Cheryl Boone Isaacs (Veteran Marketing Executive & Former President of AMPAS) on Breaking Barriers and Fostering Diversity in Hollywood

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In this episode of Don't Kill the Messenger, host Kevin Goetz sits down with a trailblazing figure in the entertainment industry, Cheryl Boone Isaacs. As a public relations and marketing executive, Cheryl has worked on marketing campaigns for over 300 films, including Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Forrest Gump, and The King's Speech. As the first African American and first person of color to serve as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Cheryl shares her experiences, insights, and the journey that led her to become a pivotal force for change in Hollywood.

#OscarsSoWhite (02:44)
Kevin and Cheryl discuss the #OscarsSoWhite movement, Cheryl’s role as president of The Academy, and her quest to implement inclusion initiatives.

Lessons Learned Early (09:02)
Cheryl talks about some good advice the stuck with her through the years – you don’t know enough to ask the right questions.

Early Career and Hollywood Journey (20:33)
Cheryl and Kevin discuss Cheryl’s background, growing up in Springfield, Massachusetts, her brother, Ashley Boone, and his influence on her career in Hollywood.

Personal Experiences in the Industry (27:45)
Cheryl shares some challenges she faced as an African American woman in Hollywood along with memorable moments from her publicity career including her first job working on Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Notable African American Figures in Hollywood (34:01)
Kevin asks Cheryl for her quick takes on influential individuals like Spike Lee, Ava DuVernay, and others.

Teaching and Mentoring the Next Generation (38:53)
Cheryl shares her approach to educating film students and the importance of understanding filmmaking as a collaborative process.

The Future of Hollywood and Diversity (40:55)
Cheryl offers insights on the progress made and challenges ahead along with the importance of collaborative voices in the creative process.

Throughout her career, Cheryl Boone Isaacs has broken barriers. From her start in marketing, to her role as president of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and continuing with her current position of guiding future filmmakers at the Sidney Poitier New American Film School, Boone Isaacs offers valuable lessons for those entering the film world, reinforcing the importance of diversity, collaboration, and perseverance in Hollywood. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review or connect on social media. We look forward to bringing you more revelations from behind the scenes next time on Don't Kill the Messenger!

Host: Kevin Goetz
Guest: Cheryl Boone Isaacs
Producer: Kari Campano
Writers: Kevin Goetz, Darlene Hayman, and Kari Campano
Audio Engineer: Gary Forbes (DG Entertainment)

For more information about Cheryl Boone Isaacs:
Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Boone_Isaacs
Sidney Poitier New American Film School: https://search.asu.edu/profile/4102960
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3723795/

For more information about Kevin Goetz:
Website: www.KevinGoetz360.com
Audienceology Book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Audience-ology/Kevin-Goetz/9781982186678
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @KevinGoetz360
Linked In @Kevin Goetz
Screen Engine/ASI Website: www.ScreenEngineASI.com