Part of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Academy Aperture 2025 initiative, “Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us” is a new series of virtual panels, with conversations about race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking. The upcoming panel addresses the importance of having a vision, investing in yourself and building a business brand by taking control to tell new and authentic stories.

“With our ‘Academy Dialogues’ series, the Academy is creating a space for our members – and the public – to talk about inclusion in a way that is timely, relevant and allows for a meaningful exchange on how to bring systemic change to Hollywood,” said Lorenza Muñoz, executive vice president, Member Relations and Awards.  “These conversations may be uncomfortable for some, but they are necessary to broaden the stories that are getting told and increase opportunities for those who have been excluded.”

The latest episode in the series, “Academy Dialogues: Owning Your Brand,” features a conversation with Academy governor and producer DeVon Franklin (“Breakthrough”), Franklin Leonard, founder and CEO of the Black List, producer Debra Martin Chase (“Harriet”) and M88 president, managing partner and co-founder Phillip Sun discussing their professional journeys and finding success outside of the traditional Hollywood system. 

For more information, visit oscars.org.