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The Chariot: Issue XVIII

A Decade of Recognition: The Impact of the Ross Awards

By: Fabiola Quinteiro Original Publication Date: 31 October 2024

The Ross Awards, established in 2014, originally aimed to honor excellence in film, yet its first ceremonies revealed a significant lack of diversity. In the beginning, every nominee and winner was White, sparking criticism about its limited representation.

Over time, this lack of inclusivity drew increasing scrutiny from both the public and the entertainment industry. In response, the Ross Committee was formed in 2020 to address these issues directly. Under the leadership of Hans Neumann, the committee was tasked with promoting a more diverse selection of nominees, encompassing a wider range of backgrounds, race, and perspectives in the awards process.

This year is the tenth anniversary of the Ross Awards and is celebrated as the most diverse yet, reflecting years of incremental change. Less than half of this year's nominees are White, with over a quarter representing minority groups, including Black, Native American, and Latino actors. Avatar: The Last Airbender made history as the most nominated film, while the ceremony also marks the first time Native American actors have been recognized in multiple acting categories.

Still, Latino representation remains a challenge, as Society of the Snow, a film with a majority Latino cast, received no nominations, and Menendez, another Latino-centered story, saw two-thirds of its acting nominations go to White actors. Despite these issues, this year's nominees represents a shift toward more inclusive storytelling, building momentum for future progress.

This year also marks the first nomination for Vanessa Harding (Best Actress, Becoming Madam Secretary) since her historic win with Mademoiselle in 2019, bringing her total to seven nominations, tied with Caleb Adams for the most in Ross Awards history. Over the last five years, she faced a challenging landscape despite her dedication to creating films that explored women's empowerment with much of her previous works being criticized for presenting narratives that prioritized a White perspective over the voices of marginalized communities, particularly in her films Frontline (2021) and A Woman in Arabia (2023). Acknowledging this feedback, Vanessa has shifted her storytelling approach, actively working to amplify the contributions of women of color while ensuring that the stories of marginalized groups are told by their own communities.

The Ross Committee has been instrumental in fostering this change. Led by Hans Neumann, the committee has focused on eliminating bias and reducing nepotism within the awards, emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse stories and creators. Under Hans's leadership, the Ross Awards reached milestones like last year's wins for Richelle Paisley, the first Black Best Actress winner, and Faisal Mansouri, the first Middle Eastern Best Actor winner. Now as Hans prepares to step down, his departure has opened conversations within the industry about who will take on this important role. Many believe that appointing a person of color could further the Ross Committee's mission of championing equity, ensuring that the awards continue evolving toward true inclusivity and representation in film.

This year's Ross Awards ceremony also marks a pivotal moment for Hollywood as it will announce the next president. Emerson Wright, who has significantly influenced the industry the last five years, will officially step down on January 2025. During the ceremony, the next president will be revealed in a highly-anticipated moment, with contenders including Kimona Lange, Dubois Carmichael, and Julian Lunacharski.

Wakefield Maddow Elected as President of the Ross Committee

By: Fabiola Quinteiro Original Publication Date: 6 November 2024

The recent Ross Committee election has sparked significant discussion in the entertainment industry, as five ambitious candidates vied for the prestigious role of committee president. With Hans Neumann stepping down after four years of service, this election marks a significant shift in the committee’s leadership. Ultimately, Wakefield Maddow emerged victorious, becoming the first elected Black president in the entertainment industry. His election signifies a promising step toward diversity and modernization within the Ross Committee.

The Ross Committee, responsible for overseeing the annual Ross Awards has faced mounting pressure to bring fresh perspectives and diversity to its leadership. This shift is largely fueled by recent calls within Hollywood to promote inclusivity, transparency, and representation across all levels. Maddow’s election, therefore, aligns closely with these goals and has been widely celebrated as a progressive move for the entertainment industry.

The field of candidates included several notable figures, each with unique qualifications and ties to the industry. Godfrey Howard, the current Chief of Staff under outgoing President Hans Neumann, faced significant challenges despite his extensive experience. Though highly knowledgeable about committee operations, Howard’s close association with the established leadership and his lack of popularity in the movement for diversity worked against him, with many voters seeking a fresh face to lead the committee forward.

Adessa Polanski also drew considerable attention. As the daughter of Neal Polanski, the former Vice President of Hollywood Studios, she carries a complicated legacy. Her father’s career ended amid accusations of corruption, racism, and nepotism, casting a shadow over her candidacy. While Adessa has established herself as an independent figure, many questioned her ability to bring meaningful change to an industry still grappling with her father’s controversial impact.

Julia Lombardi entered the race with strong connections, running as Vice President alongside Julian Lunacharski in his campaign for President of Hollywood Studios. Her simultaneous involvement in both the Ross Committee election and Lunacharski’s campaign raised concerns among voters. Many wondered if her focus was on enacting meaningful change or simply securing a position of power. This divided commitment led some to doubt if Lombardi genuinely aimed to drive change within either organization or if she was more interested in climbing the ranks of Hollywood’s leadership.

Two other candidates, Cairene Langdon and Wakefield Maddow, represented a new generation of leaders. Both are recent graduates from Lawrence Harland University’s Leadership in the Entertainment Industry program. Langdon’s experience included internships within Hollywood Studios, while Maddow worked as a production assistant with Cygna Entertainment while pursuing his studies. Despite their relatively recent entry into the industry, both Langdon and Maddow demonstrated a strong understanding of industry operations and modern leadership principles, which appealed to voters eager for change.

In a decisive outcome, Wakefield Maddow was announced as the next president of the Ross Committee, an election celebrated as a significant achievement for diversity and modernity in the entertainment industry. His election marks the first time a Black president has led the Ross Committee, an achievement that many view as a milestone in addressing the longstanding issues of representation within Hollywood’s leadership circles.

Maddow’s first actions as president-elect reflect his commitment to building an inclusive and skilled team. He has named Laszlo Knight as his Vice President and Cairene Langdon as Chief of Staff. Knight, a fellow graduate of Harland University, has extensive experience as a casting assistant with Cygna Entertainment, and his appointment complements Maddow’s vision for the committee. By bringing on Langdon, who possesses deep insights into Hollywood Studios' operations from her internship experience, Maddow strengthens his leadership team with fresh perspectives.

Outgoing president Hans Neumann has expressed his full support for Maddow and announced plans to mentor him over the next several months. Neumann’s guidance will be invaluable as Maddow navigates his early months in office, especially as the Ross Awards quickly approach.

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The Chariot: Issue XVII

The Next President of Hollywood Studios: Election Updates

By: Alaric Montgomery Original Publication Date: 25 September 2024

The race to determine the next president of Hollywood Studios is entering its final stretch, with just one more nomination left that will guarantee the top three candidates a spot in the final round of the election. The winner of the highly anticipated election will be announced during the 2024 Ross Awards Ceremony, the entertainment industry’s biggest event.

The remaining five candidates have each announced their vice presidents and chiefs of staff, solidifying their teams as they prepare for the final push. In order of their current ranking, the contenders and their announced teams are:

Kimona Lange Vice President: Erin Navarro Chief of Staff: Indigo Williams

Dubois Carmichael Vice President: Elegance Sherwood Chief of Staff: Irving Stone

Julian Lunacharski Vice President: Julia Lombardi Chief of Staff: Joweese Cetanwakuwa

Darius Booker Vice President: Emmanuel Rajabu Chief of Staff: Tanner Hammond

Damien Avanda Vice President: Tonya Mendoza Chief of Staff: Aiyana Littlecreek

The top three candidates from this group will advance to the final stage of the election, which will culminate with the announcement of the new president during the Ross Awards. The new president is expected to be inaugurated in January 2025. In the months leading up to the inauguration, the president-elect will be introduced to the studio’s inner workings and responsibilities to ensure a smooth transition into leadership.

Emerson Wright, the current president of Hollywood Studios, will step down after serving as president for five years, making him the longest-serving leader in the entertainment industry. Emerson, who celebrates this milestone on January 1, 2025, has announced plans to return to his roots in directing within a year of stepping down from his presidential role.

As the race narrows, the five remaining candidates—Kimona Lange, Damien Avanda, Dubois Carmichael, Darius Booker, and Julian Lunacharski—will continue to battle it out for the chance to succeed Emerson Wright. With their vice presidents and chiefs of staff now announced, the competition is heating up as Hollywood Studios employees and industry insiders watch closely to see who will take over the reins of the entertainment giant.

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Hollywood Studios Presidential Debate

This is the transcript of the first presidential debate among the top five candidates.

Question: You all have different histories and experiences that could positively and negatively contribute to the future of Hollywood Studios. Please share how you could use your experience to uplift the studio? Damien Avanda: My experience as an actor has provided me with a deep understanding of the creative process and the importance of representation in storytelling. I will leverage my platform to amplify diverse voices and ensure that all artists are given the opportunity to thrive. Additionally, my commitment to challenging systemic issues like White supremacy and corruption will drive positive change within the studio, fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. Dubois Carmichael: As the Chief of Staff of Cygna Entertainment, I have firsthand experience in promoting diversity and inclusion within the entertainment industry. I will use my expertise to advocate for underrepresented voices and ensure that Hollywood Studios becomes a beacon of diversity and authenticity. My dedication to fostering collaboration and uplifting marginalized communities will drive positive change within the studio and the broader industry. Darius Booker: My experience as a columnist has given me a unique perspective on the inner workings of the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. I will use my platform to advocate for greater transparency and accountability within Hollywood Studios, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. Additionally, my commitment to challenging biases and promoting diversity will drive positive change within the studio, creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all. Kimona Lange: My experience as both an actress and the wife of the Chief of Staff of Hollywood Studios has provided me with a deep understanding of the industry and its challenges. I will use my platform to promote diversity and inclusion within the studio, ensuring that all artists are given the opportunity to thrive. Additionally, my commitment to upholding President Emerson Wright's legacy of providing a platform for all voices will drive positive change within the studio, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. Julian Lunacharski: My experience as a director has taught me the importance of collaboration and innovation in storytelling. I will use my platform to promote diversity and inclusion within Hollywood Studios, ensuring that all artists are given the opportunity to share their unique perspectives. Additionally, my commitment to challenging the status quo and pushing for positive change will drive innovation within the studio, fostering a culture of creativity and excellence.

Question: This is for everyone. MC-Wylde, a studio company established by a White man who profited off Asian artists and stories, have recently been renamed to PanAsian Cinema by Beijing Lee, underscoring his continued struggle in fostering a diverse and authentic representation in his studios. Within the last year, PanAsian Cinema was the first one to have Native and Indigenous Americans as main characters in a successful film while you will enter Hollywood Studios as president with growing discontent amongst your Latino staff and artists. What can you do to create a platform for your Latino artists, while also maintaining the space for your non-Latino artists? Damien Avanda: Creating a platform for Latino artists is not just a responsibility; it's a moral imperative. As president, I will prioritize fostering an environment where all artists, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported. This means actively seeking out and amplifying Latino voices, providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and tell their stories authentically. At the same time, I am committed to maintaining a space where artists of all backgrounds can thrive, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration that celebrates diversity in all its forms. Dubois Carmichael: The success of PanAsian Cinema's recent film featuring Native and Indigenous American characters is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling. As president, I will work tirelessly to ensure that Latino artists are given the same platform and opportunities to share their stories with the world. This means creating initiatives and programs specifically designed to support and uplift Latino voices, while also fostering an inclusive environment where artists of all backgrounds can come together to collaborate and create. Darius Booker: Diversity is not a zero-sum game; it's about creating space for all voices to be heard and celebrated. As president, I will prioritize creating a platform for Latino artists within Hollywood Studios, ensuring that their stories are given the recognition and respect they deserve. This means actively seeking out and promoting Latino talent, while also fostering an environment where artists of all backgrounds can come together to create meaningful and impactful work. Kimona Lange: As someone who believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion, I am committed to creating a platform for Latino artists within Hollywood Studios. This means actively seeking out and supporting Latino talent, providing them with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. At the same time, I recognize the importance of maintaining a space where artists of all backgrounds can come together to collaborate and create. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, we can ensure that Hollywood Studios remains a place where all voices are valued and celebrated. Julian Lunacharski: Creating a platform for Latino artists is essential to creating a more inclusive and representative entertainment industry. As president, I will prioritize supporting and uplifting Latino voices within Hollywood Studios, ensuring that their stories are given the recognition and respect they deserve. This means actively seeking out and promoting Latino talent, while also fostering an environment where artists of all backgrounds can come together to collaborate and create. By creating a space where all voices are valued and celebrated, we can create a more vibrant and diverse entertainment industry for everyone.

