Diversity Hires
Los Angeles, California | Series
Comedy, Drama
Our show highlights the comical situations that come from tokenism while dealing with its effect on everyday life. It not only addresses the shortcomings of corporate diversity, but also that of underrepresented communities when it comes to perceived biases and prejudices towards other communities.
Diversity Hires
Los Angeles, California | Series
Comedy, Drama
1 Campaigns | California, United States
Green Light
This campaign raised $48,075 for production. Follow the filmmaker to receive future updates on this project.
254 supporters | followers
Enter the amount you would like to pledge
Our show highlights the comical situations that come from tokenism while dealing with its effect on everyday life. It not only addresses the shortcomings of corporate diversity, but also that of underrepresented communities when it comes to perceived biases and prejudices towards other communities.
About The Project
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After a scathing diversity report is leaked, The Claiborne Family Company comes under fire for their serious lack of diversity throughout the company. Their solution? The Diversity Now Program. They hire four diversity hires to work in different sections of the company, along with a documentary team to capture their new take on diversity.
Marc, Dmoney, Gabs and Aaliyah are also all allowed to live in a CFC owned house for free, as long as they give the documentary team full access to their work life. Each day brings a new, not so subtle, tense issue that can only be dissolved with laughter and understanding, but when they can’t get that, at least they have eachother at home.
Drawing on shows such as The Office, New Girl, and BlackAF, "Diversity Hires" provides edge-of-seat entertainment while dealing with important social issues, and will appeal to audiences of all ages and sensibilities looking for comedic and meaningful content.
Diversity Hires is a light-hearted attempt at starting a real dialog. It's no big news that society has been struggling with diversity and inclusion. And it's definitely no secret that the corporate world is going on a diversity hiring spree. BUT workforce diversity goes beyond just setting a hiring strategy, or as the Claibornes call it, a 'Diversity Now Program'. Building a sustainable change in diversity is not just a numbers game or HR initiative- and that's what Diversity Hires hopes to bring forward in an entertaining way.
Before we started developing Diversity Hires as a 6 episode, mockumentary style series, we filmed the web series version around August 2020. It briefly introduced our main characters and took a quick look at some of the tricky and comedic situations that arise between the hires and their employees. After an amazing festival circuit, we were awarded the "Best Web Series" at both Top Shorts and The New York Film Awards, and were semi-finalists at The Montreal Independent Film Festival and Indie Short Fest.
Our first milestone (after succesfully crowdfunding, fingers crossed) is to shoot the first two episodes of season 1. We've already locked in our dates, crew and cast, with only a few minor details to finalize before we're ready.
The next step is to jump into post-production on episode 1 & 2, and while filming the remaining episodes, enter the pilot episode into film festivals and competitions, shortly followed by pitching the series to networks and streaming platforms.
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Tevin served as an intelligence specialist in the Navy for 8 years. He then moved to Los Angeles where he wrote his first screenplay called The Helper which sold to CBS. After writing several screenplays for feature films and TV shows (including CBS’s Madame Secretary), Tevin made his directorial debut in January 2020 with his short film The Don't Call List. Since then has won numerous awards for his projects, including Best Romance Film at the New York Film Awards for The Don’t Call List, and Best Web Series at Top Shorts for the web series version of Diversity Hires.
Lizané is a South African actor and producer who completed her degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, then moved to LA to study acting at The Lee Strasberg Institute. She starred as the lead in Testify, directed by Sasha Krane, and went on to produce numerous projects, including Short Term, which most recently won Best Producer at The London Festival of 24frames.
Originally from England, Jasper moved to Los Angeles to work on his craft and pursue his acting career. Jasper most recently starred in HBO’s documentary Alabama Snake. With seven years of experience in the film industry, he's contributed to films as a producer, actor, voice over artist. Jasper has been part of a number ofproductions infront of and behind camera, including Ring which won Best Narrative Short at The Sedona International Film Festival.
“Why in the world do they need $60,000?!"
Believe it or not, Television budgets can run into tens of millions of dollars per episode (absurd, we know). So, although our target goal might seem like a lot of money, because it is, it actually sits at the very bottom of the television totem pole.
“Ok, but where’s the money going?”
The largest allocation of funds goes directly into filming the project: equipment, crew, cast, locations etc. Before this we need to complete pre-production, and after this we go into post-production to bring the complete project to life.
“How much are you paying yourselves?”
No core team members will receive a salary, stipend, or compensation for services rendered unless the show receives a development deal. We’re in it for the long haul.
By pledging any amount, you’re giving us the chance to tell our story and we will be forever grateful. Plus, you’re eligible to receive exclusive rewards only available to Seed&Spark backers. Just pick out an amount that fits your budget, or a particular reward that interests you, click the incentive and follow the instructions!
