Hilary Smith to lead Csr globally for NBCUniversal, full time, and we...
“As many of you are aware, Corporate Social Responsibility (Csr) has become increasingly important to the company. Over the last year, NBCUniversal has stepped up in this area, more than doubling the amount of charitable grants we provide to deserving organizations, while also increasing our focus on the employee engagement programs that go hand-in-hand with this funding,” Miller said in a memo (you can read it in full below). “Given the increased significance and scope of this work, (NBCU CEO) Jeff (Shell) and I have asked Hilary Smith to lead Csr globally for NBCUniversal, full time, and we...
- 10/13/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
After six years as head of corporate communications, NBCUniversal veteran Hilary Smith will shift to a new post leading the company’s corporate social responsibility efforts.
Smith will continue to oversee NBCU’s corporate communications for the near term until a successor is named. She already steered NBCU’s social impact programs. The decision to expand the role of corporate social responsibility into a full-time job is a sign of NBCUniversal’s heightened focus on such issues. Parent company Comcast has made a three-year, $100 million pledge to support social justice issues, which gives Smith a big budget for planning good works, company volunteer efforts and general philanthropy.
Adam Miller, NBCU’s executive vice president and Comcast’s chief administrative officer, said in a staff memo announcing the promotion that Smith’s track record over the past few years made her the natural choice.
“Through our corporate social impact campaign, ‘NBCUnites,...
Smith will continue to oversee NBCU’s corporate communications for the near term until a successor is named. She already steered NBCU’s social impact programs. The decision to expand the role of corporate social responsibility into a full-time job is a sign of NBCUniversal’s heightened focus on such issues. Parent company Comcast has made a three-year, $100 million pledge to support social justice issues, which gives Smith a big budget for planning good works, company volunteer efforts and general philanthropy.
Adam Miller, NBCU’s executive vice president and Comcast’s chief administrative officer, said in a staff memo announcing the promotion that Smith’s track record over the past few years made her the natural choice.
“Through our corporate social impact campaign, ‘NBCUnites,...
- 10/13/2021
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal has identified 10 nonprofit organizations that are the latest beneficiaries of parent company Comcast’s multi-year, $100 million pledge to combat structural inequity and support education and training, particularly in the media industry, for the underserved.
“As one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, NBCUniversal has a responsibility to give back to our communities and help level the playing field so that underrepresented groups are afforded the access and skills needed to break into this industry and have opportunity for success,” NBCU executive vice president of corporate communications and social impact Hilary Smith said in a statement....
“As one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, NBCUniversal has a responsibility to give back to our communities and help level the playing field so that underrepresented groups are afforded the access and skills needed to break into this industry and have opportunity for success,” NBCU executive vice president of corporate communications and social impact Hilary Smith said in a statement....
- 1/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
NBCUniversal has identified 10 nonprofit organizations that are the latest beneficiaries of parent company Comcast’s multi-year, $100 million pledge to combat structural inequity and support education and training, particularly in the media industry, for the underserved.
“As one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, NBCUniversal has a responsibility to give back to our communities and help level the playing field so that underrepresented groups are afforded the access and skills needed to break into this industry and have opportunity for success,” NBCU executive vice president of corporate communications and social impact Hilary Smith said in a statement....
“As one of the world’s largest media and entertainment companies, NBCUniversal has a responsibility to give back to our communities and help level the playing field so that underrepresented groups are afforded the access and skills needed to break into this industry and have opportunity for success,” NBCU executive vice president of corporate communications and social impact Hilary Smith said in a statement....
- 1/12/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Four 2020 Democratic candidates — Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-ma), Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-ca) — have signed on to a letter calling on the Democratic National Committee to ensure that Comcast orders an independent investigation of sexual harassment and misconduct claims at NBC News.
The letter was organized by the women’s activist group UltraViolet and is their latest attack on the network and its response to claims made against Matt Lauer, who was fired as host of Today in 2017. MSNBC is a co-sponsor of the next Democratic debate on Wednesday from the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
“We, the undersigned candidates, are very concerned about the message it would send to sexual assault survivors if our next debate is sponsored by MSNBC without clear commitments from Comcast, the parent company of NBC and MSNBC, to conduct an independent investigation into...
The letter was organized by the women’s activist group UltraViolet and is their latest attack on the network and its response to claims made against Matt Lauer, who was fired as host of Today in 2017. MSNBC is a co-sponsor of the next Democratic debate on Wednesday from the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta.