Question: Besides diversity and inclusion, what would your other priorities be in your first year as president? Damien Avanda: In addition to diversity and inclusion, my other priorities in my first year as president would include fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within Hollywood Studios. I would work to create an environment where artists feel empowered to take risks and push the boundaries of storytelling, resulting in more dynamic and impactful content. Additionally, I would prioritize investing in talent development and mentorship programs to nurture the next generation of filmmakers and creatives. By fostering a culture of innovation and creativity, we can ensure that Hollywood Studios remains at the forefront of the industry and continues to produce groundbreaking work. Dubois Carmichael: Besides diversity and inclusion, my other priorities in my first year as president would include promoting sustainability and ethical practices within Hollywood Studios. I would work to minimize the environmental impact of our operations and ensure that we are conducting business in a socially responsible manner. Additionally, I would prioritize investing in community engagement and philanthropic initiatives to give back to the communities that support us. By prioritizing sustainability and ethical practices, we can create a studio that not only produces great content but also makes a positive impact on the world. Darius Booker: In addition to diversity and inclusion, my other priorities in my first year as president would include promoting transparency and accountability within Hollywood Studios. I would work to ensure that all studio operations are conducted ethically and in accordance with industry standards, and I would prioritize implementing measures to root out corruption and promote ethical governance. Additionally, I would prioritize investing in employee development and well-being programs to create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture. By prioritizing transparency and accountability, we can build trust within the studio and create a culture of integrity and excellence. Kimona Lange: Besides diversity and inclusion, my other priorities in my first year as president would include fostering collaboration and partnerships within the industry. I would work to strengthen relationships with other studios and industry partners to create more opportunities for collaboration and co-production. Additionally, I would prioritize investing in technology and innovation to stay ahead of industry trends and remain competitive in the global market. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we can create a studio that is not only diverse and inclusive but also dynamic and forward-thinking. Julian Lunacharski: In addition to diversity and inclusion, my other priorities in my first year as president would include promoting mentorship and career development within Hollywood Studios. I would work to create opportunities for emerging talent to learn from experienced industry professionals and gain valuable skills and experience. Additionally, I would prioritize investing in initiatives to support independent filmmakers and foster a culture of creativity and experimentation. By prioritizing mentorship and career development, we can ensure that Hollywood Studios remains a place where artists can thrive and grow throughout their careers.

Question: This is for Darius: recently, you've been under the spotlight for your publications in the newspaper The Chariot being very critical of Beijing Lee, the first Asian elected president of PanAsian Cinema. If you were to become president, how would you forge a relationship with Beijing to allow better collaboration between the two studios and also create an environment where Asians can also be represented in Hollywood, not just MC-Wylde. Darius Booker: Firstly, I must address the criticisms leveled against me. While my past publications may have been contentious, I recognize the importance of fostering positive relationships within the industry, regardless of personal opinions. If elected president, I will extend a hand of collaboration to President Beijing Lee and PanAsian Cinema. I believe in the power of dialogue and understanding, and I'm committed to creating an environment where all voices, including Asian voices, are heard and celebrated in Hollywood, transcending geographical boundaries. By working together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and representative industry that embraces diversity in all its forms.

Question: This is for Damien: Lawrence Harland was voted off of Hollywood Studios and Emerson Wright has tirelessly worked the last five years in removing the system and structures that Harland has created to benefit White supremacy. With the recent marriage of your brother into the Harland family, what can you tell to the audience who are very wary of you becoming president and possibly increasing the influence of the Harland family with your presidency? Damien Avanda: I understand the concerns surrounding my brother's marriage and its potential implications on my candidacy. However, I want to assure the audience that I am my own person with my own values and vision for Hollywood Studios. I have openly spoken out against rumors of being influenced by the Harland family, and I remain committed to continuing President Emerson Wright's legacy of challenging systems of White supremacy and corruption within the industry. My focus is on fostering a Hollywood that embraces diversity and inclusivity, where talent and merit are the sole determinants of success. Rest assured, my allegiance lies with the values of progress and equality, not with any familial ties or past associations.

Question: This is for Kimona Lange. You've ran for president for MC-Wylde before, a studio that historically has focused on being a platform for Asian storytelling and lost to Beijing Lee. What made you believe that you were the best candidate in continuing the legacy of MC-Wylde and what about your experience would make you different than the other four male candidates vying for Hollywood Studios? Kimona Lange: Thank you for the question. While my previous candidacy for MC-Wylde may not have been successful, it provided me with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing studios dedicated to diverse storytelling. My belief in my candidacy for Hollywood Studios lies in my commitment to inclusivity and my experience in navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry. As the wife of Derek Lange, the current Chief of Staff of Hollywood Studios, I bring a unique perspective that combines firsthand knowledge of the industry with a deep understanding of the importance of diversity and representation. While some may view me as representing White feminism, I want to emphasize that my goal is to build upon President Emerson Wright's legacy of providing a platform for all voices. What sets me apart from the other candidates is not just my gender but my dedication to creating a Hollywood that embraces diversity in all its forms. I am committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring that Hollywood Studios becomes a beacon of inclusivity and equality.

Question: This is for Dubois Carmichael. Hollywood Studios has become a beacon of opportunities, not only for White artists, but for all. Cygna Entertainment solely focuses on Black artists and storytelling. If elected president, how would you continue the legacy of Hollywood Studios, while also allowing Cygna Entertainment to flourish? Dubois Carmichael: Thank you for the question. As someone who deeply values diversity and inclusivity, I believe in fostering an environment where all voices are heard and celebrated. Hollywood Studios has made significant strides in embracing diversity under President Emerson Wright's leadership, and my goal as president would be to continue and expand upon this legacy. While Cygna Entertainment focuses on Black storytelling, Hollywood Studios has the potential to be a platform for all marginalized voices, including those within the Black community. My vision is to create a symbiotic relationship between Hollywood Studios and Cygna Entertainment, where both entities can thrive while supporting and uplifting each other. I am committed to ensuring that Cygna Entertainment receives the resources and support it needs to continue telling Black stories authentically and with integrity. At the same time, I will work to ensure that Hollywood Studios remains a welcoming space for artists of all backgrounds, where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. By fostering collaboration and mutual respect between Hollywood Studios and Cygna Entertainment, we can create a more inclusive and representative entertainment industry that reflects the rich diversity of our world.

Question: This is for Julian Lunacharski. Being a new member of the industry, one might think that you have a very idealist mindset and don't have the practical skills to preside over a mega studio like Hollywood Studios. Can you talk about your experience with directing and how you have what it takes to be president? Julian Lunacharski: Thank you for the question. While it's true that I am relatively new to the industry compared to some of my fellow candidates, I believe that my fresh perspective and innovative ideas are assets rather than liabilities. As a director, I may not have decades of experience, but I have already proven my ability to create successful and impactful films. My approach to directing has always been collaborative, working closely with my team to bring visions to life on the screen. This experience has taught me valuable leadership skills, including the importance of communication, adaptability, and creative problem-solving. Furthermore, my commitment to diversifying Hollywood and challenging its status quo stems from my own experiences as a filmmaker. I have seen firsthand the barriers that marginalized voices face in this industry, and I am passionate about using my platform to create change. While I may be idealistic, I am also pragmatic. I understand the complexities of running a mega studio like Hollywood Studios, and I am prepared to surround myself with a diverse and experienced team who can complement my vision with practical expertise. Together, we can work to create a more inclusive and representative entertainment industry that truly reflects the world we live in.

Question: What are your closing remarks? Please convince the audience why they should support your candidacy? Damien Avanda: Thank you for the opportunity to address the audience. As a candidate for president of Hollywood Studios, I am deeply committed to creating a studio that celebrates diversity, fosters creativity, and promotes integrity. Throughout my career, I have seen firsthand the power of storytelling to inspire change and bring people together. As president, I will work tirelessly to ensure that all voices are heard and valued within the studio, and that Hollywood remains a beacon of inclusivity and innovation. I ask for your support in this journey towards a brighter, more equitable future for our industry and our community. Together, we can build a Hollywood that reflects the rich tapestry of human experience and inspires generations to come. Thank you. Dubois Carmichael: Thank you for your attention today. As a candidate for president of Hollywood Studios, I bring a wealth of experience in promoting diversity, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change within the industry. My vision for Hollywood is one of inclusivity, authenticity, and social responsibility. I am committed to creating a studio where all voices are heard and valued, and where creativity thrives. I ask for your support in this endeavor, as together, we can build a better, more equitable future for Hollywood and beyond. Thank you. Darius Booker: Thank you for considering my candidacy for president of Hollywood Studios. While I may lack traditional industry experience, I bring a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to promoting diversity, transparency, and accountability within the studio. My vision for Hollywood is one of inclusivity, integrity, and social justice. I believe that by working together, we can create a studio that reflects the values of our community and serves as a beacon of progress for the industry. I humbly ask for your support in this journey towards a more equitable and inclusive future for Hollywood. Thank you. Kimona Lange: Thank you for listening to my vision for Hollywood Studios. As a candidate for president, I am deeply committed to upholding President Emerson Wright's legacy of diversity, inclusivity, and integrity. My experience in the industry and my dedication to promoting collaboration and innovation make me uniquely qualified to lead the studio into the future. I believe that by working together, we can create a studio that celebrates the unique talents and perspectives of all artists and serves as a model of excellence for the industry. Thank you. Julian Lunacharski: Thank you for your time and consideration. As a candidate for president of Hollywood Studios, I bring a fresh perspective, a passion for diversity, and a commitment to innovation. My vision for Hollywood is one of inclusivity, creativity, and collaboration. I believe that by embracing diversity and fostering a culture of experimentation, we can create groundbreaking content that resonates with audiences around the world. I ask for your support in this journey towards a more vibrant and inclusive future for Hollywood. Thank you.

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The Chariot: Issue XVI

Decolonizing the Entertainment Industry: The Evolution of MC-Wylde into PanAsian Cinema

By: Alaric Montgomery Original Publication Date: 12 May 2024

Beijing Lee, the current president of MC-Wylde, has announced a monumental change of renaming the esteemed studio to PanAsian Cinema embracing a more expansive vision of Asian storytelling. This decision underlines the commitment to redefining representation and fostering inclusivity within the realm of filmmaking.

The journey towards PanAsian Cinema began with the establishment of the MC Company by Miranda Cosgrove in 2015. While Miranda laid the foundation for what would become MC-Wylde, it was Davis Wylde who saw the potential to grow the company even more. He started Wylde Studios after recognizing the potential of Asian cinema and created a platform for Asian storytelling. The merging of the two companies in 2017 symbolized a fundamental change as it focused on amplifying the voices of Asian artists in an industry founded and dominated by whiteness.

Following Davis Wylde’s departure in 2020, Beijing Lee assumed presidency as the first elected Asian president and embarked on a mission to uphold the studio’s legacy towards greater inclusivity. Recognizing the need to diversity Asian representation within the studio, Beijing pivoted away from an East Asian-centric focus and embraced artists from all Asian backgrounds.

By changing the name of MC-Wylde and embracing PanAsian Cinema, Beijing signals a commitment in decolonizing the studio company and redefining the narrative surrounding Asian representation. Beijing seeks to challenge the practice that commodifies Asian culture and artists for profit and marketing, and instead prioritizes an approach that celebrates the richness and diversity of Asian stories and experiences.

Moreover, the transformation to PanAsian Cinema addresses the systemic inequities within the industry, including unjust labor practices that have perpetuated disparities in pay and opportunities, favoring White staff and artists. It embodies the ethos of the greater Pan-Asian movement, a collective struggle to uplift and empower all members of the Asian community where stories are authentically represented and told, and artists are collaborators in shaping a more culturally-inclusive industry.

In renaming the studio, Beijing Lee sends a message that true representation demands a fundamental reimagining of power structures and narratives; it is a commitment to building a more equitable and just future for all staff and artists and a testament to the resilience and vibrancy of Asian voices.

Read Beijing's speech below:

Ladies and gentlemen, Today marks a momentous occasion in the history of our studio. As we gather here, I am filled with both pride and excitement to announce a bold new chapter in our journey. It is with great honor that I stand before you as the president of what was once known as MC-Wylde, but is now taking on a new identity as PanAsian Cinema. When I assumed the role of president, I knew that we had a responsibility not just to uphold the legacy of MC-Wylde, but to push the boundaries of representation in the entertainment industry. Today, I am proud to say that we are doing just that. The decision to rename our studio to PanAsian Cinema goes beyond just a change in name. It is a declaration of our commitment to redefining the narrative surrounding Asian representation in media. For too long, Asian voices have been marginalized and silenced. With PanAsian Cinema, we are taking a stand against that injustice. Our studio will be a beacon of diversity and inclusion, where all artists and storytellers are celebrated and empowered. It will be a place where authenticity and integrity are valued above all else. It will be a place where the richness and diversity of Asian culture are embraced and celebrated. But our vision for PanAsian Cinema extends beyond the stories we tell on screen. It is also about creating a more equitable and inclusive industry behind the scenes. We will work tirelessly to address the systemic inequities that have long plagued our industry, ensuring that all members of our team are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. I want to be clear: this journey will not be easy. There will be challenges and obstacles along the way. But I am confident that together, we can overcome them. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for Asian representation in the entertainment industry. So let us embrace this new chapter as PanAsian Cinema with open hearts and open minds. Let us continue to push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and tell stories that resonate with audiences around the world. And let us never forget the incredible power we hold as storytellers to shape hearts and minds and inspire change. Thank you.

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The Chariot: Issue XV

The Struggle for Latino Representation

By: Fabiola Quinteiro Original Publication Date: 24 January 2024

In the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, the Ross Awards represents and reflects a decade of diversity and progress, awarding its first Black and Middle Eastern winners for its primary acting categories last month. However, a glaring disparity emerged when it came to Latino representation.

Out of the 199 nominees across all four acting categories, only three have been Latinos, constituting a mere 1.5% of total nominees. Unsurprisingly, none of these nominees emerged as winners, portraying a disheartening 0% success rate.

When Emerson Wright became president of Hollywood Studios in 2020, Tonya Mendoza engaged in discussions with him to address the issue of Latino invisibility. Regrettably, these conversations were unfruitful over the course of four years. Director Carmela Velazquez also joined the discourse, warning of potential protests if measures weren’t taken to redirect resources towards Latino filmmakers. This, she emphasized, was a pivotal moment in Emerson’s career and the industry’s trajectory.

