The Black Experience in Hollywood

Goldstein’s articles indicated that there is a shortage of black writers. Actually, there isn’t a shortage of black writers, merely a shortage of opportunities.

Without proper representation there is no way for a writer, black or white, to gain access to the Hollywood community.

The real dilemma starts with literary agents. Most of the major literary agencies won’t represent black writers. They feel that our product isn’t commercial enough, that since we are a minority we write about the minority experience and the agencies don’t envision this as marketable (unless it’s a comedy). Thus we have films such as “Mississippi Burning” and “Cry Freedom,” told through the eyes of whites.

PRESTON A. WHITMORE II

Los Angeles