Entertainment Industry Roundtables

Industry Roundtable Series

Industry Employer Roundtable

• In April 2023, EIF convened 50+ human resources and hiring managers across 20+ different entertainment industry companies to discuss challenges and solutions to building stronger, more diverse talent pipelines into the entertainment industry. Attendees had the opportunity to review resumes and provide feedback collectively, share best hiring practices they leverage in their workplaces, and ideate on ways they can work more effectively as a collective to better support underrepresented talent pursuing creative careers.

“Lights, Camera, Friendship!” Screening

• EIF and the CAA Foundation hosted a special screening of “Lights, Camera, Friendship!” followed by a panel conversation to celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness month (October 2023). Joey Travolta and the Inclusion Films team shared more about their important work, creating on-the-job training opportunities for the neurodiverse community behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

Apprenticeships: Pathways to Careers

• For 2023’s National Apprenticeship Week (November 13-19), EIF hosted a virtual panel presentation highlighting apprenticeships as a proven workforce development and training model that advances equity and accessibility.

Introduction to Skills – First Hiring

• EIF partnered with Grads of Life to host an educational and interactive workshop on the approach of skills-first hiring, a talent strategy that prioritizes candidate skills over degrees or experience. Attendees walked away with tangible tools and best practices to implement at their companies and promote a more inclusive and representative workforce.

California’s Film & TV Tax Credit Program

• In partnership with the California Film Commission, this webinar provided an in-depth look at California’s Tax Credit Program, offering insights on optimizing production budgets while fostering workforce development. Attendees gained a clearer understanding of application processes, eligibility criteria, and the program’s significant role in boosting local employment and economic activity.

Apprenticeships in Music & Live Events

• Held during 2024’s National Apprenticeship Week, this session explored how apprenticeships are serving as a key solution for workforce development in the music and live events industry. Attendees gained insights on how these programs deliver impactful training for apprentices while offering employers cost-effective talent strategies and increased workforce retention.

Building Pathways Together Summit

• In partnership with Group Effort Initiative, EIF convened entertainment industry employers at the SoLa Impact Tech Center to explore inclusive strategies for workforce development. Throughout the day, Human Resources, Corporate Social Responsibility, and Early Career Program professionals examined how apprenticeships, mentorship, and skills training can strengthen recruitment pipelines, expand opportunities, and build lasting careers in entertainment.