Current Events > Ben Stiller riles up Twitter for downplaying role of nepotism in Hollywood

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https://www.themarysue.com/ben-stiller-and-franklin-leonard-debate-hollywood-nepotism/

Its no secret that Hollywood thrives on nepotism: the children of successful actors, directors, and producers are exposed to way more opportunities in the industry. In addition, their family wealth gives them a leg up in an industry that continues to underpay and undervalue those at the bottom rung. You certainly have more time to write, direct, and train when you dont have to worry about paying your rent and affording food. Thats not to say that those who benefit from nepotism are underserving: Hollywood is littered with talented and celebrated celebrity offspring who earned their success. But these same people would rather believe that Hollywood is a meritocracy, and in doing so they contribute to the lack of diversity and inclusivity within the industry. And that dichotomy led to a spirited debate between actor Ben Stiller and The Black List founder Franklin Leonard. Leonard responded to a tweet which announced short film The Rightway, which stars Hopper Penn (son of Sean Penn and Robin Wright), directed by Destry Spielberg (daughter of Steven Spielberg), and written by Owen King (son of writer Stephen King). Leonard tweeted, Hollywoods a meritocracy, right?

Ben Stiller, son of comedy icons Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, responded by tweeting Too easy @franklinleonard. People, working, creating. Everyone has their path. Wish them all the best. Leonard replied, I do, without fail, but I also think its important that we acknowledge those paths, while Stiller responded, Yes. Just speaking from experience, and I dont know any of them, I would bet they all have faced challenges. Different than those with no access to the industry. Show biz as we all know is pretty rough, and ultimately is a meritocracy. Leonard disagreed, adding I dont for a second doubt that theyve all faced challenges. Theyre human. I simply reject the claim that the industry is in the short term or long term a meritocracy. If it were, how do you explain the utter lack of diversity behind the camera? Lack of merit? Stiller backpedaled, adding 100 percent agree. Diversity is much bigger issue. No question. And I see your point, access is access. So yes. Im saying that untalented people dont really last if they get a break because of who they are or know or are related to. Leonard shut him down with the following: Ultimately, Leonard summed it up by tweeting, Its not just access. Its undervaluation. Its active discrimination. And thats just the tip of the iceberg. The Hollywood film C-suite is the least diverse sector in American business. Less diverse than Trumps cabinet.



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Oh

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Welcome to the world?

A lot of what happens is based on who you know and you know more people if your parents are famous.

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It's almost like this is how all of human history has worked.

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Jeff AKA Snoopy posted...

Welcome to the world?

A lot of what happens is based on who you know and you know more people if your parents are famous.

Yeah it can get bad in small towns. Easier to get a job if you at least friends with a employee so they can put in a good word for you. How I got 2 jobs actually.

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If Stiller was right, then Nic Cage wouldn't have changed his name to succeed or fail on his own merits, rather than just being handed roles because his last name is "Coppola".

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