September 19, 2023
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month this September, Luminate Film & TV directs its focus toward showcasing the remarkable talents and projects that vividly portray the rich diversity of multi-cultural Latin/Hispanic experiences.
Luminate's 2023 Entertainment Diversity Progress Report underscores the glaring discrepancy between the burgeoning Latin/Hispanic community in the United States and its underrepresentation across film, TV, and streaming projects. The 2023 Entertainment Diversity Progress Report found that only six films centered on Latin/Hispanic narratives in 2022, representing only 0.9% of all movies released that year. The report also showed that across the board, there was a decrease in Latin/Hispanic representation from 2021 to 2022 with main title roles (8.7% - 7.7%), directors (6.8% - 4.6%), series regulars (14.2% - 12%), and series creators (9% - 7.8%), respectively.
Addressing this vital need for representation, Luminate Film & TV has meticulously gathered data on talents' heritage, languages, and countries of origin. As the industry’s benchmark, we hope our database encourages Hollywood to be more inclusive and intentional about hiring Latin/Hispanic talent.
Luminate Film & TV invites you to explore the talent and projects in this month’s celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month; we also encourage you to utilize the vast Luminate Film & TV database for further discovery.
LATINX STORIES, LEGAL DRAMA, LITERARY ADAPTATION, SERIALIZED DRAMA, WORKPLACE DRAMA
NETFLIXRELEASE DATE (2nd Season):
07/06/2023
The Lincoln Lawyer revolves around Mickey Haller, who runs his law practice out of the back seat of his Lincoln Town Car, as he takes on cases across the expansive city of Los Angeles.
COMIC BOOK / GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION, LATINX STORIES, LITERARY ADAPTATION, SUPERHERO
WARNER BROS.RELEASE DATE:
08/18/2023
A Mexican-American teen acquires body armor that gives him superpowers. Based on the DC Comics series created by Keith Giffen, John Rogers, and Cully Hamner in 2006.
LATINX STORIES, LGBTQ STORIES, LITERARY ADAPTATION, VAMPIRE
FXRELEASE DATE (5th Season):
07/13/2023
Set in New York City, the series follows three vampires who have been roommates for hundreds and hundreds of years. Based on the 2014 movie by Jermaine Clement and Taiki Waititi.
BIOGRAPHICAL, FOOD/DRINK, LATINX STORIES, TRUE STORY/EVENT, WORKPLACE DRAMA
HULURELEASE DATE:
6/09/2023
Richard Montanez rose from humble beginnings to a successful businessman when he created the food phenomenon Flamin' Hot Cheetos. This idea transformed the Frito-Lay brand into a pop culture phenomenon, disrupting the food industry.
BIOGRAPHICAL, LATINX STORIES, LGBTQ STORIES, SPORTS
AMAZON STUDIOSRELEASE DATE:
9/22/2023
Saul Armendariz, a gay amateur wrestler from El Paso, rises to international stardom after he creates the "exotico" character Cassandro, the "Liberace of Lucha Libre." In the process, he upends not just the macho wrestling world but also his own life.
LATINX STORIES, SINGLE CAMERA COMEDY
HULURELEASE DATE (2nd Season):
7/28/2023
Inspired by the life and stand- up comedy of Chris Estrada, this half-hour comedy explores Julio's work at a gang-rehabilitation non- profit and his quest to overcome his codependency issues with his family as he navigates working- class life in South Central L.A.
Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 56 PROJECTS Batwheels, Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai
Producer, Director, Camera and Electrical Department, Editor, Writer SCREEN SCORE - PROJECTS Blue Beetle, Menudo: Forever Young, Charm City Kings
Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 59 PROJECTS Blue Beetle, Harley Quinn, What We Do in the Shadows
Director, Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 79 PROJECTS Dumb Money, Barbie, We Crashed
Producer, Director, Talent SCREEN SCORE 80 PROJECTS Flamin' Hot, Eva Longoria: Searching For Mexico, Tell it like a Woman
Talent SCREEN SCORE 52 PROJECTS Birth/Rebirth, The Horror of Dolores Roach, Florida Man
Talent SCREEN SCORE 42 PROJECTS Cassandro, Unidentified Objects, A League of Their Own
Talent SCREEN SCORE 33 PROJECTS This Fool, The L Word: Generation Q, Gentefied
Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 45 PROJECTS My Dad the Bounty Hunter, The Boys, Robot Chicken
Writer, Director, Talent SCREEN SCORE - PROJECTS Flamin' Hot, Gentefied, The Loud House
July 28, 2023
In honor of World Nature Conservation Day, Luminate Film & TV is celebrating the advocacy of select top talent for their work in raising awareness around the preservation of our natural resources. These talented advocates are using their influence to fight for the ocean, the air, and the soil; along with the future well-being of our planet.
Luminate Film & TV is highlighting recent documentaries that bring attention to conservation efforts. These captivating stories can be found under the "Climate & Sustainability" arena tag, as well as the new "Climate & Sustainability Stories" arena; which specifies narrative projects whose main storyline surrounds topics such as land conservation, climate change, or fighting environmental injustice. These projects spark conversation and get us thinking about how we can help our planet!
