On April 21, the Latino Committee’s meeting featured a conversation with Producer German Michael Torres (aka GMT).
Following a welcome and introductions by DGA Executive in Charge of Diversity & Inclusion Programs Frank Bennett Gonzalez, Torres discussed topics including the underrepresentation of Latinos in the industry, his work as a packager on projects, and the commitments he has seen over the years by some studios to hire more women and people of color. The conversation was moderated by Director/Latino Committee Co-Chair Edward Ornelas (The Resident), and afterwards, Torres took questions from the online audience.
Torres has over 20 years’ experience as a Literary Manager, Producer, Development Executive and Packager. He began his career at ICM where he helped package such films as Taylor Hackford’s Proof of Life and Baz Luhrmann’s DGA Award-nominated feature, Moulin Rouge. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America, the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, and formerly served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Latino Producers. In 2001, in response to the lack of diversity within Hollywood, Torres founded Professional Latinos In Entertainment, a non-profit dedicated to helping Latinos make it in the entertainment industry and promoting diversity within the Hollywood and global communities.
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE:
The Latino Committee was created as a networking group to advance career and job opportunities for Latino DGA members by improving craft skills, networking, and making Latinos better known to the Hollywood creative community. The current LC Co-Chairs are Directors Regina Ainsworth and Edward Ornelas and Second Assistant Director Alicia Zaragoza.