In nature, diversity is a means of sustainability and survival. For me, it's about curiosity - This is something new, how can I learn from this?

 Film crews are all about relationships. Once there's a set relationship, it's very difficult to integrate new people if there's already success with the crew. I think that, with anything, there's always going to be people who thrive on change. So sometimes you need to be the change-maker. Look around, can there be opportunities and benefits to having a more diverse crew?

Mentorships are one way to encourage diversity. The benefit of mentorship is the building of relationships. It's about a collective will to help and we know that that takes time. I think for crews it's been quite competitive for work and so only some departments are open to help.  In terms of directors, where I am, it really needs a shift in thinking and it has to come with leadership, whether it's a combination of government, networks and producers. I mean it's only been a few months since "inclusion rider"* became part of our consciousness.

We need to keep diversity on the agenda and on the minds of everyone. That way every time they watch TV or look around, they will think about being part of the change. In the US, each of the networks have created diversity committees and have programs to reach out in terms of writing, directing, producing and acting. There seems to be a shift there that makes me so excited. I hope we can adopt some of that here in Canada SOON!