“Companies need to be making sure that they’re being intentional about diverse hiring and then also create a company culture that is inclusive and open to people from all different backgrounds,” Thomas said. “I think that’s very key.”

The program, sponsored by Color of Change, pairs participants with a production company and mentors and offers a lecture and speaker series.

The annual program will pair six participants with industry mentors and a project in development at a studio, production company or network to help see it through.

Attorney and Diverse Representation founder Jaia Thomas presented a two-part panel discussion for writers of color at Culver City's Blackbird House, addressing issues commonly faced when entering the business.

Movies like “Black Panther” and “Crazy Rich Asians” don’t come around all that often partly because of how projects are put together. Chances are the people brokering those deals — and determining who gets in the door and what stories are told — are white.