Roku Inc.
03/28/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/28/2024 07:01
Roku and the Handy Foundation Announce Expanded Diversity and Inclusion Initiative
Strategic partnership brings underrepresented workers below-the-line opportunities on more Roku Original productions
SAN JOSE, Calif. - March 28, 2024 - Today, Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU), the # 1 TV streaming platform in the U.S.*, announced that Roku Originals, together with The Handy Foundation, will help provide underrepresented communities more opportunities in the entertainment and film industry for below-the-line jobs, including assistant editors, production coordinators, digital imaging technicians, production audio, and makeup artists. To date, apprenticeships have been provided on popular series, including "Honest Renovations," "Meet Me in Rome," and "Morimoto's Sushi Master."
"As our original programming continues to grow in both popularity and scale, the choice is clear for Roku: Take the opportunity now to champion greater inclusion in our industry," said David Eilenberg, Head of Content, Roku Media. "The Handy Foundation's work with underrepresented or overlooked professionals makes them a fantastic partner for us, and we are thrilled to take on this significant, expanded initiative."
The collaboration between The Handy Foundation and Roku Originals, led by Melissa Hamilton, Head of Production, seeks to grant access to a diverse array of expertise within Hollywood's trade craft. In its efforts to connect below-the-line workers with job opportunities in the entertainment industry, the Handy Foundation has made notable strides, providing training and professional development while also advancing diversity and inclusion across the broader industry.
"This announcement marks a pivotal moment in our partnership with Roku, which initially began with placing one Handy Foundation fellow on 'Un Millón De Gracias!' in 2023. The expansion of our collaboration with Roku Originals reinforces our mission to uplift underrepresented talent in the film and entertainment industry," said Handy Foundation CEO, Ri-Karlo Handy. "With Roku's support, we are excited to continue strategizing on how we extend our impact even further, empowering individuals from all walks of life to share their stories and contribute to a more inclusive cultural landscape."
*By hours streamed (Hypothesis Group: Q4 2023)
About The Handy Foundation
Established in 2020 by veteran film and television executive Ri-Karlo Handy, SVP Creative, Unscripted at Blink49 Studios. The Handy Foundation is at the forefront of driving diversity and inclusion in Hollywood. Partnering with esteemed organizations such as the California Film Commission, NAACP, Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), studios, production companies, unions, and guilds, The Handy Foundation is dedicated to providing training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities for below-the-line positions. Bridging the gap between marginalized communities and job opportunities in the entertainment industry, the Foundation serves as a catalyst for change, empowering aspiring untapped production talent and connecting studios and networks to a wider talent base, The Handy Foundation ensures that the voices behind the camera reflect the rich diversity of society. For more information on programs and initiatives, visit http://www.handyfoundation.org.
About Roku, Inc.
Roku pioneered streaming on TV. We connect users to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers with unique capabilities to engage consumers. Roku TV™ models, Roku streaming players, and TV-related audio devices are available in various countries around the world through direct retail sales and/or licensing arrangements with TV OEM brands. Roku-branded TVs and Roku Smart Home products are sold exclusively in the United States. Roku also operates The Roku Channel, the home of free and premium entertainment with exclusive access to Roku Originals. The Roku Channel is available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, Calif., U.S.A.
Media Contacts
Roku
Sophia Economou
The Handy Foundation
Tosha Whitten Griggs