Emerson’s inaugural release as president, Zero, Zero, Zero (2020), faced criticism from the Latino community within the entertainment industry. They deemed the film performative, focusing on sensitive issues such as drug use and cartels, with little regard for the multifaceted experiences of the Latino population. Tonya Mendoza argued that shaping Latino stories solely around cartel experience was destructive and called for lasting actions to secure the community’s presence within the entertainment industry.

Last year, Cygna Entertainment became an independent studio dedicated solely to Black filmmaking. This move raised questions about the absence of a similar platform for Latinos. Carmela Velazquez voiced concerns about the industry’s tendency to create separate studios for Black and Asian narratives, leaving Latinos overlooked. She argued against creating more studios based on financial gains, urging the industry to focus on genuine representation.

In response to the mounting discontent, a protest unfolded outside Hollywood Studios lasting one day, prompting a tentative deal that promised the creation of a dedicated team focused on sharing Latino stories and significantly increasing visibility within the industry and the Ross Awards over the next three years.

This collaborative effort is spearheaded by newcomer director Erin Navarro, working alongside Carmela Velazquez and Tonya Mendoza.

Second Avatar: The Last Airbender Adaptation Champions Indigenous Voices By: Anika Sunisa Original Publication Date: 25 February 2024

Four years since Hollywood Studios released a rendition of the beloved animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender, a new adaptation is on the horizon promising not only to capture the essence of the original animation, but also to break new ground in the realm of diversity and representation.

The 2020 adaptation, a joint collaboration between Emerson Wright and Davis Wylde, was not received well with Indigenous viewers when an all-Asian cast portrayed characters from the Water Tribe, who in the original animation were of Indigenous and Native American descents. As a step towards the right direction, this upcoming adaptation casted actors who more accurately represent the characters’ native heritages, with Hialeah Moonshadow and Wohali Tahmahkera portraying the main characters Katara and Sokka with Beam Paramatthakorn joining the cast,taking the role of Avatar Aang.

This casting decision marks an historic moment in the entertainment industry, as it becomes the first movie to feature actors of Indigenous and Native American descents in lead roles. This is a positive shift towards more inclusive storytelling, acknowledging and celebrating the rich diversity of cultures that often go unnoticed in mainstream media.

MC-Wylde's president, Beijing Lee, sheds light on the motivation behind this groundbreaking casting. He emphasizes the lack of a significant platform for Indigenous and Native American actors to share their stories and amplify their voices within the industry. The hope is that this new adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender will serve as a catalyst, opening doors for underrepresented communities and paving the way for more inclusive storytelling.

Hialeah Moonshadow, who plays Katara, expresses her excitement about the opportunity to contribute to this transformative moment in the entertainment industry. Hialeh, along with fellow cast members Aiyana Littlecreek and Joweese Cetanwakuwa (Princess Yue and Hahn, respectively), have been actively collaborating with Beijing Lee to extend this platform beyond the film series. Their goal is to provide a larger stage for Indigenous and Native Americans, ensuring their voices are heard and their stories are consistently shared.

Beijing Lee has been engaging in ongoing conversations with Hollywood Studios's Emerson Wright to address the broader issue of representation. The focus extends not only to the Indigenous and Native American community but also to the neglect of Latino actors. This commitment to diversity is part of a broader industry movement that is calling for increased visibility and equal opportunities for actors from all backgrounds.

The recent protests advocating for more Latino visibility in the industry have yielded positive results. Hollywood Studios responded with the release of Society of Snow, directed by Erin Navarro, Hollywood's second Latino director. This movie follows in the footsteps of Don't Cry For Me Argentina (2019), La Capitana (2021) and Encanto (2023) as the fourth film in the industry with a Latino-majority cast.

As the entertainment industry takes these significant steps towards a more inclusive future, the Avatar: The Last Airbender remake stands as a beacon of change, emphasizing the importance of representation and diverse storytelling.

Unveiling Biased Reporting in The Chariot

Opinion Piece By: Kenya Shamekh Original Publican Date: 7 March 2024

In the realm of entertainment, where diversity and representation are the pillars of progress, it is disheartening to witness a continuous narrative that unfairly dismisses the efforts of a true visionary. Beijing Lee, the president of MC-Wylde, has faced relentless criticism since the beginning of his presidency in 2021. The Chariot, the media outlet responsible for shaping public opinion, has played a significant role in perpetuating this bias.

From the onset, Beijing Lee's election was deemed divisive by the previous Chariot president, Aramis Giordano. Despite securing enough votes to become Davis Wylde's successor, Beijing’s win was framed as a source of division within the company, setting the tone for the extensive biased coverage that would follow.

The Chariot's continuous portrayal of Beijing Lee in a negative light became prominent with the release of Johnson v. Harland, a film addressing racism under Lawrence Harland's presidency. The backlash received was disproportionately emphasized, overshadowing the movie's message and impact. It was clear that The Chariot selectively chooses incidents to criticize, contributing to the unfair narrative surrounding Beijing.

Cygna Entertainment, a subsidiary of MC-Wylde created in 2018 to focus on Black storytelling, became a battleground for biased reporting. When Beijing championed the independence of Cygna Entertainment, allowing Black directors and artists full control, The Chariot falsely reported it as Beijing planning to dissolve the subsidiary while exaggerating an active coalition within the entertainment industry fighting against this dissolution (Cygna Entertainment Separates from Parent Company, MC-Wylde Studios, January 2023). In addition to the bias, the article presented the transition as a joint collaboration between Emerson Wright and Beijing Lee, placing Emerson in a more positive light than the MC-Wylde president.

Despite these accomplishments, The Chariot's acknowledgment of Beijing Lee's efforts was minimal. It wasn't until 2022 that Beijing was awarded the Chariot's People of the Year for uplifting Asian voices and telling their stories. However, the recognition was limited to this aspect of his work, conveniently diminishing his contributions to Cygna Entertainment as only “dedicating his time and resources”.

Since the independence of Cygna Entertainment, Beijing has pioneered the creation of Browning Records, a new entertainment studio focused on reshaping the music landscape. MC-Wylde employed the highest number of workers and managed the most artists within the music industry, yet The Chariot presented this establishment as a continued collaboration between the two presidents, Emerson Wright and Beijing Lee, with the article only including Emerson’s opinions and words of encouragement to the new studio.

The biggest dismissal of Beijing’s efforts is when The Chariot published Embracing the Renaissance of Diversity: The Silver Age in Entertainment (November 2023) to announce the name of the current generation of entertainment renaissance, second only to the Golden Age of 2009. The Chariot heavily lauded Emerson’s works in establishing a strong platform for diverse artists and storytelling and listed all his groundbreaking and trail blazing productions.

The article mentioned Cygna Entertainment becoming an independent studio to uplift Black voices and the creation of Browning Records for a growing platform for music yet Beijing’s contributions were not mentioned. This article also failed to include the growing frustration of Latino voices that have been historically ignored by Hollywood Studios, to a point where Latino artists and directors walked out to protest in front of the studios, claiming that all their meetings and talks with Emerson Wright the past four years have not come into fruition.

Meanwhile, Beijing Lee is the first and the only president who has created and provided a platform for Native and Indigenous Americans and has consistently advocated for Asian representations, releasing movies with South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Middle Eastern artists in all primary roles.

All of Beijing’s efforts are completely dismissed whenever Emerson is constantly praised for being the sole reason for the establishment of the Silver Age.

The bias towards Emerson Wright is more prominent when A Woman in Arabia was heavily criticized for representing White feminism, centering only the experiences and struggles of White women in an otherwise diverse story. In this case, Vanessa Harding played Gertrude Bell, a British woman who assisted in establishing the borders of modern-day Iraq and Jordan.

In this article, presidential-candidate Darius Booker does not mention that Emerson still has final say on every movie Hollywood releases. He is completely absolved from his contributions on pushing forward the idea of White feminism and the article only focuses on Vanessa’s mistakes, and hers only.

This opinion piece was written as a direct result of three years of overt bias against a visionary – someone who has stood his ground and continued excelling despite the constant criticism against him.

As we navigate through the Silver Age and Hollywood Studios undergoing a year-long election to find the successor to Emerson Wright, it is crucial to shed light on bias and discrimination presented in the entertainment industry. Beijing Lee’s contributions should not be overshadowed by selective reporting, and it is our responsibility to demand fair and unbiased representation in the media.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue XIV

Jake Browning Revolutionizes the Music Industry

By: Anika Sunisa Original Publication Date: 1 October 2023

The entertainment industry is abuzz with excitement as a new chapter unfolds with the announcement of Jake Browning as the president of Browning Entertainment Records, a groundbreaking venture aimed at reshaping the music landscape. This pivotal move, unveiled on September 7, 2023, marks a significant moment in the career of the former X Factor contestant, whose musical journey has captivated audiences since his debut on the hit talent show in 2012.

Jake Browning's rise to fame began when he graced the X Factor stage during Season 3, where he captured the hearts of millions and clinched the third-place spot, while Rhys Parker emerged as the winner. In the years that followed, Browning's talent blossomed, giving birth to hit albums such as Angels (2013), Ignite (2013), and Shadow Puppet (2013).

Despite Browning's personal success, the music industry faced challenges that led to stagnation. It was not until 2017, with the emergence of the Asian Age, that the music industry witnessed a renaissance, led by visionaries like Evan Tanaka and CAVIAR. Artists like Mali, Aiden Carillo, Bryanna Cho, and Lunarys have since breathed new life into the scene, sparking a rapid resurgence in music's popularity.

With the music industry experiencing unprecedented growth, Hollywood Studios' President Emerson Wright and MC-Wylde's Beijing Lee joined forces to establish Browning Entertainment Records. This ambitious project, helmed by the musical sensation himself, Jake Browning, aims to usher in a new era of creativity and collaboration.

Upon the company's opening, Amelia Walker was named Vice President, while Brooklynn Freeman assumed the role of Chief of Staff—both accomplished women who, like Browning, made their mark on the music industry in the same pivotal year.

Emerson Wright lauded the trio's expertise, stating, "Who else would know how the music industry works better than the three of them?" Their collective vision is to create a thriving and competitive environment that fosters the growth of music in all its diverse forms and languages, in parallel with the movie industry.

Jake Browning enthusiastically shared his insights on the future of the music industry, emphasizing his commitment to nurturing a culture that allows artists of every genre and background to flourish. Browning Entertainment Records is set to provide comprehensive support and management services for music artists, marking a significant milestone in the journey of musicians under the company’s guidance.

Embracing the Renaissance of Diversity: The Silver Age in Entertainment

By: Fabiola Quinteiro Original Publication date: 6 November 2023

The entertainment industry has reached a transformative moment, marked by the dawn of the "Silver Age." This era is defined by a period of artistic and diverse evolution, accompanied by notable commercial successes in the realms of films and music. The Silver Age officially commenced on January 1, 2020, with the rise of Emerson Wright, who initiated a tidal wave of innovation in storytelling, with a keen focus on enhancing diversity and representation.

The Silver Age stands as a peer to the legendary Golden Age, owing to its remarkable collection of successful movies and music. What truly distinguishes this era is its unwavering commitment to diversity, boasting a diverse team of filmmakers and celebrities, and making inclusivity a cornerstone of its identity.

One of the most pivotal moments in the Silver Age was the ascent of Emerson Wright. He succeeded Lawrence Harland, who resigned amid calls for his departure, stemming from an investigation that revealed his undue influence over the results of the prestigious Ross Awards, which favored a white woman winning the Best Actress award. The concluding years of Lawrence's presidency were marred by allegations of racism, corruption, and nepotism.

Emerson Wright's election as president in 2020 marked a watershed pledging to provide a platform for those whose voices had been silenced during Lawrence's presidency. Under his leadership, a series of groundbreaking films were released, underscoring the paramount importance of diversity.

The inaugural film of the Silver Age, Zero Zero Zero (2020), featured a diverse ensemble cast that represented a wide array of backgrounds. This was soon followed by On Her Own Ground (2020) and The Year of the Woman: Hill v. Thomas (2020), both trailblazing productions that marked Hollywood's first films with a predominantly Black cast.

Emerson Wright collaborated with the president of MC-Wylde, Davis Wylde, to establish the independent Ross Awards Committee. This marked a significant departure from the past, when Hollywood Studios had control over the Ross Awards. Hans Newmann took the helm as the first president of this new committee.

In 2021, Davis Wylde stepped down as the president of MC-Wylde, and Beijing Lee assumed the position with a vision to be the primary platform for Asian voices. This shift was particularly significant, especially in light of Emerson Wright's efforts to diversify the industry.

The following year, Vanity Chariot, the leading news agency in the entertainment industry, announced a major overhaul and restructuring of the studio. President Aramis Giordano stepped down amidst accusations of racism and favoritism towards White and Asian stories and individuals. Lancer Knight assumed leadership and announced a more diverse roster of columnists, underscoring the significance of inclusion.

Cygna Entertainment, a subsidiary of MC-Wylde established in 2018 to focus on Black movies, made the decision to become an independent studio with Delaurentis McQueen leading this new venture. This separation came after growing calls for better representation of Black stories after Anya Parrish won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role as Carolyn Bryant in Till (2022), the White accuser of Emmett Till, in an otherwise all-Black film.

This year, Browning Entertainment Record was established, with a primary focus on music, reflecting the burgeoning talent in the industry since 2020 with the rise of CAVIAR, Lunarys, Evan Tanaka, Bryanna Cho, Aiden Carillo, and Eileen Pham.

