about
WHO WE ARE
Universal's Global Talent Development & Inclusion (GTDI) department has solidified itself as a premier thought leader in the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) space and across entertainment. This first-of-its-kind DEI department for the feature film industry continues to cultivate programs, initiatives and partnerships dedicated to creating access and opportunities for underrepresented talent and narratives across the content ecosystem.
It starts from the top
Made possible by the leadership of NBCUniversal Studio Group Chairman and Chief Content Officer Donna Langley, the GTDI team is committed to a business-led strategy that ensures DEI is at the forefront of Universal Pictures, Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation, Illumination's culture and content creation, both in front of and behind the camera.
our studio partners
universal pictures
“The GTDI team is an invaluable partner in our creative mission to bring diverse, inclusive stories to audiences around the world. From their presence on our studio's greenlight committee to the caliber of talent they cultivate for the studio through the experiences they create, GTDI's reach across Universal is vast and their impact immeasurable.”
- PETER CRAMER, PRESIDENT
Focus Features
“Focus is looking for elevated, filmmaker-driven projects with unique points of view when acquiring or greenlighting titles. Knowing that the GTDI team is both a partner and a resource in this endeavor gives us the confidence to examine projects with an inclusive lens and take a chance on up-and-coming talent. GTDI is leading the way across the industry to create access for these artists so they can bring all kinds of stories to the screen.”
- PETER KUJAWSKI, CHAIRMAN
Dreamworks animation
“Animation gives artists the opportunity to create new worlds, and in DreamWorks' case, build the dreams of unconventional heroes. To accomplish this goal, we need diverse voices from unique backgrounds. Partnering with GTDI on the Animation Writers Program gives DreamWorks Animation the opportunity to discover a range of untapped and underrepresented talent, who can bring their specific voice and aesthetic to the world of animation.”
- MARGIE COHN, PRESIDENT
illumination
“At Illumination, we love nurturing first-time filmmakers and talent – bringing their unique voices to the forefront of our content. GTDI gave us the opportunity to increase our impact with the Animation Writers program, but more than that, leveraging their knowledge and perspective on DEI sensitivities and strategies has been vital to our work.”
- CHRIS MELEDANDRI, CEO
our team
GTDI is passionate about bringing DEI to the forefront of Universal’s content and creative talent strategies. The scope of our team’s experience is vast, ranging from production and development to marketing and publicity. We are a key DEI resource for all UFEG portfolio companies, including Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation and Illumination, and are embedded within businesses across the film group, including creative development, physical production, business strategy, marketing, human resources. The team also works closely with divisions across Comcast-NBCUniversal, to further our company-wide commitment to DEI.
our work
talent
talent
The cohort of current talent are the top, up-and-comers in their respective fields. We are proud to have identified and recruited them to join our studio ranks. Get to know them a little bit here.
EXPERIENCES
EXPERIENCES
GTDI works to create experiences for talent at various points in their creative and production journeys within all the Studio's business functions. Check out our Experiences page for information on our initiatives, programs, labs and traineeships!