The only way we’ll hit our goal is by reaching out beyond our own networks. If you’d like to see our show on TV some day, and know that you played a part in its success, please share our page with your own network of friends, family, and anyone you think would be interested… especially if they’re willing to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and contribute!
Your contribution to our project means the world to us, and we know you've worked hard for the money you're pledging, so we want to make sure you get something in return! In addition to that really awesome feeling you get when you're part of something meaningful and hilarious ofcourse.
We've created all different types of packages, so check them out and see what interests you. Our full perk descriptions are in the right-hand side bar where you can select an incentive directly.
We won't beat around the bush- we need money to make this project happen. But crowdfunding is so much more than that. It means we don't have to wait for permission to create something, and empowers us to use our determination and passion to bring this project to life. And on top of all this, we're able to reach out to, interact with and involve an audience (YOU) to help us get the ball rolling!
The health and safety of our cast and crew is very important to us, and although our project is non-union, we will be doing our best to follow the SAG-AFTRA Covid protocols as well as CDC guidelines. Some of these include: having all participants provide proof of testing negative within 6 days of shooting, having an official workplace COVID-19 compliance officer at all timesn, and having masks be worn by all personnel on set, with the exception of actors during filming.
Incentives are part of rewards-based crowdfunding, and it's essentially a way for us to make sure that you feel valued for your contribution and support, because again - we can't do this without you. All our available incentives are listed on the right hand side of the page (desktop). Click on the incentive you want and follow the steps from there. If you're on a mobile device, scroll up to see all available perks.
Creating an independent television series with other people's money is both risky and challenging. Rest-assured that we are an extremely experienced team with a never-say-die attitude and we will stop at nothing to finish what we start.
What we have to face is the unpredictable challenges that arise during any production. But we are a resourceful team who are determined to be successful no matter what the dilemma. We are building a solid community of professionals who believe in the potential of Diversity Hires and want to see our vision on a cable network some day. Along with your help, we’re sure the production process will be a blast.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Food on Set
Costs $4,600
The talent and crew need to eat!
Location Rental
Costs $4,250
Our main locations are an office building, dressed up as the CFC offices, and a house for the Hires.
Equipment
Costs $11,025
Great production quality is the goal, and we'll need to rent all the equipment to make that happen.
Cast & Crew
Costs $23,100
6 episodes isn't easy, and we need to compensate for our wonderful cast and crew's time and efforts
Post-production
Costs $8,000
The final steps to bringing this to life include editing, sound design, color, and music.
Campaign
Costs $6,000
Perk fulfillments will need to happen, and campaign fees and expense are a reality too.
Production Design
Costs $1,125
Making our locations come to life, as well as all wardrobe and props we'll be needing.
Operations
Costs $1,900
Think insurance, permits, parking & all minor details that make a major impact on a professional set
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team
Current Team
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
After a scathing diversity report is leaked, The Claiborne Family Company comes under fire for their serious lack of diversity throughout the company. Their solution? The Diversity Now Program. They hire four diversity hires to work in different sections of the company, along with a documentary team to capture their new take on diversity.
Marc, Dmoney, Gabs and Aaliyah are also all allowed to live in a CFC owned house for free, as long as they give the documentary team full access to their work life. Each day brings a new, not so subtle, tense issue that can only be dissolved with laughter and understanding, but when they can’t get that, at least they have eachother at home.
Drawing on shows such as The Office, New Girl, and BlackAF, "Diversity Hires" provides edge-of-seat entertainment while dealing with important social issues, and will appeal to audiences of all ages and sensibilities looking for comedic and meaningful content.
Diversity Hires is a light-hearted attempt at starting a real dialog. It's no big news that society has been struggling with diversity and inclusion. And it's definitely no secret that the corporate world is going on a diversity hiring spree. BUT workforce diversity goes beyond just setting a hiring strategy, or as the Claibornes call it, a 'Diversity Now Program'. Building a sustainable change in diversity is not just a numbers game or HR initiative- and that's what Diversity Hires hopes to bring forward in an entertaining way.
Before we started developing Diversity Hires as a 6 episode, mockumentary style series, we filmed the web series version around August 2020. It briefly introduced our main characters and took a quick look at some of the tricky and comedic situations that arise between the hires and their employees. After an amazing festival circuit, we were awarded the "Best Web Series" at both Top Shorts and The New York Film Awards, and were semi-finalists at The Montreal Independent Film Festival and Indie Short Fest.
Our first milestone (after succesfully crowdfunding, fingers crossed) is to shoot the first two episodes of season 1. We've already locked in our dates, crew and cast, with only a few minor details to finalize before we're ready.
The next step is to jump into post-production on episode 1 & 2, and while filming the remaining episodes, enter the pilot episode into film festivals and competitions, shortly followed by pitching the series to networks and streaming platforms.
