Horne’s involvement in creating and implementing pipeline programs that amplify the voices of underrepresented communities has paved the way for new voices in the entertainment industry. In the past few months alone, she has been responsible for the WarnerMedia Access Writers Programs, in partnership with The Black List. One of those partnerships also included Macro, a mentorship program in partnership with Reel Works, which provided a scholarship and mentorship for Native American students through IAIA. “The murder of George Floyd, and the events that followed, allowed us an opportunity to rip the Band-Aid off the wound of systemic racism. People leaned in. They listened and we listened,” Horne says. “Now, it’s up to us to heal that wound, to create pathways for understanding, to take action and to provide access for underrepresented voices to be heard.”
Do you think there has been significant progress on DEI in the industry in the past year?
There has definitely been progress on DEI in the entertainment industry in the past year. However, the significance of this progress won’t truly be recognized until we see the results of the work that is currently being done. A stronger foundation and better systems are being built and it’s up to all of us to make sure that foundation is strong and results in change. The murder of George Floyd, and the events that followed, allowed us an opportunity to rip the Band-Aid off the wound of systemic racism. People leaned in. They listened and we listened. Now, it’s up to us to heal that wound, to create pathways for understanding, to take action and to provide access for underrepresented voices to be heard. For too long DEI efforts were looked at as philanthropy. WarnerMedia doesn’t believe significant progress will be found in a quota here or a mandate there. We recognize the great business benefits of an inclusive and equitable workplace – both on our sets and within our workforce. The systems we are implementing to recognize those efforts will make our business stronger.
How have you been a champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Diversity, equity and inclusion have always been in my DNA even when it wasn’t in my title. When I started in this industry there were no roles like mine, but that never stopped me from championing underrepresented voices. I’m grateful that, throughout my career, my various jobs have allowed me the incredible opportunity to champion those voices. The pipeline programs and initiatives my teams and I build and oversee have started the careers of a great number of diverse writers, actors and directors, as well as below the line production staff. We know that there is an abundance of talent in the world, but not always an abundance of opportunity. I provide access to opportunity. I believe in mentorship and have championed rising executives in this industry because I know that the lens in which things are viewed matters. Outside of my “day job,” I also sit on the boards of several organizations that champion underrepresented voices and talent, and I am also on other community/social justice serving boards. I believe that if you can see it, you can be it. As such, my work ensures people see it and my mission is to ensure people can be it.
Which celebrity do you think is setting a strong example for the next generation?
I think Issa Rae is setting a strong example for the next generation. She is unapologetically authentic, and she puts in the work to back it up. I often tell up-and-coming talent, “Don’t wait for permission to create your passion,” and I use Issa as the example of that. Her web series “The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl” became HBO’s “Insecure,” but Issa didn’t wait for HBO or anyone else’s permission to create her passion. Her sets are incredibly diverse and the opportunities she provides to emerging talent are more than admirable. Issa put in the work to become her own boss with her production company, and she’s created a management company to foster new talent as well. She puts in the work and she brings others up with her. That is my hope for the next generation.