RELEASE DATE:
6/14/2023
A natural history series that will take viewers into never-before-filmed wilderness areas from the ice caps and deep ocean, to deserts and remote forests.
RELEASE DATE:
2/24/2023
In the southern Everglades, a wildlife photographer, veterinarians, ranchers, conservationists, and indigenous people join forces to track and protect the endangered Florida panther.
RELEASE DATE:
4/14/2023
A sweeping portrait of conservationists Kris and Doug Tompkins chronicling their fight and protect the endangered and protect the endangered to preserve one of the last truly wild places on earth.
RELEASE DATE:
3/31/2023
Anita Chitaya has a gift: she can help bring abundant food from dead soil, she can make men fight for gender equality, and she can end child hunger in her village.
SCREEN SCORE 93 NATURE CONSERVATION ENGAGEMENT Demonstrating a profound passion for environmental causes, he has effectively utilized his film career as a platform to champion significant issues pertaining to climate change, sustainability, and conservation. Notably, he served as the executive producer for the impactful documentary A Plastic Ocean in 2016, followed by Path Of The Panther in 2022 and We Are Guardians in 2023.
SCREEN SCORE 92 NATURE CONSERVATION ENGAGEMENT He serves on the board of Conservation International, an organization dedicated to safeguarding oceans, forests, and other vital ecosystems to enhance the well-being of individuals worldwide. This past February, he, alongside his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba, received recognition from TIME for their collaborative efforts with the United Nations in combating food insecurity and addressing the crucial connection between environmental conservation and communites that are food insecure.
SCREEN SCORE 51 NATURE CONSERVATION ENGAGEMENT In 2022, he expressed his endorsement for the Save Soil Movement via social media. The Save Soil Movement aims to increase global awareness about the deteriorating quality of soil and inspire individuals to engage with local policies, as well as promote positive changes that protect and nurture our precious soil.
SCREEN SCORE -- NATURE CONSERVATION ENGAGEMENT Throughout his presidency, President Obama made remarkable strides in land conservation, surpassing all of his predecessors by establishing 19 national monuments that encompassed an expansive 260 million acres of land. He remains committed to the cause of conservation. Notably, he lent his expertise to the production of Netflix's Our Great National Parks, serving as both narrator and producer. Additionally, he collaborated with Netflix to narrate videos that shed light on the company's sustainability objectives.
SCREEN SCORE 42 NATURE CONSERVATION ENGAGEMENT As a member of Oceana's Media Advisory Board, she actively utilizes her platform to advocate for ocean conservation and raise awareness about the urgent challenges of climate change. Her influential voice urges others to take action in protecting our oceans and fostering a greater understanding of the critical need for environmental sustainability.
SCREEN SCORE 49 NATURE CONSERVATION ENGAGEMENT Dedicated to working with Greenpeace New Zealand for more than a decade, she has actively collaborated in safeguarding the Arctic region from the perils of offshore drilling. Her impactful actions include participating in protests, filming public service announcements (PSAs), and leveraging social media platforms to amplify the message of environmental protection. She has played a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing support for the preservation of the Arctic ecosystem.
July 20, 2023
Lights, camera, inclusion! Welcome to Disability Pride Month, a celebratory month commemorating the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Luminate Film & TV invites you to join us in recognizing and appreciating the remarkable talents, stories, and perspectives of talent and filmmakers with disabilities.
Luminate Film & TV has created the most comprehensive and detailed database around individuals with disabilities within the entertainment industry. Our highly nuanced metadata captures and celebrates the intersectional aspects of those living and working with disabilities. For example, those who identify as neurodiverse and deaf do not always identify as having a disability, but rather as part of a community. We’ve only included talent who publicly identify as having a disability in this newsletter.
So, grab your popcorn, adjust your lens, and let's embark on a month-long celebration that brings Disability Pride Month to the forefront of the cinematic stage, shedding light on the beauty, resilience, and infinite possibilities within the disability community.
RELEASE DATE:
6/28/2023
Patrick discovers he has a four-year-old daughter and agrees to take her, but soon discovers that she would do better living with her maternal grandparents on the East Coast. Patrick enlists the help of his neighbor...
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RELEASE DATE:
1/22/2023
Born with a disability so rare that no reliable statistics for it exist, filmmaker Ella Glendining wonders if there is anyone who can share the experience of living in a body like hers. This simple question...
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RELEASE DATE:
3/12/2022
Jaakko is blind and disabled, tethered to his wheelchair. He loves Sirpa. Living far away, they have never met in person, but they meet every day over the phone. When Sirpa is overwhelmed by shocking news...
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RELEASE DATE:
5/12/2023
A recount of Michael J. Fox's story in his own words - the improbable tale of an undersized kid from a Canadian army base who rose to the heights of stardom in 1980s Hollywood. The account of Fox's...
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RELEASE DATE:
1/24/2023
Spurred by the spectacle of a circus tent that goes up outside his Oakland apartment, a disabled filmmaker launches into an unflinching meditation on freakdom, (in)visibility, and the pursuit of individual agency. ...
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Documentary Director SCREEN SCORE -- PROJECTS Is There Anybody Out There?