“We, the undersigned candidates, are very concerned about the message it would send to sexual assault survivors if our next debate is sponsored by MSNBC without clear commitments from Comcast, the parent company of NBC and MSNBC, to conduct an independent investigation into...
- 11/19/2019
- by Ted Johnson
- Deadline Film + TV
NBCUniversal will not be conducting an additional, outside investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Matt Lauer, a network spokesperson told THR Thursday.
“We fired Matt Lauer within 24 hours of learning what he did, and promptly launched a corporate investigation. Based on our investigative findings, we have swiftly taken appropriate actions to address the situation and improve workplace culture,” Hilary Smith told The Hollywood Reporter. “There is no additional investigation being conducted. We are very confident in the report that was conducted.”
In 2017 NBC conducted an internal investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Lauer, who denied one accusation that he raped a former colleague but broadly apologized for “the pain I have caused.” Led by NBCUniversal’s general counsel Kim Harris, the final report from the investigation stated that the network “found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr, or others...
“We fired Matt Lauer within 24 hours of learning what he did, and promptly launched a corporate investigation. Based on our investigative findings, we have swiftly taken appropriate actions to address the situation and improve workplace culture,” Hilary Smith told The Hollywood Reporter. “There is no additional investigation being conducted. We are very confident in the report that was conducted.”
In 2017 NBC conducted an internal investigation into the accusations of sexual misconduct against Lauer, who denied one accusation that he raped a former colleague but broadly apologized for “the pain I have caused.” Led by NBCUniversal’s general counsel Kim Harris, the final report from the investigation stated that the network “found no evidence indicating that any NBC News or Today Show leadership, News Hr, or others...
- 10/17/2019
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Wrap
Several women’s advocacy groups on Wednesday criticized NBC News’ handling of its investigation into the Matt Lauer sexual harassment scandal and whether senior managers were aware of allegations about the star “Today” anchor.
NBC News’ internal investigation on Matt Lauer found that executives at “Today” and elsewhere at NBC News had no knowledge of inappropriate behavior by before last November, when an NBC News staffer came forward with a complaint.
Press Forward, an initiative to stop sexual harassment and assault in newsrooms, released a statement urging NBCUniversal to commission an independent investigation by an outside entity — a step that has also been called for by other activists galvanized by the #MeToo movement.
“To truly assess culture and get honest responses from employees, we recommend hiring an independent third party, as is common practice,” Press Forward co-founder Eleanor McManus said. “No one is going to be fully candid when speaking...
NBC News’ internal investigation on Matt Lauer found that executives at “Today” and elsewhere at NBC News had no knowledge of inappropriate behavior by before last November, when an NBC News staffer came forward with a complaint.
Press Forward, an initiative to stop sexual harassment and assault in newsrooms, released a statement urging NBCUniversal to commission an independent investigation by an outside entity — a step that has also been called for by other activists galvanized by the #MeToo movement.
“To truly assess culture and get honest responses from employees, we recommend hiring an independent third party, as is common practice,” Press Forward co-founder Eleanor McManus said. “No one is going to be fully candid when speaking...
- 5/9/2018
- by Kirsten Chuba
- Variety Film + TV
NBCUniversal’s Hilary Smith has been appointed Svp Communications for USA Network. She succeeds Jean Guerin, who has been named Svp of Corporate Communications for the newly formed NBCUniversal Entertainment Cable Group under chairman Bonnie Hammer, reporting to Cory Shields, Evp of Communications for the group. In her new role, Smith will oversee strategic communications for USA, reporting to USA co-presidents Chris McCumber and Jeff Wachtel. Most recently, Smith, a 14-year NBCU veteran, oversaw communications for the NBCUniversal Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media group run by Lauren Zalaznick, which included Telemundo, mun2, Bravo Media, Oxygen Media, Style Media, Sprout, DailyCandy, Fandango, iVillage and Television Without Pity. Guerin has headed PR for USA since the 2004 NBC-Universal merger, a period of ratings growth for the cable network. She oversaw the launch campaigns for such series as White Collar, Covert Affairs and Suits and most recently shepherded the awards campaign for Political Animals.
