Panel Pushes for Greater Latino Input in Hollywood

Addressing concerns about the portrayal of Latinos in films and on television, several entertainment industry executives on Tuesday emphasized the need for greater ethnic representation among those who create production ideas.

The executives were part of a panel discussion at a two-day Capitol Hill issues conference sponsored by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus.

Actor Esai Morales described obstacles he has encountered trying to lessen stereotyping, saying that after he questioned a screenwriter’s portrayal of a Latino character in a recent film, he found himself out of a job.

“I thought [the writer] would care and make the script less offensive,” he said.

Jamie Kellner, chief executive officer of the Warner Bros. Television Network, used Morales’ experience as an example of why it is crucial for Latinos to become involved in the entertainment industry’s creative process as screenwriters, directors and producers.

“You have a writer who sat in front of a word processor for several months and created this fantasy,” said Kellner. “And there is a resistance on the part of writers to take suggestions.”

With more Latinos writing their own scripts, noted Kellner, characters can be created with greater sensitivity to stereotypes and with more attention paid to creating positive role models for the Latino community.

However, Kellner and Donald V. Browne, president and general manager of the NBC affiliate in Miami, urged patience.

“The good news is that television is the ultimate democracy,” said Kellner. “Everyone can vote by changing the channel.”