Alternative Producer, Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 49 PROJECTS My Father's Dragon, Honor Society
Talent, Producer SCREEN SCORE 29 PROJECTS Marry Me, T11 Incomplete
Writer, Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 69 PROJECTS Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Corner Gas Animated
Documentary Director, Documentary Producer, Documentary DP, Talent SCREEN SCORE -- PROJECTS I Didn't See You There
Talent SCREEN SCORE 22 PROJECTS The Blind Man Who Did Not Want To See Titanic
Talent SCREEN SCORE -- PROJECTS Sex Education
June 20, 2023
Luminate recognizes June’s Pride Month, a celebration of love, acceptance, equality and the myriad contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. We acknowledge the historical struggles and ongoing journey towards achieving equal rights and recognition for all.
Authentic LGBTQ+ representation serves as a vehicle for activists, artists and storytellers to amplify their voices and advocate for social change. By challenging harmful stereotypes and misconceptions, they pave the way for greater acceptance and create space for new narratives that reflect the full spectrum of LGBTQ+ lives. True representation calls for diverse and intersectional stories that reflect the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals from different races, ethnicities, abilities, and gender identities. It demands authentic casting, behind-the-camera inclusion, and space for LGBTQ+ stories.
Luminate’s film & TV metadata is second to none in accurately representing the complex identities existing under the rainbow umbrella. Luminate is the source of truth for the industry, exemplified by the 2023 Entertainment Diversity Progress Report. The latest report found that LGBTQ+ representation shrank year-over-year across every metric tracked (download the full report here).This underscores the need for advocacy and insistence on inclusive and authentic representation.
Our goal is to continue sharing insights to fuel conversations for progress.
We wish a happy Pride Month to all who celebrate.
RELEASE DATE:
2/17/2023
Set in the summer of 1999 a 17-year-old Serbian-born, Australian amateur ballroom dancer experiences an unexpected and...
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RELEASE DATE:
5/12/2023
Monica, a transgender woman, returns to her childhood home in the Midwest after a lengthy absence to take care of her ailing mother...
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RELEASE DATE:
8/3/2023
The story of Nick and Charlie, two British teens at an all-boys grammar school: Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker...
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RELEASE DATE:
5/12/2023
The Queer Eye co-hosts will once again lend their expertise in food and wine, interior design, fashion, grooming and culture to a new crop...
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RELEASE DATE:
11/25/2022
An unscripted series that recruits small- town residents across America to participate in a one-night-only drag show. In each episode ...
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RELEASE DATE:
12/02/2022
In 1958, a young trans woman named Agnes entered a study about sex disorders at UCLA to get the gender-affirming care she needed, by ...
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RELEASE DATE:
6/23/2023
Four Asian American women travel through Asia in search of one of their birth mothers. Along the way, their experience becomes ...
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RELEASE DATE:
10/21/2022
In the late 1990s, the arrival of elderly invalid Patrick into Marion and Tom's home triggers the exploration of seismic events from 40 years...
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Talent GENDER Nonbinary PRONOUNS she/her, they/them LGBTQ+ Pansexual UPCOMING PROJECTS Human Resources, RuPaul's Drag Race
Writer, Producer, Talent GENDER Female PRONOUNS she/her LGBTQ+ Queer UPCOMING PROJECTS Spirit Rangers, Reservation Dogs
Producer, Writer, Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him LGBTQ+ Gay UPCOMING PROJECTS The Santa Clauses, American Horror Story
Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him (out of drag), she/her (in drag) LGBTQ+ Gay UPCOMING PROJECTS Call Me Kat, The Masked Singer
Author, Writer, Director, Producer, Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him LGBTQ+ Gay UPCOMING PROJECTS Fear the Walking Dead, Frederick Douglass: In Five Speeches
Producer, Talent GENDER Female PRONOUNS she/her LGBTQ+ Trans UPCOMING PROJECTS Monica, Quantum Leap
Director, Producer, Talent GENDER Female PRONOUNS she/her LGBTQ+ Lesbian UPCOMING PROJECTS The L Word: Generation Q, Grown-ish
Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him LGBTQ+ Trans UPCOMING PROJECTS 9-1-1: Lone Star, Queen Sugar
Talent GENDER Nonbinary, gender nonconforming PRONOUNS any pronouns LGBTQ+ Gay UPCOMING PROJECTS The Book of Queer, Our Kind of People
Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him LGBTQ+ Trans, queer UPCOMING PROJECTS The L Word: Generation Q, Grown-ish
Documentary Producer, Producer, Talent GENDER Nonbinary PRONOUNS they/them LGBTQ+ Bisexual UPCOMING PROJECTS And Just Like That, Visible: Out on Television
Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him LGBTQ+ Bisexual UPCOMING PROJECTS 9-1-1: Lone Star, American Horror Stories
Producer, Visual Effects Department, Talent GENDER Female PRONOUNS she/her LGBTQ+ Lesbian UPCOMING PROJECTS The Marvels, Loki
Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him LGBTQ+ Gay UPCOMING PROJECTS Moving On, The Eternals
Talent GENDER Male PRONOUNS he/him LGBTQ+ Gay UPCOMING PROJECTS Call Me Kat, The Masked Singer
June 19, 2023
This Juneteenth, Luminate is celebrating the contributions of directors, writers, and producers who amplify the stories of Black Americans. These projects focus on themes of hope, injustice, humor, and the enduring spirit of joy in the face of adversity.