The tenth annual Ross Awards featured a diverse array of nominees, making it the most inclusive event in the entertainment industry's history. A majority of the nominees, 40%, were of Asian descent, a trend that had been ongoing since the Asian Age from 2017 to 2020. Black nominees accounted for 20% of the total, marking a new high for the industry. Middle Eastern and Hispanic nominees constituted a total of 12% of nominees. Among the Best Director nominees, 40% were Black, and 20% were Hispanic, also setting a new industry record.

While the Silver Age may not have completely resolved all the issues favoring White and Asian filmmakers and stories, it represents a significant step towards a more diverse and inclusive future in the entertainment industry. This is a time of transformation, growth, and the ongoing pursuit of a more equitable and diverse entertainment landscape.

The Chariot’s Person of the Year

In the face of unprecedented challenges, the entertainment industry has undergone a transformative journey in recent years. The Chariot’s Person of the Year award is a tribute to those individuals whose unwavering commitment and groundbreaking contributions have left a lasting impact, fostering inclusivity and equality for everyone.

Delaurentis McQueen – Following the separation of Cygna Entertainment from its parent company MC-Wylde, Delaurentis’s ascent to the position as the first Black president in the entertainment industry carries a profound significance in reshaping the narrative of representation. In an industry historically dominated by a lack of diversity, Delaurentis’s leadership and vision mark a monumental leap towards a more inclusive platform. Under his guidance, Richelle Paisley achieved an historic feat by becoming the first Black actress to win the prestigious Best Actress at the Ross Awards. This is a testament of the impact that diverse leadership can have on fostering opportunities for underrepresented talents.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue XIII

MC-Wylde in Turmoil: Beijing Lee’s Presidency Sparks Concerns of Stagnation and Uncertainty

By Fabiola Quinteiro Original Publication Date: 24 July 2023

MC-Wylde, once a renowned and prolific film studio, finds itself in the midst of a tumultuous era since President Davis Wylde handed over the reins to the current President, Beijing Lee. With a stark contrast to the studio’s previous approach, Beijing’s rigid vision has led to a concerning stagnation in film releases, leaving staff and moviegoers worried about the company’s future.

The stark divergence in leadership styles between MC-Wylde and its main competitor, Hollywood Studios led by Emerson Wright, has been a defining factor in the studio’s struggles. While Hollywood Studios continues to flourish by staying attuned to audience preferences, Beijing’s set vision often clashes with MC-Wylde’s core principles, causing a rift within the company.

One of the primary issues leading to stagnation is the lack of consensus among Beijing’s cabinet members on both funding and the overall direction of the studio. Internal disagreements have resulted in delayed decision-making and a dearth of new film releases, pushing MC-Wylde into a state of uncertainty. The staff at MC-Wylde are grappling with this turmoil, torn between loyalty to the studio’s legacy and frustration with the current state of affairs.

Recent developments within MC-Wylde added further complexity to the situation when the subsidiary company, Cygna Entertainment, became an independent film studio with the support of both Beijing Lee and Emerson Wright. The move was positioned as a step towards creating a more inclusive industry. However, it left many employees and moviegoers questioning the Beijing’s vision for the industry and the rationale behind the decision.

While Beijing claimed that the lack of film releases was a result of shifting focus to create a more inclusive industry, many within MC-Wylde and the public remain unconvinced. The concern arises from the apparent lack of cohesive vision and the scarcity of new projects from MC-Wylde itself.

Despite the growing anxiety among staff and moviegoers, the expected protests have been notably absent, adding to the mounting uncertainty and the speculation surround Beijing’s next move. The lack of public demonstrations has made it difficult for external observers to gauge the true extent of unrest within MC-Wylde. 

As film directors gather and contemplate purchasing the studio outright, a snap election to decide the new leadership is being considered. The move signals a vote of no confidence in Beijing’s ability to lead the studio out of its current predicament.

Meanwhile, Beijing Lee has maintained a conspicuous silence, further fueling speculation and uncertainty. The public eagerly anticipates his upcoming speech, hoping for a comprehensive response to the pressing concerns and a clear roadmap for MC-Wylde’s future. As the industry watches closely, the hope is that Beijing Lee will rise to the occasion and chart a course that revitalizes MC-Wylde, appeases the staff, and meets the expections of devoted moviegoers who have been loyal to the studio since its inception.

A Woman in Arabia: Vanessa Harding and the Dilemma of White Feminism

By: Darius Booker Original Publication: 22 August 2023

In the world of cinema, the power to illuminate untold stories and honor forgotten historical figures is both a privilege and a responsibility. However, the portrayal of Black and Brown stories through a White perspective, often coupled with elements of White feminism and White saviorism, has sparked an intense debate within the industry. This article will delve into the intricate issues surrounding these concepts and explores the arguments that both support and challenge this approach, particularly in the context of Vanessa Harding's filmography.

Movies have the extraordinary ability to shed light on overlooked historical narratives and amplify the voices of women who have been marginalized throughout history. Proponents of telling Black and Brown stories through a White perspective argue that this approach can make these narratives more accessible to a broader audience. By providing a relatable entry point, they believe these films can inspire viewers to engage with history and advocate for change. 

However, the concept of White feminism, which centers the experiences and struggles of White women while often overlooking the intersectionality of race and ethnicity, complicates this narrative. The criticism directed at Vanessa Harding's films Mademoiselle (2019) and Frontline (2021) highlights the potential pitfalls of this approach. When stories like Coco Chanel's association with Nazism or narratives about the Korean War are portrayed from a White perspective, the historical nuances and lived experiences of those directly affected can become secondary to the character development of White protagonists.

White saviorism, a trope where White characters intervene to save non-White characters from their own struggles, presents yet another layer of complexity. Accusations against Vanessa Harding's comeback movie, A Woman in Arabia, underscore the concern that Brown stories are being exploited to portray White women as saviors. A Woman in Arabia tells the story of Gertrude Bell, a British explorer who spent her life mapping the Middle East and was pivotal in establishing what are now Jordan and Iraq. This narrative can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine the agency and resilience of the communities that lived through those historical events.

Supporters of portraying Black and Brown stories through a White perspective often emphasize the positive intention behind these films – to honor strong historical women and to showcase their achievements. These movies can introduce these figures to a wider audience, potentially inspiring future generations to engage with history and feminist ideals. Vanessa Harding's filmography itself attests to her commitment to advancing feminism in the entertainment industry, even if the execution has sparked controversy.

The debate surrounding the representation of these stories is not a simple binary choice. A nuanced approach is necessary, one that seeks to honor the achievements of forgotten historical women without overshadowing the experiences of marginalized communities. Filmmakers must work collaboratively with cultural consultants and historians to ensure that these narratives are accurately and sensitively portrayed.

The question of whether it's unfair or warranted how Vanessa is being treated for releasing A Woman in Arabia is a complex one. On one hand, Vanessa Harding's intention to shed light on the life of Gertrude Bell and the Arab Revolt could be seen as a legitimate effort to bring attention to an often-overlooked historical figure and a significant period in history. In this context, the attention she receives might be a natural consequence of her status as an actress who has been active in advancing feminist ideals.

On the other hand, the criticism Vanessa is facing could be seen as warranted, given the sensitivity of the subject matter. Accusations of using Brown stories to present White women as saviors reflect concerns about perpetuating harmful narratives and reinforcing the White savior trope. It's essential to approach stories like Gertrude Bell's with a deep understanding of the historical context and the potential impact on marginalized communities.

Ultimately, whether the treatment is unfair or warranted depends on one's perspective and the standards by which these films are being evaluated. Filmmakers must be prepared for both acclaim and critique when they choose to tackle such intricate subjects, and it's vital for them to engage with the feedback constructively to create meaningful and culturally sensitive narratives.

The intersection of White perspectives, White feminism, and White saviorism in films depicting Black and Brown stories requires thoughtful examination. The intention to uplift and amplify marginalized voices is noble, but it must be executed with utmost care to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes and erasing the lived experiences of the communities these stories belong to. 

Vanessa Harding's filmography undeniably reflects her dedication to portraying strong and influential women throughout history. Her choice of stories highlights women who have made significant contributions and fought against societal norms to carve their own paths. While many of these stories revolve around White-majority contexts, it's important to consider how history will remember her in the broader context of evolving storytelling and the ongoing discussion around representation.

History will likely recognize Vanessa as an actress who was proactive in showcasing the accomplishments and struggles of women, particularly those who have been historically underrepresented or overlooked. However, the conversations surrounding her filmography may also include nuanced discussions about the importance of representing marginalized communities and the challenges of portraying Black and Brown stories through a White perspective. 

As society continues to evolve, the understanding of representation and cultural sensitivity in media is becoming more nuanced. Vanessa's filmography might be viewed as a reflection of the prevailing norms and attitudes of the times in which her projects were created. Future assessments could also emphasize the broader industry-wide shift towards greater diversity and inclusion in storytelling.

Ultimately, history's perspective on Vanessa Harding will likely encompass both her efforts to highlight powerful women and the ongoing dialogue surrounding the complexities of representation, particularly in relation to stories from diverse cultural backgrounds. How she is remembered will depend on how her work is contextualized within the broader narrative of progress in media representation and the discussions she may have inspired or contributed to through her projects.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue XII

Cygna Entertainment Separates from Parent Company, MC-Wylde Studios

By Fabiola Quinteiro Original Publication Date: 11 January 2023

After one year of discussion and planning, Cygna Entertainment finally breaks away as the subsidiary company of MC-Wylde Studios to become its own independent film studio.

Beijing Lee initially faced backlash last year when he announced at a private company meeting that he plans to dissolve Cygna Entertainment. Pushing for a more independent film company, Beijing collaborated with then-president Aleksei Tereshchenko in transitioning the company from being a subsidiary to its own private film studio. 

As the news partially broke out last year, a coalition within the entertainment industry formed to fight against the dissolution of Cygna Entertainment. This alliance eventually dissipated as soon as Till was announced to be Cygna's movie of the year. Aleksei eventually stepped down as president after the release of the movie to make way for a democratic election for the newly-independent film studio.

Cygna Entertainment was created in 2018 by Davis Wylde as a daughter company of MC-Wylde to solely focus on telling Black stories, while the parent company centered on releasing lucrative Asian films. Cygna Entertainment was restricted in releasing a few number of movies a year as funding was very limited; despite of this obstacle, the film studio garnered recognition during the annual Ross Awards.

Both Hollywood president Emerson Wright and MC-Wylde president Beijing Lee collaborated and funded the transition of Cygna Entertainment to an independent film studio. After its establishment, a democratic election was held on January 10, 2023 to fill in the new leadership positions. Delaurentis McQueen is elected as the film industry's first Black president with Daryna Langston and Dubois Carmichael also as the first Black Vice President and Chief of Staff respectively.

Upon the announcement of his presidency, Delaurentis shares that his goal for Cygna Entertainment is to be one of the most respected film studios as he will strive to work on leveling out the playfield, not only for Black actors and stories, but for all minorities.

"We will continue to be the platform for the unheard and underrepresented", he continues.

When then-president of Hollywood Studios, Lawrence Harland, stepped down in 2019, the film industry had only released two Black stories within seven years since its inception. Following Emerson's election in 2020, there has been an increase in films that featured Black artists, directors, and stories; yet with all these contributions, only Cygna Entertainment consistently advocates for Black films.

As of January 2023, there has only been eight films with at least two Black main actors released in the entirety of the film industry's history - five of which were by Cygna Entertainment.

Immortal Life (2018)

Things Fall Apart (2019)

On Her Own Ground (2020)

The Year of the Woman: Hill v. Thomas (2020)

Chisholm (2020)

The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)

Muyembe (2021)

Till (2022)

The recent win of Anya Parrish in the 2022 Ross Awards reignited the conversation of Black representation in the media. Till was on the sidelines with only two nominations, and the only white actor in the film wins the award for Best Supporting Actress. Anya Parrish used her platform to highlight this discrimination and inequality in access of Black people to acting and directing roles while highlighting other movies such as Valley of the Kings (2018) and Escape from Mogadishu (2021) having no Black roles despite taking place in Africa.

The creation of an independent Cygna Entertainment will undoubtedly be a testament to this current era in the film industry. Upon the announcement, Emerson Wright and Beijing Lee offer their time and resources to ascertain the long-term success of Delaurentis McQueen and Cygna Entertainment.

The Chariot’s People of the Year

As the entertainment industry rapidly solidifies this current generation of progress and social justice, two people have been actively raising their voices in the face of injustice and inequality.

Beijing Lee - starting off at a rough patch in his presidency, Beijing chose a familiar path that continues the legacy of the president who precedes him. During this time of rapid social changes, Beijing stands firm with his vision in providing a safe haven in uplifting Asian voices and telling their stories. Since his election, Beijing has released films have stood against Hollywood, such as Johnson v. Harland (2021) and Monsoon - Thai Rescue Cave (2022). Beijing has also been dedicating time and resources in establishing an independent Cygna Entertainment to provide a larger platform on sharing Black stories and experiences.

Anya Parrish - as the only White actor in Till, Anya also became the only person nominated for an acting category in the Ross Awards about a movie of a Black experience. Despite the backlash and the pressure of her renouncing the nomination, Anya collaborated with the team behind Till in highlighting the inequality Black actors face in the entertainment industry. As the entire cast boycotted the Ross Awards, Anya discussed lack of resources, lack of opportunities, and lack of recognition of Black actors and directors. Her platform widened after winning Best Supporting Actress in which she vocally expressed her disappointed of this culture.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue XI

Becoming Kyle Highlights Tyrannic Leadership of Davis Wylde By: Darius Booker Original Publication Date: 04 October 2022

The upcoming release of Becoming Kyle is Emerson Wright’s response to Beijing Lee’s Harland v. Johnson, which brought home the Best Actress prize in last year’s Ross Awards. Upon the release of Harland v. Johnson, investigations and conversations regarding the history of racism, white supremacy, nepotism and corruption within Hollywood Studios resurfaced - issues that Emerson has been actively trying to eliminate.