- 2/27/2013
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Hilary Smith has been promoted to Svp Communications for NBCUniversal, Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media and replaces Cameron Blanchard, who was named Svp Corporate Communications at NBCU last month. In her new role, Smith will oversee strategic communications and serve as lead spokesperson for the division, which includes Telemundo, mun2, Bravo Media, Oxygen Media, Style Media, Sprout, DailyCandy, Fandango, iVillage, Television Without Pity and the Integrated Media group. She will report directly to division chairman Lauren Zalaznick and previously oversaw the unit’s digital businesses.
- 11/5/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Oscar expert Dave Karger will be a correspondent for Fandango. From the press release: "Fandango, the nation’s leading moviegoer destination, announced today that it has appointed film expert Dave Karger to the newly created role of Chief Correspondent. The hiring of Karger, a 17-year veteran and senior writer from Entertainment Weekly who also served as the Academy’s official Red Carpet Greeter for the 2011 and 2012 Oscars, is a key part of Fandango’s strategy to be a multi-platform entertainment brand. He will report to Hilary Smith, Svp of Digital Communications and Integrated Media Marketing for NBCUniversal’s Entertainment & Digital Networks and Integrated Media division. 'Dave has a well-deserved nationwide following as one of the industry’s most dynamic and respected film and awards authorities,' said Smith. She added, 'Bringing him to Fandango in this newly created position is a game-changer for the brand, as the business bu...
- 9/28/2012
- Gold Derby
It’s a blow for Entertainment Weekly, and a coup for NBC/Universal-owned Fandango. They’ve hired away EW’s Oscar guy Dave Karger, who for the last two years has been the Red Carpet greeter for AMPAS (a job my late Variety colleague Army Archerd had for years), and Karger is good on the tube. He’ll be Fandango’s face as he appears on Today, Access Hollywood, E! Entertainment and an array of other outlets. I’ve always liked his work and appreciate the fact that he’s not an egotistical blowhard like a lot of the so called pundits out there. Here’s Fandango’s release: New York & Los Angeles – September 27, 2012 – Fandango, the nation’s leading moviegoer destination, announced today that it has appointed film expert Dave Karger to the newly created role of Chief Correspondent. The hiring of Karger, a 17-year veteran and senior writer from...
- 9/27/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline TV
It’s a blow for Entertainment Weekly, and a coup for NBC/Universal-owned Fandango. They’ve hired away EW’s Oscar guy Dave Karger, who for the last two years has been the Red Carpet greeter for AMPAS (a job my late Variety colleague Army Archerd had for years), and Karger is good on the tube. He’ll be Fandango’s face as he appears on Today, Access Hollywood, E! Entertainment and an array of other outlets. I’ve always liked his work and appreciate the fact that he’s not an egotistical blowhard like a lot of the so called pundits out there. Here’s Fandango’s release: New York & Los Angeles – September 27, 2012 – Fandango, the nation’s leading moviegoer destination, announced today that it has appointed film expert Dave Karger to the newly created role of Chief Correspondent. The hiring of Karger, a 17-year veteran and senior writer from...
- 9/27/2012
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Fandango has named film expert Dave Karger to the newly created role of chief correspondent, the online movie ticket broker announced Thursday. The hiring of Karger -- a 17-year veteran and senior writer from Entertainment Weekly who also served as the Academy's official red carpet greeter for the 2011 and 2012 Oscars -- is a key part of Fandango's strategy to be a multi-platform entertainment brand. He will report to Hilary Smith, Svp of digital communications and Integrated media marketing for NBCUniversal's entertainment and digital networks and Integrated media division. "Dave has a...
- 9/27/2012
- by Todd Cunningham
- The Wrap
As the La Times' Geoff Boucher joins ex-usa Today writer Anthony Breznican at weekly magazine EW, 17-year EW vet Dave Karger is moving on. He is heading away from print reporting to a career as a professional video pundit and media front man. He will now grow his media profile at NBCUniversal's Fandango as the online ticketseller's first "chief correspondent." The main lure is increased visibility across NBCUniversal's media outlets. Karger was already a frequent entertainment pundit on NBC's Today Show, appearing over 150 times over the years. Other shows he will appear on include Access Hollywood, E! Entertainment, local stations and other media. At EW Karger delivered celebrity interviews including cover stories on George Clooney, Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, and served as the magazine's Oscar expert; he was the Academy’s official Red Carpet Greeter for the 2011 and 2012 Oscars. He will now report to Hilary Smith, Svp of Digital.
- 9/27/2012
- by Anne Thompson
- Thompson on Hollywood
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