The Luminate database features diverse "arena" tags used to highlight themes and subjects beyond genres. These arena tags allow users to comprehensively and accurately search for projects that center the lived experience of different cohorts (for example, our database currently features over 1,000 films tagged Black Stories).
Join us this Juneteenth for thought-provoking narratives that inspire dialogue, ignite laughter and remind us about the power of resilience and community during this monumental federal holiday.
Happy Juneteenth!
RELEASE DATE:
1/26/2023
A documentary series based on materials drawn from The New York Times Magazine and Nikole Hannah-Jones' acclaimed "The 1619 Project,” a landmark undertaking...
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RELEASE DATE:
6/9/2023
Vicaria is a brilliant teenager who believes death is a disease that can be cured. After the brutal and sudden murder of her brother, she embarks on a dangerous journey to bring him...
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RELEASE DATE:
6/16/2023
A group of Black friends reunite for a Juneteenth weekend getaway only to find themselves trapped in a remote cabin with a twisted killer. Forced to play by his rules, the...
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RELEASE DATE:
12/25/2023
Celie grows up in poverty in the 1930s Deep South, enduring harsh treatment which makes her question her faith in humanity. Adaptation of the Broadway...
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RELEASE DATE:
6/2/2023
"Searching for Soul Food" follows Alisa Reynolds' discoveries of what soul food looks like around the world. As she seeks out food in Mississippi, Oklahoma, Appalachia ...
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RELEASE DATE:
6/14/2023
Inspired by the beloved award- winning series of the same name, "The Wonder Years" is a coming of age story set in the late 1960's that takes a nostalgic look at a Black ...
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Director AWARDS 52nd NAACP Awards Nomination UPCOMING PROJECTS The Color Purple
Director, Producer, Credited Writer AWARDS 52nd NAACP Awards Nomination UPCOMING PROJECTS The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster
Director, Producer AWARDS 28th PGA Awards Nomination, 69th DGA Awards Nomination, 89th Academy Awards Nomination UPCOMING PROJECTS Love to Love You, Donna Summer
Creator, Executive Producer AWARDS 74th WGA Awards Nomination UPCOMING PROJECTS The Wonder Years
Show Runner AWARDS 94th Academy Awards Nomination UPCOMING PROJECTS Searching for Soul Food
Director, Producer AWARDS 52nd NAACP Awards Nomination UPCOMING PROJECTS The Blackening
May 23, 2023
In honor of Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Luminate Film & TV has selected talent and projects that spotlight the vibrancy of the Asian diaspora.
The talent and projects featured this month represent only a small fraction of the diversity of the Asian experience and cultures. The contributions of Asian and Pacific Islander talent, both behind and in front of the camera, enrich the tapestry of America’s cultural landscape. Asian voices and narratives are taking center stage, as exemplified by the record-breaking success of Netflix’s Squid Games and the groundbreaking achievement of South Korea’s Parasite becoming the first non-English project to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Adding to this momentum, Everything Everywhere All At Once won the Academy Award winner for Best Picture and India’s RRR won Best Original Song - Motion Picture at the Oscars and was a 2023 Golden Globes nominee for Best Motion Picture. These successes, and the project and talent highlighted here, remind Hollywood that the Asian experience and culture is not a monolith.
The Luminate Film & TV database offers a comprehensive selection of the top 100 projects for film, TV, and digital content originating from South Korea, Japan, and India. Our coverage spans from 2015 to the present, and as of last year, we have expanded our scope to include forward-looking data, providing information on projects at various stages of production.
The film industry in India, commonly referred to as Bollywood, is centered in Mumbai. Luminate Film & TV recognizes and acknowledges the significance of diverse regional cinema industries within India. We have introduced different arena tags for specific regional film industries, such as Kollywood for Tamil cinema, Pollywood for Punjabi cinema, Tollywood for Bengali and Telugu cinema, and Mollywood for Malayalam and Marathi cinema. These tags allow us to highlight and honor the unique contributions of each regional industry and provide comprehensive coverage to our users. These stories matter, and Luminate Film & TV is thrilled to share them this month as clients continue to explore throughout the year!
RELEASE DATE:
4/6/2023
BEEF follows the aftermath of a road rage incident between two strangers. Danny Cho, a failing contractor with a chip on his shoulder, goes head-to-head with Amy Lau, a self- made entrepreneur with a picturesque life. The increasing stakes of their feud unravel their lives and relationships in this darkly comedic and deeply moving series.
RELEASE DATE:
6/8/2023
A coming-of-age comedy series about the complicated life of a modern-day first generation Indian American teenage girl, inspired by Kaling's own childhood.
RELEASE DATE:
5/2/2023
A follow-up to GOOD DEAL, Yang's beloved first global special, GUESS HOW MUCH? dives into various topics including love languages, loser friends, and negotiating with his Asian parents.