The case of former president, Lawrence Harland, was a very well-reported issue within the entertainment industry and interest regarding the details has always been at an all-time high; this has not been the case with Davis Wylde, the subject of interest in Becoming Kyle.

Davis has enjoyed much of his career in a positive light. His first series Carlsburgh Mysteries has witnessed unprecedented popularity and success, spanning a lucrative 19 seasons and three movies. He, then, created MC-Wylde, a joint entertainment company that merged with Miranda Cosgrove’s The MC Company. Together, they have gained the respect of the audience by releasing movies and presented issues that were otherwise taboo and stigmatized under Lawrence Harland’s Hollywood Studios.

The release of Becoming Kyle would be the first one that criticizes Davis Wylde and presents his leadership as totalitarian. An investigation funded by Emerson Wright and Hollywood Studios showed that employees in MC-Wylde under the helm of Davis Wylde were forced to work long hours and were given responsibilities outside of their job descriptions. The movie highlights one particular case with Caleb Adams.

Caleb Adams, famously known as Kyle Clarkson in Carlsburgh Mysteries, married Sofia Teller in August 2015. During that time, Caleb requested to not renew his contract with Carlsburgh following the end of Season 10 to focus on his family. Davis gave him no option and disregarded his request. He was eventually forced by his contract to do nine more seasons. 

Becoming Kyle focuses on Caleb on his journey from trying to leave Carlsburgh in Season 3 as his character Kyle Clarkson was killed. Kyle was later reincarnated in Season 4. The movie also delves into his burnout, causing a rift in his relationship with Sofia and asking Davis to kill his character off following Season 7, in which Davis brushes the issues off. When Caleb and Sofia had their first child Brody, Caleb threatened to sue Davis Wylde to remove him from the contract to focus on his new family, but eventually lost. The movie depicts Caleb’s active legal attempt to remove himself from the show.

Davis Wylde and Caleb Adams have made no comments regarding the results of the investigation. With the release of the movie, more investigations are underway to unearth the totalitarian leadership of Davis Wylde in Carlsburgh and also while he was president of MC-Wylde.

The Price of Power: Aramis Giordano Dismissed as the President of The Vanity Chariot By: Anika Sunisa Original Publication Date: 04 October 2022

After a year-long break, The Vanity Chariot formally announces the dismissal of President Aramis Giordano. Aramis created The Chariot in 2015 to create transparency within the entertainment industry. In his seven years of leadership, the company have been known for its deceit and corruption, especially with the recent release of the reports regarding Davis Wylde’s leadership. Aramis had been actively controlling the news to avoid negative reports and articles regarding MC-Wylde.

With his dismissal, long-time The Chariot columnist, Lancer Knight, steps in as the new president of the company. His first responsibility was restructuring the company to evenly spread the powers by creating the positions of Vice President and Chief of Staff, echoing those of Hollywood Studios and MC-Wylde; Bayard Colvin and Felix Wang took over the positions respectively.

The Chariot also expanded and opened three new positions for columnists with Anika Sunisa, Darius Booker, and Fabiola Quinteiro.

With this new structure, Lancer wishes to continue providing unbiased transparency of the entertainment industry without the corruption brought forward by Aramis Giordano and his relationships with other leaders.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue X

Beijing Lee Under Fire After Announcing Johnson v. Harland By Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 08 September 2021

Criticisms from all sides enveloped the entertainment industry after the announcement of a new MC-Wylde movie Johnson v. Harland centering around the Omar Vanderkoff scandal that brought down the Harland empire back in 2017, giving rise to the current administration under Emerson Wright. The movie is expected to deal with the aftermath of River Johnson winning Best Actress against Keira Kuyama and the investigation that ensued unearthing the corruption under the Lawrence Harland administration. The Driscoll Reports released in 2019, released by the principal investigator Dominic Driscoll, showed that Omar Vanderkoff was involved in eliminating Caterina Sultana and Bodhi Zhao off of X-Factor earlier in 2017 and using his power to influence the 2017 Ross Awards results in River Johnson’s favor.

No official statements from Hollywood Studios, River Johnson, and Lawrence Harland have been released besides Keira Kuyama sharing her thoughts of the reimagining of the events. She shared with her YouTube viewers that the movie is based on the dialogues and creative imaginations of a subset of people who created the movie - it will not be accurate to what exactly happened. Embattled president Beijing Lee has been quiet throughout the chaos that ensued.

Filming was in under very tight wraps, considering the magnitude of controversy it would have received had it been announced earlier on. Newcomers Ava Fletcher and Chihiro Amari will be playing River Johnson and Keira Kuyama respectively. Caleb Adams will be playing President Lawrence Harland who is facing the scandal that will eventually dethrone him from office while Omar Vanderkoff will be portrayed by Heath Roux in the movie.

Meanwhile in MC-Wylde, there are conversations rising regarding a possible recall for a new president following a sub-optimal year in the number of movies released by the once-prolific MC-Wylde. Many of those working in the industry are voicing their concerns on how Beijing’s administration is creating an unpredictable workplace without any job stability. Since Beijing took office, job prospects have decreased compared to the last three years under Davis Wylde’s leadership. 

With the announcement, Beijing’s reputation as the current president of MC-Wylde continues to suffer.

Calls for Diversity Increase Amidst Asian-Majority Ross Awards Nominees

By Lancer Knight Original Publication Date: 06 November 2021

This year’s Grand Nomination Event became one of the most historical yet. Following a subpar number of movies released, expectations for this year’s Ross Awards were low. The release of the controversial Johnson v. Harland ignited an interest in the Grand Nomination Event held on Saturday, October 30, 2021. The Ross Committee continued having five nominees for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress; and six nominees for Best Actor and Best Actress, acts that started last year to accommodate the increasing number of films being released every year. Johnson v. Harland dominated with nominations from each of the four acting categories: Ava Fletcher (Best Actress), Caleb Adams (Best Actor), Chihiro Amari (Best Supporting Actress), and Roman Alexander (Best Supporting Actor). Meanwhile, Chihiro Amari became the first actress to be nominated for two categories in one year (Best Actress for Squid Game and Best Supporting Actress for Johnson v. Harland). Keira Kuyama is once again nominated for Best Actress for her work in The Uncanny Counter, being one of the first actors to be nominated while still holding the crown [Best Actress, The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)]. Alongside Keira, Tala Evangelista is also nominated for Best Supporting Actress in Borderland, in the same category she won last year [Best Supporting Actress, Avatar: The Last Airbender (2020)].

Even with the historical events unfolding this year, conversations still continue regarding unequal access to movies for the non-White and non-Asian actors. The Best Supporting Actress category is filled with five Asian actresses, while only two non-White and non-Asian actors were nominated this year, making up 9% of the total nominees: Maya Abdullahi for Best Actress (The United States vs. Billie Holiday) and Emmanuel Rajabu (Muyembe). Meanwhile, all four of the Best Picture nominated films only tell Asian stories with Squid Game, Expedition, The Promised Neverland, and My Name. This is all in the midst of the growing pressure for the two presidents, Emerson Wright and Beijing Lee, to produce and release movies with increased diversity and Brown and Black representation. Since Emerson Wright became president, 33% of his films were dedicated in highlighting Black stories while only 22% highlighted Latin American stories. In contrast to Beijing Lee’s presidency, in which 100% of his films released since becoming president were Asian stories. One film, Escape from Mogadishu, takes place in Somalia, with zero speaking roles given to a Black actor.

The Best Director category also faces racial inequality and tension, with the same three directors getting recognized two years in a row: Mercer Leigh Stanley, Erika Yamamoto, and Eliza Maleenon. The only difference between this year’s nominees from last year’s nominees is that Carmela Velazquez takes Kenya Shamekh-Garfield’s spot - this creates a culture of Brown and Black actors and directors having to compete against each other for only one spot in the nomination pool while White and Asian actors and directors continue to dominate.

Cygna Entertainment, a subsidiary of MC-Wylde, continues to be the only company to highlight and share Black stories in the industry with 100% of their films dedicated in doing so. The company was created by Davis Wylde in an effort to separate these stories from his profitable Asian films, while creating a platform for Black artists to share their ideas and movies with the audience.

Even with the establishment of Cygna Entertainment, only 5.4% of Ross nominees have been Black with currently only one Ross Award winner, Aretha Clark (A Woman’s Crusade). Latin American actors only make up 3.2% of nominees and Middle Eastern actors with 2.1%. White and Asian actors dominate the Ross Awards nomination pool with 47.4% and 42.1% respectively. The relatively higher percentage of Black actors being recognized for the Ross Awards is directly due to the fact that Cygna Entertainment only creates films highlighting Black stories, while Latin American and Middle Eastern actors do not have the same privilege and are at the mercy of both Emerson Wright and Beijing Lee.

Moving forward, the audience should place more pressure on both presidents in releasing more movies that provide platform for Brown and Black actors to excel and be recognized so the future Ross Awards ceremonies do not continue to be 85% White and Asian.

The Chariot’s People of the Year

The entertainment industry continues to evolve and adapt to the current times, and two women have risen to the occasion, and against all odds, to advance the industry to become more welcoming, inclusive, and diverse.

1. Carmela Velazquez – in an industry that has not been inclusive to Latin American talents, Carmela has become the beacon to actors and producers who want to share their stories. She has become the first ever Latina to be nominated for Best Director in the Ross Awards, despite rampant sexism and racism within the entertainment industry. Her nomination gives hope to the very little number of Latin American talents in creating more films to highlight their heroes and struggles, and open doors for future actors to showcase their skills and talents. Alongside other Latinas in the industry, such as Tonya Mendoza, she has been very active in collaborating with Emerson Wright to produce and create movies that tell stories of Latin Americans worldwide. Following her directorial debut with In Peace and War (2018) which was nominated for Best Picture, Carmela has faced numerous roadblocks in promoting Latin American stories to then-Hollywood president Lawrence Harland. It was not until this year in which Carmela had successfully produced and directed a film with all Latin American talent.

2. Kenya Shamekh-Garfield – being the first and only Black director to have won Best Director and Best Picture in Ross Awards history, Kenya continues to inspire and attract Black talent in the industry through Cygna Entertainment. Despite not being part of the leadership in the company, Kenya is the most active member and constantly collaborates with low-budget companies and aspiring college students in providing a platform in sharing their stories to the unwelcoming industry. Kenya first garnered the attention when she became the main opponent of Emerson Wright in the fight to take over Lawrence Harland’s spot as president of Hollywood Studios. After the election, Kenya focused her time and attention in creating and directing Black-centered movies, starting with On Her Own Ground, in which she won Best Director, then followed by Chisholm, which was the Best Picture of the same year. Since Beijing Lee helming the presidency in MC-Wylde, Kenya has been the most vocal against his stance on releasing only Asian films under his presidency. She has been active on raising the issue and gathering funds to uplift Black and Brown voices, against the White and Asian majority.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue IX

The Dawn of the Revival Age By Lancer Knight Original Publication Date: 05 November 2020

2020 was met with consecutive blockbusters that saw the rise of Crash Landing On You, the establishment of a strong series such as Fullmetal Alchemist, and the return of The Hunger Games series with Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. 

This year also ushered in many changes welcomed by the new president of Hollywood Studios, Emerson Wright. He terminated the blackballing culture by casting Chrystia Allwright into the major role in his first movie, The Messiah, as the studio’s president; and he’s issuing an end in ageism within the entertainment industry by bringing back the popular artists from previous generations, such as Clapton Robinson and Aubree Jones in his second movie, Zero Zero Zero. 

Although he’s already created a major upset within the status quo with his first two films, he continued to initiate a new era of diversity, by telling stories of those who were silenced in the previous administrations. His third and fourth movies shared the struggles of successful Black women in history: first with Madam CJ Walker in On Her Own Ground, and second with Anita Hill in The Year of the Woman: Hill v. Thomas.

In contrast to rapid evolution of the industry under Emerson Wright, MC-Wylde president Davis Wylde adhered to the formula that solidified him as a great president in the previous years. Crash Landing On You served as a long-awaited reunion of the cast of W, playing the major roles in the movie: Park Jungmin, Joanna Park, Nam Taemin, Lee Jiyeon, and Han Youngchul. He also released the sequel of the star-studded series Kingdom and introduced a series adaptation of the fan-favorite manga, Fullmetal Alchemist. Although familiar, these formulas have been working in Davis’s favor and continues to shine the spotlight on Asian storytelling.

Following the tumultuous end to Lawrence Harland’s administration, Emerson created a friendly business alliance with Davis Wylde with the adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender. The two mega studios collaborated with the cast and resources to release a very successful series met with positive reception.

This year was also the ultimate test for the future of Cygna Entertainment, a subsidiary of MC-Wylde. Established in 2018, Cygna Entertainment is presided by Aleksei Tereshchenko and had three movies under its wing: Immortal Life, Tabula Rasa, and Things Fall Apart. Upon creation, Davis Wylde shared that Cygna was going to be an “extension” of the platform he’s providing in telling more stories. Aleksei’s mission was to release movies that would not have been approved by the two bigger studios for production.

Unfortunately since its inception, none of the movies under Cygna has ever been recognized by the Ross Awards. It has been considered a major upset by various film critics and the future of the company rest with the release of their only film this year: Chisholm, which tells the story of the first Black woman to run for presidency in the United States.

