Two of last night’s Oscar nominees have boarded Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick’s upcoming doc about the lack of parity and diversity within Hollywood. “Mudbound” cinematographer Rachel Morrison and “Stand Up for Something” co-writer Diane Warren will both work on the untitled project, a press release has announced. Morrison will serve as lead DP and Warren will pen a song for the film.
Ziering, Dick, and Warren previously collaborated on “The Hunting Ground,” a 2015 doc investigating the epidemic of sexual assault and rape across colleges in the United States. Warren and Lady Gaga’s song for the film, “Til It Happens to You,” received an Oscar nod and won an Emmy.
This new project examines a “culture that has long turned a blind eye to harassment and worse,” according to its official synopsis. “Looking forward it will chronicle first-hand the emerging activism and coalition building among women in Hollywood. Stylistically, the film will be a mix of verite footage of whistleblowers and activists, supported by a chorus of interviews from the most powerful women working in Hollywood today.”
“I’m excited to collaborate and consult with Amy and Kirby on this powerful and socially important film,” said Morrison.
Warren added, “As a huge fan of their work, I’m looking forward to teaming with Amy and Kirby again on another game-changing film.”
Currently in production, the feature is scheduled for completion for Sundance 2019.
“DPs, I think by nature, like to hide out behind the camera, out of the spotlight, so it’s definitely a new experience on every level,” Morrison has said of her recent attention in the press. She just made history as the first female cinematographer to receive an Oscar nomination. “I never really thought about [being a woman with this job] in terms of breaking barriers or anything like that. For me, it was always just putting my head down and doing the best work that I possibly could,” she explained. “But I guess I’m realizing that suddenly I’m a role model, which is exciting, just the idea that there are and will be more of us for people to look to on their way up. There’s been a dearth for so long, and hopefully it’s just the beginning. Hopefully, the floodgates start opening and you’ll start to see 20, 30, hopefully someday 60 percent female DPs — women in the camera department, but also cinematographers.”
Morrison’s most recent credit is box office smash “Black Panther,” in theaters now. Warren’s many credits include “Beyond the Lights,” “Burlesque,” and “Armageddon.”