RELEASE DATE:
6/2/2023
A budding childhood romance between Nora and Hae Sung, at a primary school in Seoul, ends abruptly when Nora's family emigrates to Canada. Twelve years later, Nora, now a playwriting student in New York, notices that Hae Sung's been searching social media for her. They reconnect online and imagine reunion. Another dozen years pass and they finally meet in New York.
JOB TITLE Talent SCREENSCORE 45 PROJECTS Queer Eye, Next in Fashion
JOB TITLE Writer, Producer, Talent SCREENSCORE 72 PROJECTS Human Resources, BEEF
JOB TITLE Documentary Producer, Producer, Talent SCREENSCORE 79 PROJECTS BEEF, Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV
JOB TITLE Writer, Producer, Talent SCREENSCORE 57 PROJECTS American Born Chinese, 80 for Brady
JOB TITLE Talent SCREENSCORE 57 PROJECTS That's My Jam, The Masked Singer
JOB TITLE Producer, Alternative Producer, Writer, Documentary Producer, Director, Talent SCREENSCORE 80 PROJECTS Fast X, The Climb
JOB TITLE Talent SCREENSCORE 55 PROJECTS The Last of Us, Truth Be Told
JOB TITLE Talent SCREENSCORE 31 PROJECTS Never Have I Ever
JOB TITLE Producer, Writer, Talent SCREENSCORE 60 PROJECTS Never Have I Ever, The Drop
JOB TITLE Director, Writer, Showrunner, Producer, Talent SCREENSCORE 77 PROJECTS Never Have I Ever, Velma
JOB TITLE Writer, Director SCREENSCORE N/A PROJECTS Past Lives
JOB TITLE Talent SCREENSCORE 75 PROJECTS Showing Up, The Whale
May 18, 2023
In celebration of Jewish American Heritage Month in May, Luminate Film & TV is shining a spotlight on Jewish American talent and the stories that celebrate, explore and embody Jewish heritage. To achieve this, Luminate Film & TV has developed a Cultural/Religious Identity dataset that takes into account a person's Religious Background, identifying which religion they were born into or raised in (important note: this may no longer reflect their current cultural or religious affiliation/practice); their Religious Practice, which is the religion they currently practice; and their Religious Cultural Identity, which describes how they identify as part of a religious or cultural group, even if they choose not to participate in certain or all aspects of the formal religious practice. Our identity and heritage are not just about our ethnic background but also highlight our generational religious practices and cultural religious origins, which are often linked to a specific land or geographical region. The Jewish American community is just as diverse and unique as any other community, and Luminate Film & TV is thrilled to showcase the selected talent and projects that bring heart, laughter, tears, understanding, and joy to the screen.
RELEASE DATE:
5/3/2023
A new series from the producers of Indian Matchmaking, Jewish Matchmaking features singles in the US and Israel as they turn their dating life over to a top Jewish matchmaker. Will using the traditional practice of shidduch help them find their soulmate in today's world?
RELEASE DATE:
4/14/2023
A dramedy about Miriam "Midge" Maisel, a 1958 New York City woman who has everything she's ever wanted the perfect husband, two kids, and an elegant Upper West Side apartment perfect for hosting Yom Kippur dinner. But her perfect life suddenly takes an unexpected turn and Midge discovers a previously unknown talent-one that changes her life forever.
RELEASE DATE:
5/2/2023
Tells the remarkable story of 20-something secretary Miep Gies (Bel Powley), who didn't hesitate when her boss Otto Frank (Liev Schreiber) asked her to hide him and his family from the Nazis during World War II. It was Miep who found Anne's diary and preserved it so that she and Otto could later share it with the world.
RELEASE DATE:
11/23/2022
Inspired by Steven Spielberg's childhood, this story details the coming-of-age of 16-year-old aspiring filmmaker Sammy Fabelman in Arizona, California. In this portrait of 20th Century American childhood, we see the effects of shattering family secrets and explore how movies have the power to help us see the truth about each other and ourselves.
JOB TITLE Producer, Talent RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Director, Writer, Alternative Producer, Animation Writer, Producer, Talent RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Christianity (Protestant), Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Talent, Producer RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Judaism (Jewish) RELIGIOUS PRACTICE Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Producer, Writer, Author, Director, Alternative Director, Alternative Producer, Documentary Director, Documentary Producer, Talent CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Ashkenazi Jewish)
JOB TITLE Talent, Producer, Writer, Composer RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Talent RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Talent, Producer, Writer, Director, Alternative Producer CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Talent, Producer, Writer, Director CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Writer, Producer, Talent RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Judaism (Jewish) RELIGIOUS PRACTICE Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Talent CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Talent, Producer, Writer, Director RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
JOB TITLE Director, Writer, Showrunner, Production Management, Producer, Talent RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND Judaism (Jewish) RELIGIOUS PRACTICE Judaism (Jewish) CULTURAL IDENTITY Judaism (Jewish)
May 4, 2023
In celebration of Earth Month, Luminate Film & TV is shining a light on the many different creatives, projects and companies in entertainment that use their platform to bring awareness to climate change and sustainability.