Another one of the more influential changes to occur this year is the establishment of the Ross Committee with Hans Neumann recognized to be the first president. This move acts as a giant leap forward to removing bias and corruption that occurred under Lawrence Harland’s presidency and created an administration with the sole purpose of providing policies and overseeing the nomination and award ceremonies. 

With Vanessa Harding releasing Dearest Zelda, the conversation started regarding the possibility of a “double win”, in which last year’s winner is eligible to be nominated again in the upcoming awards ceremony. Hans Neumann confirmed the allowance of “double win” a few days before the Grand Nomination Event on November 5.

Another topic of discussion proliferated in the industry when Gary Ross ended his retirement to direct the fifth Hunger Games movie, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, since being the namesake of the awards ceremony, many directors felt that it would be biased for Gary Ross to be nominated. The Ross Committee presided over the issue and came into conclusion that Gary Ross is eligible for the nomination. 

Even though these policies were announced, none of these situations arose during the Grand Nomination Event for the 2020 Ross Awards.

The seventh Ross Awards is as diverse as ever, celebrating the talents and successes of artists of various generations and genres. The nominations are virtually shared equally within all three film studios. Cygna Entertainment’s Chisholm submitted two nominees (Adanna Nwakali for Best Actress and Richelle Paisley for Best Supporting Actress) in which both were recognized. Chisholm is also nominated for Best Picture, a complete turnaround from the previous years of neglect from the Ross Awards nomination.

Three movies share the title with the most nominations of the season - The Year of the Woman: Hill v. Thomas, Chisholm, and Fullmetal Alchemist - one movie for each film studio.

The Best Actress category welcomed back Chrystia Allwright for her role as Eva Geller in The Messiah. The category also introduced Adanna Nwakali (Chisholm) and Maya Abdullahi (The Year of the Woman: Hill v. Thomas) as the first Black women to be nominated for Best Actress. The only Black winner was in 2016 when Aretha Clark brought home the Best Supporting Actress title for playing Ida B. Wells in A Woman’s Crusade.

Caleb Adams is also once again nominated for Best Actor for his role as F. Scott Fitzgerald in Dearest Zelda. This nomination leaves him on par with Vanessa Harding as the most nominated actor in Ross history (a staggering five nominations), even though he only had a Best Supporting Actor nomination in 2016 in comparison to five Best Actress nominations for Vanessa. Keira Kuyama trails behind with four nominations.

With all these major changes in the industry, the next year is definitely looking bright.

The Chariot's People of the Year

The Vanity Chariot continues to recognize those who are very influential throughout the year in the entertainment industry, whether positive or not.

2019

1. Lawrence Harland - his final year of presidency was mired with controversy especially revolving around Omar Vanderkoff and his pursuit for normalizing white supremacy, which lead to the first election in the entertainment industry in search for the next president to take over his position. His fall highlighted the needs for improvement within Hollywood Studios regarding racism, sexism, and nepotism. Regardless of the later controversies, Lawrence Harland is often credited for lifting the industry out of the Stagnant Age by heavily promoting the Ross Awards as an incentive to create more films. He also established the Harland University to educate the future members of the industry, which includes acting, cinematography, administration, and screenplay. Throughout his presidency, he focused a lot of his resources on providing a platform for low-budget films and directors, such as Davis Wylde and Mercer Leigh Stanley.

2. River Johnson - she became a victim of the media after winning Best Actress in the 2017 Ross Awards against fan-and-media favorites Vanessa Harding and Keira Kuyama. River's reputation suffered a great amount following the controversial win. She started speaking out against misogyny and how the media and the industry love to pit women against each other. She took a break from acting to host lectures and gatherings to highlight the need for feminism and equal treatment in Hollywood Studios. An independent investigation revealed that Hollywood Chief of Staff Omar Vanderkoff influenced the results to sway the Best Actress award towards River Johnson with the hopes of preserving white supremacy. The backlash that followed led to the downfall and the purging of the Harland administration from Hollywood Studios. This event propelled River Johnson as the face of the renewal and restoration of a better and fairer Hollywood.

2020

1. Emerson Wright - upon taking over Hollywood Studios at the start of the new year, Emerson tirelessly worked to undo the wrongdoings left by the Harland administration. He released his first movie that welcomed Middle Eastern actors and storylines into the industry. Emerson also ended toxic cultures that thrived under Harland, such as blackballing and ageism by bringing back Chrystia Allwright and Aubree Jones, among others. Additionally, this year served as a beacon to those whose voices were silenced by both Harland and Wylde administrations, and will continue to be next year, as Emerson announced his multiple collaborations with Tonya Mendoza and Adanna Nwakali.

Beijing Lee Wins MC-Wylde Presidency Amid a Divisive Election By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 10 December 2020

Davis Wylde announced during the 2020 Ross Awards his plan to step down as MC-Wylde's founding president within the next year, citing his longing to go back to directing and focusing on continuing Dandridge as one of his reasons of leaving his position. Following his announcement, a slew of prospective candidates announced their interest in pursuing the soon-to-be vacant spot. A discussion was held regarding who should follow after Davis's footsteps.

Directors were put on top of the list from the positive outcomes from Davis and Emerson's leaderships, although the actors are calling for more recognition and opportunities for the leadership position. Candidate River Johnson argued that actors share the same creative minds and proactivity as their directing colleagues and are also capable of eliciting changes, such as the feminist movement lead by River herself, following her 2017 controversial Ross Award win. Her stance was unanimously supported by her fellow actors who subsequently announced their candidacies.

The platform was opened to twelve prospects. Nine of which are actors, one director, one journalist, and one president. The candidacy pool were: Kimona Lange, Curtis Osborne, Meili Wang, Collins Armondie, Lancer Knight, Caleb Adams, Tala Evangelista, Beijing Lee, Adanna Nwakali, River Johnson, Chase Baker, and Hans Neumann.

Throughout the run, many candidates gained traction and support within MC-Wylde. Caleb Adams, for example, lauded his seven-year collaboration with Davis Wylde certifying himself as the candidate who knows his vision, values, and goals the best. Caleb Adams has worked with Davis Wylde on his very first project as director with Carlsburgh Mysteries and continued to work alongside Davis after the show ended.

Other candidates like River Johnson became a figure of female empowerment after witnessing her rise up against misogyny amid a toxic Hollywood culture pitting women against each other. She became the leader of the feminist movement and promised to continue fighting for visibility if she gets elected president.

Other candidates such as Tala Evangelista and Adanna Nwakali were met with unwelcoming remarks considering they've only been in the industry for less than a year. Their lack of experience as actors placed them in a major disadvantage against their other opponents, such as Caleb Adams and River Johnson.

On the other hand, veteran director Collins Armondie did not receive a large percentage of support, in comparison to Emerson Wright when he ran for president. In part, Collins has been out of the public eye for a while and failed to be as easily recognized as Emerson during candidacy.

As the election continued, the final two major candidates were Beijing Lee and Kimona Lange, who were considered underdogs in the early stages of the election. Many threw their support towards Kimona citing that the industry is due to have a strong female leader who could fight against Hollywood's Emerson Wright. On the other hand, a small group of supporters rallied behind Beijing Lee asking him to continue fighting for Asian visibility and providing a larger platform to include the complete Pan-Asian identity.

Election night ended with the announcement of Beijing Lee as the successor of Davis Wylde amid a growing concern among the MC-Wylde family.

Many of the actors mention how Beijing "lacks inspiration" or "leadership skills", focusing on his minimal three years of experience in the industry. "He has never been an active participant behind the scenes and never sought for projects", one MC-Wylde actor shared. "I'm worried about advocacy".

While others emphasize the history surrounding Beijing's win. "That's one of us right there", an actor shared. "We need to be on his side". 

"One of the reasons there's a lot of worry with Beijing winning is because this is the first time a non-White man is taking lead in a company; and people are afraid of that", another actor expresses.

This is the first time someone takes over MC-Wylde and following the footsteps of the founder himself. A sense of joy and excitement followed Emerson's win last year is due to the end of a corrupt administration under Lawrence Harland. This change in administration is sudden, especially while still at the height of the Asian Age and Davis Wylde's presidential career. Beijing stepping in Davis's shoes will lead the company to an unknown destiny.

"It's just too sudden of a change and it's worrisome". River revealed.

After the announcement, Beijing Lee set a list of the Vice President and Chief of Staff he want to work with - to no avail.

"I've asked five people to be my VP and everyone has rejected the offer". Beijing shared with The Chariot. "I didn't realize how strong the pushback would be". 

River Johnson, Kimona Lange, and Sofia Teller have stepped forward to announce they were not accepting Beijing's offer. "I don't think my vision matches his", shared Kimona.

Austin Stewart announced his acceptance to be Chief of Staff before rejecting the offer hours after. "I didn't know what it would entail and how it would affect my relationship with my family".

On January 11, Beijing disclosed that Kiev Harjanti accepted his offer to become Vice President, while naming Bodhi Zhao as his Chief of Staff.

Many comparisons have already surfaced despite Beijing not having occupied the position yet. We are currently at an important moment in the history of the industry in which Emerson has been creating changes to warrant a new era - the Progressive Era; while Davis continues to strengthen the legacy of the Asian Age. The election of Beijing Lee will determine whether the Asian Age continues or the industry moves on with Emerson Wright to the Progressive Era.

Meanwhile, a petition circulated within MC-Wylde asking to delay Beijing's presidency to a later date in the year prompting Davis Wylde to hold an emergency meeting with Vice President Miyurina Hamasaki and Chief of Staff Seema Bannerjee. Upon the end of the meeting, Davis released a report detailing the transition of power in which Beijing will be taken under his shadow for training. Both Kiev and Bodhi will also partake in the same preparation. No date has been announced for the next presidency, but the report estimates it to be Spring 2021.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue VIII

Original Publication Date: May 24, 2020

Changing Times Require Changing Cultures By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 25 March 2020

The new year and a new Hollywood administration is ushering in many necessary changes. As we are advancing through the current generation in entertainment, we are highlighting the shortcomings that the previous administration failed to focus on and fix.

Following the 2019 Ross Awards with Vanessa Harding finally taking home the crown, three of the Best Actress winners (River Johnson, Riza Yuki, and Vanessa Harding) shared their experiences of the life post-Ross recognition. River (Omelas) opened up as to how the industry shunned her after being booed out of stage for winning over Keira Kuyama (Your Lie in April) back in 2017. Riza Yuki (Death Note: Zero) also followed the same suit the year after in 2018 for winning over Keira Kuyama (The Town Without Me).

With the public humiliation, River's career took a great hit and unofficially became the face of the silenced and attacked women in the industry. She vocalized transparency and awareness of how the media is shaping the audience's minds and opinions by pitting talented women again each other. Since River's 2017 win, it has became an annual tradition for women to talk about the gender issue prior to awarding Best Actress.

2019 also saw the rise of culturally-important stories, such as Don't Cry for Me Argentina and Things Fall Apart and also provided platforms for South and Southeast Asian women to flourish, such as Samar Chopra (Hotel del Luna), Kiev Harjanti (A Story I Couldn't See), and Anjali Varma (Still Seventeen), yet none of these women and films were recognized for their contributions in the industry.

Three months into his presidency, Emerson Wright has exemplified the importance of diversity, not only in roles, but also in perspectives. He wants to provide a platform on those whose voices are rarely heard with the White-majority Hollywood under Lawrence Harland's administration and the Asian-majority MC-Wylde under Davis Wylde's leadership. Within three months, three movies have been released that showed the range of talent from Middle Eastern and Black actors and directors.

Emerson Wright started his presidency with the release of The Messiah, directed by Walid Abd al-Rahman, showcasing the first main roles given to those of Middle Eastern descent. The second movie focused on the story embodying the complexity of the relationships between the Mexican cartels and the Italian mafia in Zero Zero Zero. The third movie, groundbreaking with being the first movie to present an all-Black cast and director, On Her Own Ground tells the story of the first ever self-made female millionaire.

Emerson also wanted to purge the administration of the blame and blackball culture pushing forth the agenda by having his first movie star Chrystia Allwright as the female lead. Prior to his administration, Chrystia was blackballed after winning Best Actress (The Eureka Moment) in 2015 against the fan-and-industry favorite, Vanessa Harding (1906). For four years, Chrystia was unable to star in any movie role until Cygna Entertainment, a subsidiary of MC-Wylde, provided the opportunity, with her sister Kendra Allwright helming.

As a director himself, Emerson knows how to win both the administration and the crowd by bringing forth the powerful comebacks of classic actors such as Aubree Jones and Clapton Robinson, further sparking excitement within the entertainment industry. As the new president is releasing groundbreaking films, Davis Wylde sits idly and continues to draw in large crowd praising the films highlighting Asian excellence.

So far, he has released four very successful films: Vagabond (Beijing Lee, Meili Wang), Crash Landing on You (Park Jungmin, Joanna Park), Guardian: Great and Lonely God (Rayyan Ong, Malivalaya Leechaiyapornkul), and To the Kingdom of the Gods (Jeong Minhyuk, Joanna Park).

As it's approaching its third year, the Asian Age does not seem to be slowing down. The longest generation so far spanned almost four years (Stagnant Age, April 2013-November 2016); it won't be long until this current generation surpasses it - unless this rapidly-evolving movement caused by the Emerson's changes welcomes in a new revival.

Meet the Visionaries of the Ross Awards Committee By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 12 April 2020

The corruption scandal that took down the previous administration of Hollywood Studios finally lead to the formation of the Ross Awards committee, formed to independently screen and choose the nominees and winners from this point forward. After four months of deliberating how to build the framework of the new leadership roles, the Ross Committee decided to mirror the current administrations of MC-Wylde and Hollywood Studios. 

