Episode # 131

Representation Matters, with Kamala Avila-Salmon

We promised last week in our intro to fall and census conversation that we’d be focusing on some hot button topics that we’ve seen trending of late.

And representation is a huge one - especially with the recent release of the mostly Asian cast of Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - and the question of how people in the entertainment field can get “diverse” movies totally right, or totally wrong.

Today we’re talking with the fantastic Kamala Avila-Salmon, head of inclusive content at Lionsgate, about some hard truths around media, entertainment and diversity. In this episode, there’s a lot for us to think about as consumers, and as people in our own fields who might want to make change - things to think about to make sure we’re not being performative and missing the mark, but instead, digging deep and thinking holistically about changing the narrative.

Have questions, comments, or concerns? Email us at hello@dearwhitewomen.com

“There's nothing wrong with a white perspective, just know that it is a white perspective.”
Kamala Avila-Salmon

What to listen for:

The state of the entertainment industry when it comes to “diverse” films - how much money is being left on the table right now, who the target audience of these films are, and how to think about casting
The day to day life and specific challenges of someone who brings integrity-filled diversity to the movies we see on our screens
Kamala’s theory of change when it comes to racial awareness and racial justice
What we can do as audience members to demand more diversity in films
Kamala’s favorite movies!

About Kamala:

Kamala Avila-Salmon is the Head of Inclusive Content at Lionsgate Motion Picture Group. She joined Lionsgate from Facebook, where she launched the Marketing Inclusion strategy within their Consumer Marketing team. Kamala began her career in the marketing department of RCA Records, then joined Bad Boy Records; she also worked at Universal Pictures and then moved to NBC Entertainment in TV. Kamala joined Google Play as an executive responsible for marketing campaigns to promote Google Play Music and Google Play Movies, then transitioned to the launch team for YouTube TV.

Where to pre-order Dear White Women: Let’s Get (Un)comfortable Talking About Racism: https://thecollectivebook.studio/dear-white-women

Support us through Patreon! Learn about our virtual community – and you’re welcome to join.

Like what you hear? Don’t miss another episode and subscribe!

Catch up on more commentary between episodes by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter – and even more opinions and resources if you join our email list.