This week we’ve selected a handful of projects and distributors that are working to make a difference in the entertainment industry. Many studios have recognized the impact the film industry has on the planet - a single hour of television can produce 13 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the amount a single person can generate in a year - and have committed to making changes behind the camera and through the content they produce.
Through new initiatives and certifications, these select distributors below are working to make the industry more sustainable. They’re not just trying to make an impact behind the camera - many are creating content that makes us think about and care for the world we live in. From recognizing the beauty of the oceans in Avatar: The Way of the Water to dealing with climate change in real time in Extrapolations, each will leave you with a message of the importance of preserving the natural world for generations to come.
Netflix has implemented a plan called Net Zero + Nature, which works to REDUCE their emissions, RETAIN existing carbon storage, and REMOVE carbon from the atmosphere. Netflix is committed to creating empowering stories of sustainability and created an independent advisory group of experts to better understand their own carbon footprint. In their collection "Sustainability Stories," viewers can choose from a collection of various genres, exploring our changing world through Climate and Sustainability stories.
In March 2023, Universal created a new program called GreenerLight, an initiative focused on embedding sustainability across the entire filmmaking process through development, production and distribution. Their goal is to continue to reduce environmental impact on their sets. Universal integrates a sustainability mindset from the development stage to on- screen behaviors.
Apple Inc. is committed to achieve carbon neutrality across all of its products by 2030. Apple TV+ is reinforcing these efforts by producing climate and sustainability related content like, Extrapolations and Five Days at Memorial. Behind the camera, Apple TV+ utilized the sustainability consulting agency Earth Angel to improve their carbon footprint on shows like Severance.
SHOWS
RELEASE DATE 3/17/23 DISTRIBUTOR Apple TV+
RELEASE DATE 3/30/23 DISTRIBUTOR Netflix
RELEASE DATE 11/11/22 DISTRIBUTOR Netflix
MOVIES
RELEASE DATE 7/22/22 DISTRIBUTOR Universal
RELEASE DATE 12/16/22 DISTRIBUTOR 20th Century Studios
RELEASE DATE 10/21/22 DISTRIBUTOR Submarine Deluxe *Won Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film
April 18, 2023
April is National Autism Awareness Month, and Luminate Film & TV is taking this opportunity to showcase a selection of series that not only provide an empowered representation of the autism spectrum and neurodivergent experience but also highlight the incredible talents of six trailblazing artists who live with autism and or a neurodivergence.
These series were created with a clear intention to uplift the stories and lived experiences of people with autism, and the casting choices were made with careful consideration to ensure that individuals with autism were given the opportunity to showcase their talents in a safe environment. True diversity is not just about placing individuals in roles as a mere box-ticking exercise. It's about creating an environment of equitable inclusion, where everyone's unique story is expressed and presented within the vast scope of their lives.
Luminate Film & TV invites you to discover and explore the groundbreaking talents featured in these series, as they pave the way for authentic casting and inspire young kids with autism to dream big and make it to the big screen.
A half-hour coming- of-age comedic drama about three 20-something roommates on the autism spectrum, striving for the same things that we all desire: to get a job, keep a job, make friends, fall in love, and navigate a world that eludes them.
The half-hour comedy introduces Nicholas (Josh Thomas), a neurotic 25-year-old still living at home with his single dad and two teen half-sisters, one of whom has autism. When their dad becomes terminally ill, Nicholas is the one who will have to hold it all together.
An incendiary mural exposes everyone's secret hook-ups at Hartley High. Its author, Amerie, has to grapple with the messy fallouts as a total outcast. A reboot of the popular 1990s Australian teen drama.
An insightful and warm- hearted docu-reality series following people on the autism spectrum as they navigate the world of dating and relationships searching for something we all hope to find, love.
SCREEN SCORE 39 JOB TITLE Talent CREDITS Chicago MED, As We See It
SCREEN SCORE 43 JOB TITLE Makeup Department, Talent CREDITS Not Dead Yet, As We See It
SCREEN SCORE 28 JOB TITLE Talent CREDITS As We See It, Ballers
SCREEN SCORE 24 JOB TITLE Stunts, Talent CREDITS Everything's Gonna Be Okay, Apparition
SCREEN SCORE 25 JOB TITLE Director, Writer, Showrunner, Talent CREDITS Everything's Gonna Be Okay, Please Like Me
JOB TITLE Talent CREDITS Heartbreak High
April 13, 2023
In celebration of April being Earth Month, Luminate Film & TV is shining a light on the many different creatives, projects and companies in entertainment that use their platform to bring awareness to climate change and sustainability.
This week, we've selected these top talents who you may not know have utilized their platform to advocate for climate change awareness by using social media, engaging in specific business ventures, making sustainable lifestyle choices, and working with advocacy organizations. Many of them have dedicated their careers to climate activism and have a significant influence not only in the entertainment industry but also in policymaking, inciting change in real-time.
Whether it's supporting anti-fracking measures, protesting on Capitol Hill, or persuading major designers to produce only vegan fashion, they make sure their voices -- and those whom they represent -- are heard. As a reminder, subscribers both active and inactive will continue to have free access to our Data Celebration Awareness Month alerts until April 22, 2023!