Originally from Wilmington, Delaware, Tevin served as an intelligence specialist in the Navy for 8 years. He then moved to Los Angeles where he wrote his first screenplay called The Helper which sold to CBS. After writing several screenplays for feature films and TV shows (including CBS’s Madame Secretary), Tevin made his directorial debut in January 2020 with his short film The Don't Call List. Since then has won numerous awards for his projects, including Best Romance Film at the New York Film Awards for The Don’t Call List, and Best Web Series at Top Shorts for the web series version of Diversity Hires.
Lizané is a South African actor and producer who completed her degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, then moved to LA to study acting at The Lee Strasberg Institute. She starred as the lead in Testify, directed by Sasha Krane, and went on to produce numerous projects, including Short Term, which most recently won Best Producer at The London Festival of 24frames.
Originally from England, Jasper moved to Los Angeles to work on his craft and pursue his acting career. Jasper most recently starred in HBO’s documentary Alabama Snake. With seven years of experience in the film industry, he's contributed to films as a producer, actor, voice over artist. Jasper has been part of a number ofproductions infront of and behind camera, including Ring which won Best Narrative Short at The Sedona International Film Festival.
“Why in the world do they need $60,000?!"
Believe it or not, Television budgets can run into tens of millions of dollars per episode (absurd, we know). So, although our target goal might seem like a lot of money, because it is, it actually sits at the very bottom of the television totem pole.
“Ok, but where’s the money going?”
The largest allocation of funds goes directly into filming the project: equipment, crew, cast, locations etc. Before this we need to complete pre-production, and after this we go into post-production to bring the complete project to life.
“How much are you paying yourselves?”
No core team members will receive a salary, stipend, or compensation for services rendered unless the show receives a development deal. We’re in it for the long haul.
By pledging any amount, you’re giving us the chance to tell our story and we will be forever grateful. Plus, you’re eligible to receive exclusive rewards only available to Seed&Spark backers. Just pick out an amount that fits your budget, or a particular reward that interests you, click the incentive and follow the instructions!
The only way we’ll hit our goal is by reaching out beyond our own networks. If you’d like to see our show on TV some day, and know that you played a part in its success, please share our page with your own network of friends, family, and anyone you think would be interested… especially if they’re willing to pull themselves up by their bootstraps and contribute!
Your contribution to our project means the world to us, and we know you've worked hard for the money you're pledging, so we want to make sure you get something in return! In addition to that really awesome feeling you get when you're part of something meaningful and hilarious ofcourse.
We've created all different types of packages, so check them out and see what interests you. Our full perk descriptions are in the right-hand side bar where you can select an incentive directly.
We won't beat around the bush- we need money to make this project happen. But crowdfunding is so much more than that. It means we don't have to wait for permission to create something, and empowers us to use our determination and passion to bring this project to life. And on top of all this, we're able to reach out to, interact with and involve an audience (YOU) to help us get the ball rolling!
The health and safety of our cast and crew is very important to us, and although our project is non-union, we will be doing our best to follow the SAG-AFTRA Covid protocols as well as CDC guidelines. Some of these include: having all participants provide proof of testing negative within 6 days of shooting, having an official workplace COVID-19 compliance officer at all timesn, and having masks be worn by all personnel on set, with the exception of actors during filming.
Incentives are part of rewards-based crowdfunding, and it's essentially a way for us to make sure that you feel valued for your contribution and support, because again - we can't do this without you. All our available incentives are listed on the right hand side of the page (desktop). Click on the incentive you want and follow the steps from there. If you're on a mobile device, scroll up to see all available perks.
Creating an independent television series with other people's money is both risky and challenging. Rest-assured that we are an extremely experienced team with a never-say-die attitude and we will stop at nothing to finish what we start.
What we have to face is the unpredictable challenges that arise during any production. But we are a resourceful team who are determined to be successful no matter what the dilemma. We are building a solid community of professionals who believe in the potential of Diversity Hires and want to see our vision on a cable network some day. Along with your help, we’re sure the production process will be a blast.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Food on Set
Costs $4,600
The talent and crew need to eat!
Location Rental
Costs $4,250
Our main locations are an office building, dressed up as the CFC offices, and a house for the Hires.
Equipment
Costs $11,025
Great production quality is the goal, and we'll need to rent all the equipment to make that happen.
Cast & Crew
Costs $23,100
6 episodes isn't easy, and we need to compensate for our wonderful cast and crew's time and efforts
Post-production
Costs $8,000
The final steps to bringing this to life include editing, sound design, color, and music.
Campaign
Costs $6,000
Perk fulfillments will need to happen, and campaign fees and expense are a reality too.
Production Design
Costs $1,125
Making our locations come to life, as well as all wardrobe and props we'll be needing.
Operations
Costs $1,900
Think insurance, permits, parking & all minor details that make a major impact on a professional set
Cash Pledge
Costs $0
Direct link:
Share this update!
About This Team