About Us
Why this database is so necessary...
The Here and Ready Talent Database offers a quick solution to the age old dilemma: I know I need them, but how do I find them? The actresses listed here represent decades of experience, ranging from Broadway to community theater, from series regular to background performer, voice-over, stunts and more. Our actresses can be found in markets across the United States and even Canada,..because you may need Black actresses there too!
The calls for change happening on our streets have highlighted how important it is for the entertainment industry to expand complexity and representation for people of color onscreen.
We are Here and Ready to answer that call
OUR MISSION
To help our colleagues in the industry quickly discover & hire the talent they need while also providing space for Black actresses to share resources, offer moral support and better enjoy their entertainment experience.
Past. Present. Future.
Here and Ready was started in the fall of 2019 as a private group for Black actresses, inclusive of Black women, Black multiracial women, Black trans and nonbinary people. The goal was simple: create a safe space to share resources and openly dialogue about our specific needs and challenges. Sparked by word of mouth and stay at home closures, the group’s membership and offerings expanded.
Across these last few years, Here and Ready has worked tirelessly to increase visibility and industry access for our members while continuing to act as a networking and resource collective. Our programming offers grew to include casting director workshops, skill enrichment seminars and private meet and greet events with the Casting Society of America’s Equity in Entertainment Committee. We also launched a public talent database website to provide anyone seeking Black actresses with a way to discover and hire talent or post a free casting notice.
Now, thanks to a grant from the city of Los Angeles, a new Here and Ready website is on the way. This website will upgrade the visitor user-experience with refined talent searches, the ability to watch demo reels and a secure way to directly contact talent. Internally, the website will also offer our members an upgraded experience. The member portal will include a communications hub for internal chatting and an additional directory of classes, businesses, products and classes recommended by our members. These efforts are supported through our monthly subscription memberships and grants. We look forward to the continued maintainance and growth of the Here and Ready private Facebook group, supporting more than 1,300 Black actresses across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
Our Needs in the News
There were some great benchmarks set, read the supporting comedy actress category saw four Black women nominated, setting a record. They include Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Jessica Williams (Shrinking), Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary). No Primetime Emmy acting category has ever counted more Black women in it.
This revealing new study shows we need to be more aware of the persistence of stereotypes affecting Black girls and women — and avoid repeating those mistakes when making writing, casting, and other content production decisions.
“History doesn’t repeat itself, it rhymes. Mistakes made in the past arrive again in the present, slightly re-dressed but always familiar.” Guest Column from Deadline.
The “invisibility analysis” was one of many insights as part of the latest study. While Hollywood has shown improvement in giving representation to women, people of color and LGBT individuals as the lead characters in films, the industry has hardly budged when it comes to giving under-represented groups speaking roles on screen overall, with these groups often erased from movies altogether.
The relationship between characters and their Afro-textured hair has become a focus of directors and stylists, who are mindful of Hollywood’s restrictive past.
In Films and on TV, a New Openness to Natural Black Hairstyles
The relationship between characters and their Afro-textured hair has become a focus of directors and stylists, who are mindful of Hollywood’s restrictive past.
Black Women ‘Missing’ in a Third of 2019’s Top Grossing Films, New USC Report Shows
The “invisibility analysis” was one of many insights as part of the latest study. While Hollywood has shown improvement in giving representation to women, people of color and LGBT individuals as the lead characters in films, the industry has hardly budged when it comes to giving under-represented groups speaking roles on screen overall, with these groups often erased from movies altogether.
John Ridley: Diversity Exec Exits Spark Fear That Hollywood Inclusion Pledges Were Just PR & More Broken Promises To People Of Color
REPRESENTATIONS OF BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD Executive Summary
This revealing new study shows we need to be more aware of the persistence of stereotypes affecting Black girls and women — and avoid repeating those mistakes when making writing, casting, and other content production decisions.
https://deadline.com/2023/07/emmy-nominations-2023-diversity-scorecard-1235435728/
There were some great benchmarks set, read the supporting comedy actress category saw four Black women nominated, setting a record. They include Ayo Edebiri (The Bear), Jessica Williams (Shrinking), Janelle James and Sheryl Lee Ralph (Abbott Elementary). No Primetime Emmy acting category has ever counted more Black women in it.
Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media examines Representations of Black Women in Hollywood
“This revealing new study shows we need to be more aware of the persistence of stereotypes affecting Black girls and women — and avoid repeating those mistakes when making writing, casting, and other content production decisions,” said Davis, the Oscar-winning actress and founder of the institute. “While it is encouraging to see some positive trends, it’s clear that much more work needs to be done to ensure that women of all backgrounds have the same opportunities when it comes to being depicted on screen.”
Third of 2019’s Top Grossing Films, New USC Report Shows.
The erasure of girls and women from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, the LGBTQ community, and those with disabilities remains a hallmark of top-performing Hollywood films,” Dr. Smith said in a statement. “Intersectional inclusion on screen must be an area for targeted intervention.”
Additional Resources
Past. Present. Future.
Here and Ready works to increase the visibility of Black Actresses across the diaspora in a concentrated three-pronged effort. The first is this dynamic talent database (now, with over 350 actresses!) Second, a series of events, held virtually and soon in person, to foster lateral mentorship. And the third, a private community network that provides a safe-space for Black actresses to gather, share resources and more.
Partnerships / Promotions
One of the best things about the Here and Ready talent database is that we’re amplifying talent nationwide. We also represent multiple disciplines, so if you have a resource to share or feel that there is a cross-promotional opportunity, more than likely there is!
Please send an email to [email protected] to begin the conversation
Check out these additional organizations supporting diversity, equity and inclusion
Support Here and Ready
Any and all donations go directly toward planning events, site maintenance and our outreach efforts to increase visibility for Black actresses in entertainment.
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