A Call to Action for Storytellers
Sidney Clifton, like all Geena Davis Institute members, is a changemaker who knows that on screen representation matters and is dedicated to creating a more inclusive media landscape. We recently chatted with member Sidney Clifton whose work as a producer and mentor is aligned with the Institute’s mission to amplify all voices.
Sidney Clifton, Emmy nominated producer, creative professional, founder of The Clifton House, and Head of Animation at Mattel TV Studios has partnered with The Geena Davis Institute for many years. Sidney and GDI annually co-host “A Night of Poetry Honoring Lucille Clifton,” in celebration of her mom’s legacy as a poet.
GDI: Each year, you partner with the Geena Davis Institute to host “A Night of Poetry Honoring Lucille Clifton.” It is one of our very favorite events. What inspired you to collaborate with GDI and what draws you to our mission of advocating for equity and representation?
Foundationally, we are aligned in our commitments to equity for women, girls and underserved communities worldwide. Working together we have more impact spreading the messages and commitments of our organizations. I’ve been truly grateful to be able to collaborate on these annual celebrations of my mother’s work.
Do you have any personal or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding of media representation?
Everything, from being a consumer of media when I was a child and not seeing people who look like me, through being a producer and having to insist on including people who look like me. I’ve been in entertainment for 20 odd years; where I was often the only woman or black person in the room. While there has been advancement, there are still times where I’m the only black person in a room.
GDI: How does working with GDI impact your outlook on representation in media, since we so specifically focus on what’s seen on screen? I deeply appreciate the rigour of GDI’s research. I’ve often been armed with that information when I walk into a room, which allows me to have more robust conversations. “Here’s the research, here’s the facts.” I’m hoping that inspires people to pay more attention, do the research on their own, and to not just have blinders on when creating or developing a project.
As the mother of sons and daughters, of black and biracial children, it is vital that I make sure they see themselves, their families, their lives, their hopes, their dreams represented honestly. That’s my call to action for any storyteller – authenticity and honesty. Create with compassion and care and courage. That is what will connect us.
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GDI Member Profiles spotlight the journeys of our members – their inspirations, impact, and commitment to representation. We hope this series inspires you to join the movement.
