Ava DuVernay Joins Forces With Filmmakers Brian Grazer And Ron Howard To Create Largest Digital Database Of Talent
Acclaimed filmmaker and founder of Array Crew, Ava DuVernay, is collaborating with Oscar-winning filmmakers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, founders of the Impact network, to create the “largest hiring network” for the entertainment industry.
Array Crew
In 2021, DuVernay founded Array Crew, a searchable personnel database designed to connect below-the-line crew professionals.
The database focuses on amplifying women, people of color and those from underrepresented backgrounds, connecting them with producers, studio executives and department heads.
The database has gained the support of major studios and streamers, including Warner Bros.Discovery, Amazon Studios, Apple TV+ and Disney.
It offers 650 job titles across documentary, animation, unscripted, live events and news.
DuVernay told the LA Times that creating Array Crew did face its hurdles at the beginning.
“We were having challenges breaking into new markets and figuring out technology that would work worldwide,” she said.
“Our challenges are that you have to become a tech company to run this as a robust digital platform.”
The Merger
Two years after Array Crews’ launch, it is now merging with Impact, an online professional network founded by Tyler Mitchell, Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.
DuVernay said it was a natural partnership, as Array Crew provides Impact’s network with many people who traditionally feel outside the system.
At the same time, Array’s members will receive higher visibility and greater access to more decision-makers.
Array Crew will exist on Impact’s platform, its members’ profiles will be identified with badges, and the site will have a filter enabling individuals to search for Array Crew members specifically.
“Ava has been leading the way to increase diversity and inclusion behind the camera,” said Grazer.
“Joining forces enables us to continue to advance how talent people in the entertainment community get hired and find the resources and opportunities necessary to succeed.”
Read: Major Media Companies Lose 4 Black Diversity Leaders – A Step Backwards?
According to Deadline.com, the user base is 40,000 industry professionals with access to a network of 1.2 million people working in the entertainment industry.
The LA Times reports that under the terms of the deal, Impact has licensed and purchased assets from Array Crew, and DuVernay’s venture will have an undisclosed ownership stake in Impact.
The team said the database will remain free for the crew, but as it grows and becomes more successful, it will begin charging studios to pay for the service.
