http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-latinos24-2009apr24,0,6502064.story
At the National Assn. of Latino Independent Producers’ conference, participants say more Latino faces are needed in film and TV.
By Alicia Lozano
April 24, 2009
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On a breezy afternoon in Newport Beach, hundreds of Latino filmmakers descended upon the swanky Island Hotel to celebrate “A Decade of Influence” at the National Assn. of Latino Independent Producers’ 10th annual conference.
For three days last weekend, the screenwriters, producers and directors attended panel discussions, pitched projects and mingled with like-minded professionals. Conversations varied, but participants agreed on one thing: Despite a noticeable improvement in Latino films and roles, there is much work left to do.
“There are a lot of victories, a lot of solid successes,” said Kathryn Galan, executive director of the association. She pointed to television shows such as “Ugly Betty,” “The George Lopez Show” and “Resurrection Blvd.” as triumphs in the industry but lamented that many other segments of the film and television industry don’t represent the 15% of the population that calls itself Latino.
“The inside thinks ‘Three Amigos’ is a diversity effort,” Galan said. “Nothing reflects the voice of U.S.-born, English-speaking American Latinos.”
Munching on sliced prosciutto and pieces of cheese at the opening reception, screenwriter Anita Palacios Collins expressed frustration at the attitudes of some non-Latino members of the industry.