SCREEN SCORE 83 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Spearheaded climate change advocacy for 30+ years through actively promoting causes on media/press tours, attending/leading climate protests and supporting petitions. Wrote the book What Can I Do: The Path From Climate Despair to Action.
SCREEN SCORE 47 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Promotes vegan alternatives on social media, signs climate petitions and works with the group Climate Power to spread awareness about the affects of climate change on farm workers.
SCREEN SCORE 64 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Throughout her career, she's advocated for PETA, veganism, and created the Pamela Anderson Foundation supporting climate change awareness. She will host a plant-based cooking show for Food Network Canada.
SCREEN SCORE 70 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Directed There's Something in the Water in 2019 which followed activists protecting land in Nova Scotia from pollution. They've advocated for access to clean water, water conservation and the right to protest injustice.
SCREEN SCORE 84 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Recently become a vegan and worked with Greenpace and Extinction Rebellion throughout his career. In 2018, he partnered with Sea2See to support upcycling ocean plastic waste it into eyewear.
SCREEN SCORE 49 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT He founded the company JUST Water to reduce single- use plastic in the world. The company is a Certified B Corp. JUST Water and his charity, 501CTHREE, have actively donated water to Flint, Michigan and other underserved communities.
SCREEN SCORE 85 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT On the Board of Directors for The Solutions Project. Advocates for anti-fracking measures and brings awareness to protests. He can be seen in the documentary In This Climate and leading the environmental drama Dark Waters.
SCREEN SCORE 75 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador since 2004 and has traveled internationally to advocate for impoverished communities, as well as composting. She eats a primarily plant-based diet.
SCREEN SCORE 78 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT A UN Goodwill Ambassador since 2010 and uses his social media to encourage his followers to take actionable steps to reduce the effects of climate change.
SCREEN SCORE 71 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Encouraged her 108 million Instagram followers to participate in Veganuary, used her Vogue cover story to highlight youth environmental activists and partnered with Reverb to make her tours more sustainable.
SCREEN SCORE 81 CLIMATE CHANGE ENGAGEMENT Wore vintage and ethnically made fashion to the 2023 Oscars in support of RCGD (Red Carpet Green Dress) Global. Partnered with Adidas, who prioritzes inclusivity and sustainability.
April 12, 2023
In recognition of March’s National Disability Awareness Month, Luminate Film & TV aims to draw attention to the important and vital contributions made by artists with disabilities in our database. For far too long, both in front of and behind the camera, authentic representation for those with lived disability experience has been largely unseen. The individuals featured this week include 12 top creative innovators who navigate the world through paralysis, limb loss, spinal cord injuries, mobility issues, arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, dwarfism, cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, and Down syndrome. Their work has transcended stigma and stereotypes to uplift and expand the diversity of voices telling stories today. It is our hope that the Luminate Film & TV database can be a positive tool for bringing about a more equitable and inclusive entertainment industry. We encourage you to explore our database and discover artists with disabilities who are enhancing the collective narrative—project by project—to create a more accessible and inclusive space for all. In the upcoming months, we look forward to celebrating the contributions of many more individuals from our database, as we celebrate Deaf Awareness Month, as well as Autism and Neurodiversity Awareness Months, among others.
Talent SCREEN SCORE 38 SELECTED CREDITS Gossip Girl, Only Murders in the Building
Stunts, Talent SELECTED CREDITS Amsterdam, Mayans MC
Talent SCREEN SCORE 45 SELECTED CREDITS Fear the Walking Dead, NCIS: New Orleans
Director, Talent SCREEN SCORE 30 SELECTED CREDITS Step Up, Locke & Key
Writer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 31 SELECTED CREDITS Law & Order, The Good Doctor
Talent SCREEN SCORE 41 SELECTED CREDITS Quantum Leap, Best Foot Forward
Talent SCREEN SCORE 22 SELECTED CREDITS The Witcher, Infinite
Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 30 SELECTED CREDITS Marry Me, T11 incomplete
Talent SCREEN SCORE 29 SELECTED CREDITS The Politician, Madam Secretary
Writer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 24 SELECTED CREDITS Moving On, Dollface
Talent SCREEN SCORE 26 SELECTED CREDITS Lucky Hank, The Other Two
Producer, Talent SCREEN SCORE 31 SELECTED CREDITS Best Summer Ever, The Peanut Butter Falcon
Mar 24, 2023
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Luminate Film & TV is taking the opportunity to highlight the incredible accomplishments and stories from female creatives throughout March, which builds upon the ways in which we already celebrate these artists throughout the year. This week, we acknowledge twelve diverse artists who use their words, share their perspectives, compose stories through musical notes, fill our bellies with laughter and use their voices to transport us into worlds unknown. Explore our database for even more unique and talented women directors, actors, writers, editors, cinematographers and many more!
