The Writers Guild of Canada (WGC) has reported a significant increase in the number of diverse members working in the industry. From 2018 to 2022, the percentage of WGC members identifying as diverse and actively working has grown from 21 percent to 38 percent. This growth can be attributed to an influx of writers from underrepresented communities joining the organization. However, the WGC’s 2023 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Report reveals a disappointing statistic – only 35 percent of writing jobs in the industry went to diverse members in 2022. Non-diverse writers were more likely to have multiple TV gigs, either as part of a story room or being selected to write a pilot.
This figure marks a decline from the 41 percent of jobs that went to diverse writers in 2021. The report states that representation levels decreased or remained stagnant for multiple diverse groups throughout 2022. This setback is disheartening, given the Canadian industry’s commitment to fostering diverse and inclusive storytelling. Efforts to provide new opportunities for local creators from underrepresented communities have resulted in the success of shows like CBC’s “Sort Of” and Global’s “Robyn Hood,” an action drama that reimagines the English legend of Robin Hood.
Unfortunately, this backsliding can also be observed in other aspects of the Canadian industry. The Women in View’s On Screen 2023 report highlights that black women, Indigenous women, and women of color have struggled to find work and leadership roles in the Canadian film and TV production sector. This report measures progress towards greater racial representation in hiring practices. The industry’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is crucial, as local film and TV funders have made efforts to prioritize these values on set.
The WGC’s 2023 report examined 87 local TV series produced in 2022, including animated projects, as well as 368 series shot between 2018 and 2021. Despite local broadcasters and funders’ good intentions, the report found that diverse screenwriters have been hindered by limited work opportunities. This includes the impact of mini-rooms and ongoing barriers that mid-level diverse screenwriters face in securing senior roles within writers’ rooms. The report concludes that many programs are still falling short of launching careers and helping writers establish a better standing in the industry. This is despite various initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion on film and TV sets.
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The advancement of diverse writers also faces obstacles due to a reduction in the number of TV shows commissioned by local broadcasters. Growing competition from U.S. streamers entering the Canadian market, along with the effects of cord-cutting and a soft advertising market, have contributed to this decline. The report highlights that there has been a decline in the production of live-action episodes across the board, as well as a steep decline in the number of half-hour episodes in animation.
In addition to limited job opportunities, the report reveals a slowdown in the momentum for diverse screenwriters when it comes to earning writing credits. People of color saw a decrease in representation, dropping from 15 percent in 2021 to 13.5 percent in 2022. The share of credits going to black writers also decreased from 5.6 percent in 2021 to 4.1 percent in 2022.
The findings of the WGC’s 2023 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Report shed light on the challenges that diverse screenwriters continue to face in the Canadian industry. Despite the progress made in increasing the number of diverse members within the WGC, there is a pressing need for further action to ensure that these writers have equal access to opportunities and meaningful representation in the industry. Efforts should focus on addressing barriers to entry, creating inclusive work environments, and advocating for diverse voices to be heard and uplifted. Only through sustained and intentional efforts can true progress be achieved in building a more diverse and inclusive Canadian media landscape.