Both Davis Wylde and Emerson Wright held debriefings for the past four months to discuss the future of the committee and how it will maintain its lack of bias and independency. The topic of corruption was brought up the most with the fear of repeating what happened in the 2016 Ross Awards in which previous Hollywood Studios Chairman Omar Vanderkoff was accused of falsifying the Best Actress results. 

Davis Wylde and Emerson Wright agreed to establish an official impartial screening tool for the committee administration to use when hiring their staff. It will assess and analyze previous workplaces, experience, education, and connections within the industry. The committee decided to announce that a staff with a history of working with either MC-Wylde or Hollywood Studios would have their applications reviewed with the utmost precaution prior to moving ahead. On April 12, 2020, the official administration that would build the future of the Ross Awards Committee were announced. Hans Neumann would serve as the committee's president, Jolie Laurent as the vice president, and Godfrey Howard as the chief of staff. They request the rest of the year to fill in the empty positions, create new roles, and allow interns and volunteers to collaborate together in preparation for this year's Ross Awards. "People never had anyone to put their blames on whenever they don't like the results of the Awards", Anika host Anika Sunisa begins. "The Ross has always caused the greatest divide within the industry and the general mass audience and we've always pit the candidates against each other as if they're modern-day gladiators". "Hans Neumann is placed in the most dangerous position in the industry for all the arrows and guns will be pointed at him by the time December comes", Vanity Chariot editor Lancer Knight claims. "He will definitely be the most talked about, if not most attacked, president in entertainment history", he finishes. Presidents have never had it easy with the audience, as shown by the very publicized witch hunt that led to Lawrence Harland stepping down the previous year. Hans Neumann should have expected it to be the case prior to accepting the coveted role. "In the case of Emerson", Anika continues the discussion. "He has his reputation preceding him as someone generally well-liked." That was also the case with Lawrence Harland. He has a very over-the-top personality, which was shown in the types of movies he released. Lawrence wanted to create spectacles that would leave legacies for as long as possible; he also focused a lot of his attention on presenting himself as a cult personality, especially with the establishment of Lawrence Harland University. "This is in contrast to Davis and Emerson who want to create films to tell stories that are current and relevant and let time decide its fate". Lancer agrees to Anika's claims. It will definitely be interesting to see how this decision of opening up the Ross committee will affect the future of the awards ceremony and how it will play a role in shaping the entertainment industry. On the other hand, after the announcement comes the abrupt statement that current MC-Wylde Chief of Staff McCormick Hawthorne is stepping down after two years of service. Following the resignation, he disclosed his plans to go back to teaching film history in Lawrence Harland University this upcoming school semester. It was reported that Seema Banerjee will replace him after a long discussion among the three leaders of the company. Davis Wylde also announced the official Chairman of Cygna Entertainment, Manuela Valdiviero. Vanessa Harding unofficially held the position previously and would only do the role during pre-production of the films. The official appointment of Manuela Valdiviero serves as a good sign for a bright and prolific years ahead for Cygna Entertainment.

Emerson Nation is Catching Fire By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 24 May 2020

Five months into his presidency and Emerson Wright had already taken the entertainment industry by storm. In early May, the Hollywood president announced the upcoming revival of the esteemed The Hunger Games series by releasing a prequel that is being helmed by the master himself, Gary Ross.
 Following the announcement, social media sites exploded with excitement by sharing predictions, posting theories, and hosting watch parties in preparation for the upcoming movie. The fifth The Hunger Games film, titled Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, will center around Coriolanus Snow as the mentor of the District 12 female tribute in the 10th Hunger Games. Filming has commenced with information that Damien Avanda will be portraying the future president of Panem, while Persia Chapman plays alongside him as Lucy Gray Baird, tribute from District 12. "It's the biggest project of my career thus far and we're making sure we do the movie justice," Emerson assured during the press conference held on May 17, 2020. During the same event, he also announced that Hollywood is finally releasing three live adaptions of Avatar: The Last Airbender in collaboration with Davis Wylde. The trailer for the first movie was dropped, which tells the story of the adventures in the first book, with newcomer Chaucer Lim playing the titular character, and Cara Miyazaki, Mishima Kenshi, and Ikeda Marusa portraying the fan-favorites Katara, Sokka, and Zuko respectively. This unprecedented collaboration marks an important event in the entertainment industry's history as both Emerson Wright and Davis Wylde shared their resources in "recreating the masterpiece that is Aang's story". No news have been made regarding the live adaptation of Legend of Korra as of yet. These two colossal announcements gave the current administration the nickname "Emerson Nation", a wordplay based on Avatar: The Last Airbender in which the Fire Nation rapidly takes over the world.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue VII

Original Publication Date: 09 November 2019

The End of the Harland Empire By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 28 August 2019

A scorching Thursday was the setting of the most-talked about presidential election within Hollywood Studios on August 1st which named the successor to the current incumbent president, Lawrence Harland.

History of Harland. It was a tumultuous era during the November 11, 2015 handover, when the previous Hollywood president, Benjamin Sutton, handed the studio over to his sitting vice president, Lawrence Harland, in the midst of a crumbling entertainment industry. The Stagnant Age overwhelmed Hollywood Studios when Lawrence Harland took the initiative to increase audience participation to get the industry out of Great Depression.

When Lawrence Harland took over, Carlsburgh Mysteries was on its peak with Davis Wylde securing multiple movie deals for the generation's most influential show; The MC Company was established to compete against Hollywood Studios; and The Stagnant Age was still going strong for three years already - the longest generation to have ever graced the industry.

Lawrence Harland was tasked to get Hollywood out of entertainment industry's stagnation, in which he did. He focused all his attention to the Ross Awards for he believed that the award ceremonies would get everyone to produce more movies for competition.

The first Ross Awards saw nominees from movies released two years prior, but the following ceremony in 2015 nominated movies released that year alone with 1906, The Eureka Moment, and Trisomy-21 being the topics of conversation throughout the nomination process.

The following Ross Awards became the driving force of Lawrence Harland's prolific time as the president. He oversaw the release of all the movies that shaped Vanessa Harding and Caleb Adams as actors; he provided a platform for Davis Wylde to explore his ideas outside of Carlsburgh Mysteries; and he cemented the reputation of being the man who lifted the industry out of stagnation - one that Benjamin Sutton failed to accomplish during his presidency.

Perhaps Lawrence Harland provided Davis Wylde a platform too big that he became his main competitor in the years that followed. After releasing Dandridge, Davis Wylde continued to capture the audience with movies such as the highly-profitable Sword Art Online series and Your Lie in April, the first movie to be produced by MC-Wylde.

Two years after Lawrence Harland helmed the industry, Davis Wylde realized the power he held with Carlsburgh and Sword Art Online and proceeded to buy his way out of the Hollywood contract to form Davis Wylde Studios. His self-titled studio soon merged with The MC Company, creating a mega empire that would soon cripple Hollywood Studios. It was a friendly competition between the two mega studios, until the audience started questioning Lawrence Harland's administration.

It all began with X Factor Season 8 when its director, Omar Vanderkoff, kicked Bodhi Zhao and Caterina Sultana out of the show to maintain an all-White cast. Widespread protests followed which became the first of many to tarnish Lawrence Harland's reputation.

After the cancellation of X Factor following the backlash due to Omar Vanderkoff's decision, Lawrence Harland promoted him to Chairman of Hollywood Studios because of his previous line of work for giving rise to celebrities like Aubree Jones, Chase Baker, Caleb Adams, and River Johnson; this move later cost Lawrence Harland to further tarnish his reputation with the 2017 Ross Awards and the release of an all-White Tokyo Ghoul.

December 9, 2017 was the date of the Ross Awards where Davis Wylde's Asian-heavy contenders were expected to take over the pool of winners; instead, the ceremony was left silent followed by the loudest commotion when the Best Actress was awarded to River Johnson.

An internal investigation suggested that Hollywood Studios' Chairman Omar Vanderkoff had everything to do with River Johnson's win, just as how he drove both Bodhi Zhao and Caterina Sultana out of X Factor.

Hollywood Studios continued to be shaken up especially after the release of an all-White cast for the adaptation of the Japanese manga, Tokyo Ghoul. Once again, the common denominator was a man named Omar Vanderkoff.

With MC-Wylde continuing to be successful, Lawrence Harland was taken over by scandals upon scandals and had to divert his focus into dealing with the internal affairs within Hollywood Studios.

Adamant with his refusal to dismiss Omar Vanderkoff from his position until further and more concrete evidence surface for his corrupt roles involving River Johnson's win, Lawrence Harland nailed the coffin to his presidential career.

Contrary to how he earned his title as president, he decided to host a democratic election to find his replacement. Among the four candidates, one would take over to cleanse the studios and restart over. And for Omar Vanderkoff, he was not given the opportunity to run and was officially dismissed from his post in July.

Vice President Neal Polanski, two-time Ross Award winning director Mercer Leigh Stanley, newcomer Kenya Shamekh-Garfield, and seasoned-director Emerson Wright vied to replace the incumbent leader.

There is not a doubt that Lawrence Harland led the entertainment industry into a renaissance, but this very action also became his poison. His introduction of Davis Wylde to fix the industry became the cause of his fall. Only time will tell if his reputation ages for the better where the industry recognizes his contributions towards a better entertainment industry, or for the worse where his corruption scandals will linger on for generations to come.

Nominees. Vice President Neal Polanski is unfortunate enough to carry Lawrence Harland's reputation. Being his vice president, Neal Polanski saw himself in the cease-fire between the media and the mega studios; therefore, his run for presidency was nothing short of corruption, nepotism, and racism discussions. He was given scenarios where he could have successfully done something to rid the studio of Omar Vanderkoff, yet he remained silent.

Neal Polanski will live behind the shadow of Lawrence Harland's mistakes as a president, and until that subsides, the public will continue to not have any trust in him. It was no surprise that he was the first to be eliminated from the race.

Two-time Ross Award winning director Mercer Leigh Stanley was a top contender. She has the name and the reputation for her works in Trisomy-21 (2015) and Boys Over Flowers (2017) both recognized as Best Pictures, the first person to win a Ross Award twice.

Indeed, Mercer Leigh Stanley's reputation followed her. Her controversial Best Picture win in 2017, coupled with River Johnson's, sparked a heated debate on the corruption behind the prestigious Ross Awards, going as far as boycotting the ceremony and petitioning to change the venue's name from The Stanley Auditorium to one without her name on it.

Although the internal investigation has yet to prove suspicious actions behind Mercer Leigh Stanley's controversial win, this would definitely follow her had she won the presidential race.

Hollywood Studios would see their final president had Mercer Leigh Stanley won the night. It would be an endless topic of conversation not only regarding racism and nepotism, but with corruption. She was next to follow Neal Polanski out of the presidential ballot.

Newcomer Kenya Shamekh-Garfield was met with enthusiasm and positive outlook when she announced her candidacy for president. Fresh off Lawrence Harland University with an administrative degree, Kenya Shamekh-Garfield rattled the platform with her new ideas and push for change. She ran her entire campaign with the purpose of cleansing the corruption out of Hollywood Studios and starting anew - with her. She held immense power by successfully convincing the audience with Mercer Leigh Stanley's involvement with Omar Vanderkoff in snagging her second Ross Award win in 2017, and Neal Polanski who abetted in Omar Vanderkoff's corrupt actions. She managed to turn the audience against both candidates.

Her fervor did not end well with the audience, unfortunately. The public started perceiving her actions as only pointing fingers and constantly finding someone to blame rather than fixing the problem through actions. Mercer Leigh Stanley picked up on the reactions and turned it against Kenya Shamekh-Garfield who she labelled as an "unfit leader" with her constant accusations.

"She's the Abigail to my John Proctor. This is a witch hunt for her, not a presidential run".

Kenya Shamekh-Garfield came close to winning but was a few votes away from winning the position. She later apologized for her actions and will step out from the limelight to find ways on improving herself.

Seasoned-director Emerson Wright is more known for his works with Vanessa Harding (1906) and Caleb Adams (Devil in the White City, Valley of the Kings), which are now considered cult classics. He also directed Hollywood Studios' recent highly-acclaimed film, Ghost of Tsushima.

Emerson Wright had always been laying low behind the scenes, and only came out during Ross Awards with contenders worth watching. He ran for the position focusing on the comfort of seeing a household name with the familiar face. A name not yet tarnished with racism and corruption.

Emerson Wright was recognized as the president-elect of Hollywood Studios on August 1, 2019. Just as Kenya Shamekh-Garfield's plan, Emerson Wright vowed to purge the studio of every name associated with both Lawrence Harland and Omar Vanderkoff.

His first day in office will be on the new year, with a Hollywood Studios that is free of corruption.

Upon interviewing the president-elect, he divulged his plan to halt directing films to focus on his new job and also shared his fear of how his presidency will affect the future of Hollywood Studios going forward. He intends to collaborate with both MC-Wylde and Cygna Entertainment and looks forward for his first Ross season as the president.

The Art of Impermanence: The Take on Evan Tanaka's Controversial Retirement By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 29 September 2019

Following a very successful two-year career, musical prodigy Evan Tanaka finally announces his retirement from the music industry citing "the search for new horizons" and "making a name" for himself in other forms of medium as the main reasons for the drive.

Evan Tanaka was first introduced to the public as one of the hopeful candidates in the newly-created series Surveillance following the dissolution of X Factor. Hosted by Davis Wylde himself, Evan Tanaka landed second place on September 6, 2017, just one rank under the winner, Joanna Park. Two days after the finale, he was cast as Captain Yoo Joongki in the cultural phenomenon Descendants of the Sun, which propelled Evan to stardom.

