Jerome Core, Amazon Studios, Prime Video
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Amazon
Core worked at Amazon-owned IMDb when he helped found the Los Angeles chapter of Amazon’s Black Employee Network. His work with that group led to an epiphany moment.
Core, 35, has channeled his passion into roles at Amazon Studios and Prime Video. As head of his DEIA content in the U.S. and globally, he works to ensure that both the production crew and on-screen images include people from historically excluded communities across gender, race and ethnicity. I’m in. sexual orientation, and disability status. He also heads up his VOICES event series for Amazon Studios, which focuses on the history and data of inequality in Hollywood. (In my spare time, I volunteer for Meals on Wheels.)
“I basically built this role to make sure the part I was developing was wide,” he said. “In a broader sense, we want to mean that we are really telling a story that includes all of these communities. [that audiences] See their humanity in these communities. ”
In the past year alone, Core has consulted on more than 30 series and features, including “Emergency,” “With Love,” “A League of Their Own,” and “The Boys,” demonstrating diversity in front and behind the camera. increased. We also encourage authentic storytelling in consultation with partners such as Illuminative, Lead on ADA, and Define American.
With input from GLAAD, he also helped remove the synopsis of the film, which was deemed anti-transgender, and worked with the director to expertly finish the storyline without losing its impact.
Growing up in a mobile home in Compton, California, Core never expected to end up in the entertainment industry. Despite his struggles, however, he grew up with strong values of respect and community. gave advice to help him.
“Easier said than done,” he said. “There’s imposter syndrome that comes up from time to time. But being fearless and taking risks has proven to be very rewarding.
Over the last few years, conversations about DEI have become easier in the industry, he said, adding that it has undergone another significant shift. Everyone is having conversations and learning from each other. You didn’t speak to Warner Bros. when I took the position. ”
Inclusion is still often seen as risky, but Core predicted that will change as more people from historically excluded communities rise to power. , the way we do business will change,” he said.
Recent binge: The Lord of the Rings: Ring of Power (Amazon) and Yellowjacket (Showtime)