The Creative Coalition's Co-Presidents Dana Delany & Tim Daly and Executive Director Robin Bronk posing with director Franc. Reyes and Eva Longoria-Parker at the Fifty Dinner
Last night at the Luxe Hotel in Brentwood, non-profit arts advocacy organization The Creative Coalition held its Spotlight Initiative event, Fifty Dinner, addressing the issue of the Latino voice in Hollywood. Latino director Franc. Reyes (Empire, The Ministers) was the key speaker at the event and the Hollywood Reporter’s Elizabeth Guider acted as the facilitator. Reyes focused on the plight of American Latino filmmakers to get their movies made. He proclaimed that Latinos in the Hollywood community should “embrace who we are” and as far as getting these films made “we need to do it ourselves.” An interesting fact that Robin Bronk, Executive Director of The Creative Coalition, relayed to the group at dinner was that Hispanics go to movies more that Caucasians or African-Americans, averaging 12 trips per year. Another discussion participant remarked that Hispanics account for 1 in 5 ticket sales at the box office or 20%. Yet the marketing dollars are not going towards this movie going audience.
"Desperate Housewives" Eva Longoria-Parker at the Creative Coalition's Fifty Dinner
And this night wasn’t without support from others in the Hollywood community, including a gorgeous Eva Longoria-Parker who chatted warmly with Reyes after he spoke to the audience, and Castle’s Ruben Santiago-Hudson who sited fellow Latino actor Jimmy Smits as a “young warrior and trailblazer. The integrity he has and the way he represents us is beautiful.” Also on hand were The Coalition Co-Presidents Desperate Housewives’ Dana Delany and Tim Daly (Private Practice), who defended his fellow artists speaking out on issues both of the political and social nature by stating, “You could argue that Bill Gates is a celebrity and he runs the largest philanthropic organization on Planet Earth. Bono is a celebrity and there are millions and millions of people who would say he saved their life.” Meanwhile, Delany “loved seeing Eva (Longoria-Parker) politically because she is such a force!” And about that plane crash this past week on Wisteria Lane, Dana revealed to me “I would be sad to see Orson killed off because I love his character and want to see more of him.” Hmmm, is that a hint that Orson has fallen victim to the accident? Wait and see! She also mentioned that she is going to work this week, so we will be seeing more of Katherine as well. Can’t wait to see what stunt she pulls next! Also in attendance was famous leading man Richard Dreyfuss whose presence wasn’t lost on Reyes as the director joyfully commented “I cannot believe Richard Dreyfuss is here!” during his talk.
