Event Co-Hosted with the Motion Picture Association, the Learn Filmmaking Network (LFN), and the New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development

Event Photos Available Here

Empire State Development (ESD) today held the seventh New York State Multicultural Creativity Summit, a conference for diverse content creators to advance their careers and better navigate the film, television, and streaming industry. This year's event was co-hosted by the Governor's Office of Motion Picture & Television Development (MPTV) and the Motion Picture Association (MPA), in partnership with the Learn Filmmaking Network. The Summit advances New York State's ongoing mission to amplify underrepresented voices and perspectives across all sectors of entertainment production. Through targeted networking, mentorship programs, and professional development workshops, the initiative continues to break down longstanding barriers and forge new pathways for diverse talent in the film and television industry.

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “New York State is proud to host the Multicultural Creativity Summit, a pivotal event that underscores our commitment to ensuring that the film, television, and streaming industries are reflective of the rich diversity of our state. By partnering with industry leaders and organizations like the Motion Picture Association and the Learn Filmmaking Network, we are creating opportunities for diverse voices and talents to thrive, ensuring a more inclusive and representative entertainment landscape that truly captures the breadth of stories and perspectives that make New York unique.”

Motion Picture Association Chairman and CEO Charles Rivkin said, “This summit lifts up an unmistakable truth about our industry: a wider range of creative voices translates into richer, stronger, more powerful and dynamic stories. The MPA and our member studios are determined to ensure every community is represented on and off set – opening doors for a rising generation of filmmakers, creating space for often overlooked and underappreciated ideas, and giving everyone the chance to see themselves reflected on our screens.”

Learn Filmmaking Network Founder Gabriel Alexis said, “Learn Filmmaking Network (LFN) works to eliminate traditional barriers to enter the entertainment industry, while fostering a community where creative individuals can learn, connect, and hone their craft. This Summit is a perfect example of what we aim to do every day and I am thrilled to partner with the MPA and ESD on this important effort for New York’s creative community.”

The interactive summit featured panel discussions that provided advice and guidance for diverse content creators looking to advance their careers in the film and television industry. Sessions covered topics such as New York State Industry Pipeline Opportunities, Strategies for Talent Development and Representation in Hollywood, Financing Your Production, Filmmakers Legal Clinic, and more. Speakers at the event included:

• Hope Knight, President, CEO, and Commissioner of Empire State Development;
• Dennis Williams, Senior Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility, Warner Bros. Discovery;
• Nicole Hauge, Vice President of Production HR, Disney General Entertainment Content;
• Jeanne Mau, Executive Vice President, TV Programming Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, NBCUniversal;
• Jay Roewe, Senior Vice President, Global Incentives and Production Planning, Warner Bros. Discovery;
• Stacey Milner, Founder & CEO, Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program;
• Kenneth Adams, President, LaGuardia Community College
• Talitha Watkins, President and Head of ColorCreative Management and Productions;
• Hillary Wagner, Senior Vice President of Production Finance, CBS Television Studios;
• Rina Varughese, Senior Manager, DEI Creative Programming Sony Pictures; and others.

About The Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development

The New York State Governor’s Office of Motion Picture & Television Development, a division of Empire State Development, aims to grow and support the film, television and commercial industry by guiding filmmakers through the many programs and assets New York State has to offer, promoting and publicizing the state’s infrastructure, talent and film production, post-production, and commercial tax incentives for qualified expenditures in New York State. The office also serves as a liaison between production companies and city and local governments, state agencies, a network of statewide contacts, local film offices and professional location scouts and managers. More information on filming in New York State or the Film Production and Post Production Tax Credit Programs can be found here. 

About Empire State Development

Empire State Development is New York's chief economic development agency, and promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity throughout the state. With offices in each of the state's 10 regions, ESD oversees the Regional Economic Development Councils, supports broadband equity through the ConnectALL office, and is growing the workforce of tomorrow through the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The agency engages with emerging and next generation industries like clean energy and semiconductor manufacturing looking to grow in New York State, operates a network of assistance centers to help small businesses grow and succeed, and promotes the state's world class tourism destinations through I LOVE NY. For more information, please visit esd.ny.gov, and connect with ESD on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About The Motion Picture Association

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) serves as the leading voice and advocate of the motion picture, home video, and television industries. It works in every corner of the globe to advance the creative industry, protect its members’ content across all screens, defend the creative and artistic freedoms of storytellers, and support innovative distribution models that bring an expansion of viewing choices to audiences around the world. Its member studios are: Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO.

About Learn Filmmaking Network

Learn Filmmaking Network (LFN) is a global platform dedicated to empowering filmmakers, creators, and storytellers, with a focus on elevating diverse voices in the film and television industry. With a vibrant community of over 1 million members, LFN provides a comprehensive array of resources to help individuals at every stage of their journey through education, industry insights, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Its mission is to equip creatives with the knowledge and connections needed to navigate their filmmaking careers. By fostering community, collaboration, and inclusivity, LFN unites emerging talent with renowned industry professionals—such as directors, actors, and cinematographers—to inspire and uplift the next generation of creators. Through these efforts, the network is committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and celebrated, shaping the future of filmmaking.

Contact: 
ESD Press Office | [email protected] | (800) 260-7313
Emily Mijatovic | [email protected] | (212) 803-3692