Talent SCREEN SCORE 58 SELECTED CREDITS PREY, Reservation Dogs
Film Composer SELECTED CREDITS Devotion, Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody
Director, Writer, Producer, Talent SELECTED CREDITS The Woman King, Women of the Movement
Director, Talent SCREEN SCORE 54 SELECTED CREDITS Succession, Hellraiser
Talent SCREEN SCORE 33 SELECTED CREDITS Along for the Ride, The Wonder Years
Talent SCREEN SCORE 58 SELECTED CREDITS PREY, Reservation Dogs
Camera and Electrical Department, Director of Photography SELECTED CREDITS Elvis, Mulan NOTES Third woman DP to be nominated for an Oscar
Talent, Producer SCREEN SCORE 96 SELECTED CREDITS The School for Good and Evil, Everything Everywhere All At Once NOTES First Asian woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress
Talent, Writer SCREEN SCORE 21 SELECTED CREDITS American Horror Story, Fantasy Island
Composer, Music Department, Producer SELECTED CREDITS Shotgun Wedding, Slumberland
Costume Designer, Producer, Longform Costume Designer, Talent SELECTED CREDITS Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Above Suspicion NOTES First Black woman to win multiple Oscars
Talent SCREEN SCORE 70 SELECTED CREDITS Bridgerton, The Sister
Mar 3, 2023
For our last Black History Month Data Celebration, we’re highlighting the richness and breadth of Black Stories – and specifically the power of visual storytelling as told through the eyes of these Top Ten Directors. The stories they've brought to screen are poetic, groundbreaking. They include an uplifting animated series, thrillers led by Black actors, historical symphonies of the Black experience, the trials of a sports player forced to use his fame to stand in the margins for civil rights, the courage of trans women who unapologetically reveal the hidden complexities of society, and a teenage girl super genius who reverse engineers Iron Man's suit. We invite you to explore or re-explore the creative worlds of these Black Stories and noteworthy directors.
RELEASE 1/23/23 PLATFORM Theatrical Release
RELEASE 2/17/23 PLATFORM Theatrical Release
RELEASE 1/26/23 PLATFORM Hulu
RELEASE 1/21/23 PLATFORM Theatrical Release
RELEASE 2/8/23 PLATFORM Netflix
RELEASE 3/3/23 PLATFORM Theatrical Release
RELEASE 2/10/23 PLATFORM Theatrical Release
RELEASE Fall/Winter 2023 PLATFORM Disney+
RELEASE 1/20/23 PLATFORM Theatrical Release
RELEASE 2/10/23 PLATFORM Disney+
Known for his work with Grammy Award-winning music video for Lil Nas X's hit record "Old Town Road"
2023 PROJECT
House Party
Directorial debut
2023 PROJECT
Creed III
The first Black female director to have a film debut in the top spot in the US box office
2023 PROJECT
The Marvels
Multi time Emmy Award nominee
2023 PROJECT
Chevalier
Grammy award winning producer and first transgender cast member on the Love & Hip Hop series
2023 PROJECT
Kokomo City
Winner of Variety's 10 Directors to Watch for 2023
2023 PROJECT
The Burial
Feature Film debut
2023 PROJECT
A Lot of Nothing
Making her directorial debut with Oscar winning director Barry Jenkins as producer
2023 PROJECT
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt
A computer programmer who created Qurator, a movie review app
2023 PROJECT
88
Oscar nominated documentarian
2023 PROJECT
Bill Russell: Legend
Feb 2, 2023
Join us for a Black History Month Data Celebration, which will highlight the creative achievements of Black creatives in front of and behind the screen. While the expansive contributions of the Black community could not possibly be captured within the span of a few weeks, we hope to shed a light on these incredible artistic feats of Black talent across all disciplines that continue to enrich the entertainment industry with their voices, their stories, and their multifaceted cultural influence.
In this week’s Celebration, we recognize advocacy and activism. These two practices are carried out in a myriad of ways, and the contributions to Climate Change and Sustainability are no exception with these Top Ten Black Sustainability Advocates. Through their commendable efforts, these dynamic talents have utilized their platforms, money, and stardom to not only encourage others to participate in Sustainability advocacy but are going the distance themselves.
Has supported the work of the Fairtrade Foundation since 2005, and discusses sustainability in interviews while promoting Bridgerton.
In addition to being mostly plant based, she has lent her acting talents to many voice over roles advocating for the environment, such as the Nature Conservancy and National Geographic.
She founded BeyGood in 2013 which, among many other accomplishments, supports sustainable equity in business and serves underresourced commmunities.
He's been a longtime environmentalist activist and is apart of many organizations, such as the Years Project, the United Nations, and Citizen's Climate Lobby.
In an interview she mentions that she keeps track of her carbon footprint, saying that she doesn't have a car, is vegan, and is very much against litter.
Her Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) invests in climate justice initiatives in the Caribbean & United States and helps communities prepare for and withstand natural disasters.
Co-founded Studio 189 which focuses on empowerment, creating jobs, and supporting education, and partners with orgs such as the United Nations ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative.
In 2018, she created a line of sustainable merch that featured upcycled shirts with the phrase "puck flastic" and "sustainability gang."
She will co-chair the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in L.A during Oscar season, which honors environmental and social sustainability in the fashion world and entertainment industry.
In 2020, he partnered with Amazon to promote their Climate Pledge Program. He's vegan and promotes sustainability through his social media and music.