“Let’s have a real conversation about what stories are told and who gets to tell those stories and how we can make a difference in ensuring that all stories have the opportunity to make it to the screen,” says Martinez. And with the recent launch of HBO Max, Martinez has even more opportunity to get those stories out there. Since taking the position in November, Martinez has been busy with her team designing audience hubs on the streamer designed to serve various multicultural audiences, and launching a first of its kind experience at Sundance titled “Our Stories to Tell,” celebrating multicultural storytelling.
The conversation about racial injustice in 2020 has been… triggering yet reinvigorating. As an Afro-Latina mother, executive and life-long activist it hit very close to home. It’s a reminder that this struggle to achieve true equality is real and we cannot achieve it if we aren’t all committed and working towards palpable systemic change.
What are some of the tough conversations this industry needs to have?
I’d like for us to come together collectively to devise revolutionary, innovative solutions that bring lasting systemic changes to the lack of representation in our storytelling. Let’s have a real conversation about what stories are told and who gets to tell those stories and how we can make a difference in ensuring that all stories have the opportunity to make it to the screen.
How have you been a champion of diversity & inclusion in your professional life?
Aside from my tenure as board member of NAMIC (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications) and CUP (Council of Urban Professionals)—both committed to advocating and empowering for the cause of diversity, creating and developing a multicultural marketing team has been my biggest contribution to diversity and inclusion. My team represents the consumers we target and that to me is the most rewarding aspect of my job. The opportunity to develop the next generation of marketers that represent our shifting demographics is a blessing and joy to me.
Which current shows (on linear and streaming) best embrace diversity?
I am proud to say that some of the best shows that truly highlight authentic and representative storytelling are developed by WarnerMedia and its HBO & HBO Max brands. Some examples are “Watchmen,” “Insecure,” “I May Destroy You,” “Lovecraft Country,” “Legendary,” etc.