His lucrative musical career spans 16 albums, with the upcoming release of his final album Wabi-Sabi: The Art of Imperfection, Impermanence, and Incompletion on November 1st. With 16 albums, he managed to record 246 songs and 215 tour dates; Evan cites the record-breaking numbers to be the reason for his retirement. "It's all just numbers to me, at this point. I'm losing my youth years because I've been chasing these numbers the past two years", Evan starts. "I want to see myself grow old. I want to return to the screen as I intended when I joined Surveillance in the first place".

After getting recognized as one of the three People of the Year (with Davis Wylde and Keira Kuyama), Evan Tanaka pondered about his future as a music artist. "I've released way too many songs that my legacy are only shown in numbers. I wanted to be remembered for myself as a person, not as that guy who had more albums than Clapton".

Upon releasing his debut album Ganbaruzo!, Evan wanted to promote his music through his Japanese origins - to have the mass audience celebrate the beauty of his culture and history. His album trilogy The Evan Experience were named after three periods in Japanese history: Asuka, Heian, and Showa, while showcasing the Japanese culture through the album covers.

His biggest world tour "Operation Downfall" (90 shows) had two legs named "Operation Olympia" and "Operation Coronet". All three were the names of the operations to defeat the Japanese empire during World War II.

His Ikigai series were also based on the Japanese history and culture: Fall of Edo, Meiji Restoration, Kogarashi, and Rangaku. "I wanted the culture I hold dearly in my heart to be appreciated and celebrated by those who don't have knowledge about it." Evan wanted to have a conversation about his origins, and it was a topic he did not cease to promote throughout his music career. He reveals that he has been planning to retire for a while now and dedicated his final three albums to the Japanese art of Zenga, one that is based on the Buddhist belief of impermanence and oneness with nature.

He shifted his music to being one with nature through the promotion of zen paintings and quotes. "My life is always so chaotic and loud. Arenas filled with people screaming, cameras swarming with paparazzi yelling. It's hard to find some time to just listen to my thoughts and enjoy the sound of the wind passing through".

He wants a break from the chaos. Indefinitely; and this was shown in the serene music video of "UN Village" depicting the daily life in a traditional village in Japan: the sun creeping through the cracks of the window, the sizzling of morning grub on the stove, the wagon waiting to be dragged up to the hill where Evan finds a tree to lay against until he falls asleep to the sound of birds chirping. It's a life he longs for. It's a life he knows he can't attain.

"For now, I want to release meaningful projects. Ones I believe would make me realize who I really am as an artist - as an actor. And, I am very grateful to have a mentor like Davis who supports me throughout this endeavor".

Although, why did Evan partake on a career he did not plan to be in the first place? Surveillance offered a platform to be in the entertainment industry, and Evan reveals that his reason for participation was to be an actor, not a singer.

"Davis offered it to me. He saw something in me that I didn't, and I trust and respect his vision. That's why I lasted as long as I did", Evan reveals. "But I believe that my time as an artist is due. I feel saturated, and that's not what I aim to be".

With the influence he's garnered from having a huge following, Evan hopes for his message and philosophy to linger on in the lives of those who enjoyed his music. "The title of my debut album is an important one in my life. Ganbaruzo. I tell myself that every day, and it is now more necessary than ever for me to take in the meaning that goes along with that mundane saying".

Following the surprise announcement of his final album, Evan talks about wrapping the filming of the new horror-romance movie Hotel del Luna which he plays a small role as a serial killer. "It's definitely a shock and a change of environment, but I finally feel like I'm home again".

He declines to comment about any of his future projects. "They're all up in the air right now". As of now, conversations within Evan's large following is split between supporting and being against the artist's retirement and pursuit in acting.

When asking for any possibility of returning to the music industry in the far future, Evan gives a definite answer, "I don't plan to, at least with my current mindset".

We anticipate further announcements from Davis Wylde in regards to any future artist that could follow the steps of the music prodigy.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue VI

Original Publication: 19 December 2018

The Competition Intensifies: How the Asian Age is Changing the Film Industry By: Aramis Giordano

It was the most awaited and most watched Ross Awards since it first showed in 2014. Celebrating its fifth ceremony on December 1, this year's Ross Awards was packed with celebrities gracing the prolific era known as the Asian Age. Releasing 33 films this year alone, the Asian Age solidifies its title as the most important and successful generation in the industry, warranting a very competitive awards ceremony this year. The Ross Awards did not fail to recognize the hard work these new artists have contributed into making the many movies released this year, so the committee decided to increase the number of nominated candidates for each category.

The Best Picture category had eight nominees while Best Actor saw an unprecedented seven nominees. The battle for the spot to be recognized as one of the first five Ross Awards winners was very tight, and it was clearly visible from the names listed in each category.

With 24 artists nominated for the acting categories, only two nominees were of non-Asian descent (Best Supporting Actress nominee, Persia Chapman; and Best Actor nominee, Caleb Adams). For the first time in the award ceremony's history, Vanessa Harding was not nominated for the Best Actress category for her role in In Peace and War, ending her four-year nomination streak [The Regnancy (2014), 1906 (2015), A Woman's Crusade (2016), and 1872 (2017)] - the same number of nominations as Caleb Adams [Harry Potter (2014), The Eureka Moment (2015), Devil in the White City (2016), and Valley of the Kings (2018)].

Keira Kuyama and Joanna Park solidify their careers within the industry by being nominated two years in a row - Joanna Park being nominated twice for the same role as Oh Yeonjoo in W (2017) and its sequel W2 (2018). 

The rest of the nominees were given the platform to make a name for themselves this year during the rise of the Asian Saga and Tales from the East releasing eight and nine films, respectively. The prominent main actors being Lee Changnam (7 films), Beijing Lee (6 films), and Meili Wang (5 films).

The final quarter of the year saw the attempt of Hollywood Studios to release contenders for this year's Ross Awards with Valley of the Kings, Man, the Unknown, and In Peace and War. Hollywood Studios president Lawrence Harland faced criticism earlier in the year after releasing a mainly-White cast for the adaptation of the Japanese anime Tokyo Ghoul, which Lawrence eventually removed from the Ross Awards' nomination process to avoid further backlash.

Meanwhile, Lawrence's main studio rival, MC-Wylde, created a sub-studio called Cygna Entertainment to release non-Asian films, with Immortal Life being its first film, which saw itself nominated for Best Picture.

Jeong Minhyuk, having starred in eleven films this year, took home the title for Best Supporting Actor for his work in While You Were Sleeping. Girl group Caviar's Malivalaya Leechaiyapornkul was recognized as the Best Supporting Actress for her role as Saito Kyoko in The Perfect Justice.

With seven phenomenal nominees for Best Actor, Yoon Jaehwa eventually took home the crown for his debut role in Feral. Following Jaehwa's recognition, River Johnson came out to award the subsequent Best Actress winner to an announcement that the media "will pit all of us against each other". She wished for the nominees to understand this annual tactic and to know their worth - that they're great artists with or without the Ross Awards - before handing the award to Death Note: Zero's Riza Yuki for her role as Misa Amane. As expected, Riza's win was met with criticism - mainly, disappointment. The other contenders had greater chance and far more impactful portrayals in W2 (Joanna Park), Chicago Typewriter (Meili Wang), While You Were Sleeping (Moon Yoona), Meteor Garden (Jiang Yunyue), and The Town Without Me (Keira Kuyama). Riza's critics argue that Ross Awards winners are culturally-important; and Riza's portrayal of Misa Amane was the most forgettable in the sea of amazing actresses nominated in the same category as she was, the same argument used against River Johnson’s Best Actress win last year.

Death Note: Zero continued to gain more recognition in the night after its director, Itsuki Nakamura, was awarded Best Director, alongside Accidentally in Love winning Best Picture this year.

After the ceremony, critics discussed the results of this year's Ross. They argued that Heath Roux's Man, the Unknown was a solid contender for a Best Actor award, though it was released at the wrong time - the time when Asian entertainment is dominating the industry. They also mentioned how the Ross Awards mainly snubbed the non-Asian films, such as Immortal Life, In Peace and War, and Man, the Unknown with no acting nominations at all.

What is it about the Asian Age that makes it the most prolific and most influential generation of all?

With four generations (Golden Age, Post-Golden Age, Music Generation, and Stagnant Age) preceding this current one, Davis Wylde devised a formula that would prevent viewer fatigue from seeing the same actor playing the same recycled story as used in the past generations. The release of the Asian Saga and Tales from the East proved that Davis knows what he is doing - actively avoiding Spencer-McKinley Syndrome, or the recycling of the same main actor over and over. He introduced new actors for each movie so the viewers are constantly intrigued on getting to know a new celebrity once in a while. This new phenomenon lead to Asian Royalties, in which the top Asian celebrities get to top the billings for each movie that corresponds to their ethnicities. These are roughly the Chinese Meili Wang, the Korean Beijing Lee, the Japanese Mishima Kenshi, and the Indian Samar Chopra. These four royals are becoming the new and fresh faces of MC-Wylde following the rise of Keira Kuyama, Park Jungmin, and Evan Tanaka in the early days of the Asian Age. 

It does not seem like the Asian Age is approaching its near end, as Davis Wylde confirmed more movies to be released earlier in 2019, such as A Chinese Ghost Story and Memories of the Alhambra. He has discussed the possibility of diverting the main goal of the new generation from producing a large number of Asian films to focusing on the production and the cultural value of each film to be released next year. "We're gearing towards quality more than quantity this time around," Davis adds.

Perhaps, this will give Lawrence a more-leveled playing field to release his contenders for the next Ross Awards; and, maybe, both Caleb Adams and Vanessa Harding might finally be recognized as Best Actor and Best Actress.

The Chariot's People of the Year By: Aramis Giordano

It has been a very important year in the film industry, and The Vanity Chariot wanted to recognize the three most influential people who contributed to the advancement of this generation in entertainment.

This award was first given to Clapton Robinson as the Generation's Phenomenon Awards and Breakthrough (GPAD) in June 10 and 30, 2012 for being the most successful artist to ever grace the industry, then. At the time of the second recognition, Clapton was recognized as the Generation's Legend for having the most albums released (4), most singles recorded (18), and most concert performance (171). The industry has advanced since then, especially with the current prolific Asian Age, which sees the rise of artists in both the film and music industries.

These are Vanity Chariot's People of the Year:

1. Davis Wylde - for pioneering the Asian Age. Davis started his career as the creator of Carlsburgh Mysteries, which premiered its first episode on February 24, 2014 as a mini show. The show later ran for two years, producing 17 seasons and two movies, even naming Chad Dylan Cooper as the first Best Actor winner of the Ross Awards. Following the end of the show, Davis released Dandridge, which continued Carlsburgh Mysteries's storyline while introducing more diversity to the story. His strive for diversifying the industry opened the door to release Sword Art Online, which lead to the rise of Keira Kuyama and the Japanese obsession, which subsequently drove the release of Death Note and Your Lie in April - both recognized by the Ross Awards for Best Picture and Best Actor (Park Jungmin, Your Lie in April) respectively. Davis later created and promoted two film series, Asian Saga and Tales from the East, that showcase Asian history, culture, and language to increase more Asian visibility in the industry. His increasing presence became the reason as to why all of the 2018 Ross Awards winners were influenced by Asian stories. Davis also wants to further incorporate all stories into the industry, not just Asians, which lead him to open Cygna Entertainment, a subsidiary of MC-Wylde. The goal of Cygna Entertainment was to play a role on telling the stories of the people neglected and forgotten by history, debuting its first film Immortal Life, telling the story of Henrietta Lacks, a Black woman whose cells were stolen by scientists to study cellular research and create vaccines and medicine.

2. Keira Kuyama - for contributing to the Asian obsession. Keira was the original face of the generation, starting the wave of Japanese obsession after starring as Asuna Yuuki in the Sword Art Online series and Kaori Miyazono in Your Lie in April. Following her hiatus, she focused mainly on releasing YouTube videos reacting to Korean pop music videos, discussing Korean dramas, and introducing her viewers to Asian food with mukbang and Asian sceneries with her travel vlogs. This piqued the interest of the mass audience, which lead to the release of Korean drama adaptations, such as Descendants of the Sun, W, and Boys Over Flowers. Keira's ways of normalizing and celebrating Asian culture worked well alongside Davis's meticulous planning to create a powerful generation that does not seem to be slowing down.

3. Evan Tanaka - for introducing Asian music to the world. Evan's musical career is unprecedented, where even Clapton Robinson himself would not be able to replicate the success he has accomplished within the past year alone. Since his musical debut, Evan has released 13 albums and 170 songs by the release of his most recent album, Ikigai: Rangaku, and having performed 285 shows by the end of his current world tour, Operation Downfall. His musical success paved the way to two girl groups, Caviar and Dames' Day, and his Chinese counterpart, Luo Weiyang.

The Struggle with Acquiring Tokyo Ghoul By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 26 December 2018

Earlier in the year, Lawrence Harland released a Hollywood remake of the Japanese anime, Tokyo Ghoul, based in Tokyo about normal citizens in Japan co-existing with ghouls who feed on human flesh. The adaptation was met with harsh critiques following the all-White casting of the main characters, especially of Ken Kaneki (Alexander Avanda), Touka Kirishima (Riella Harland), and Hideyoshi Nagachika (Romeo Foster). The results of the whitewashing incident prompted Hollywood Studios director Lawrence Harland to assign a limited release for the movie and pulled it from the nomination pool for the 2018 Ross Awards.

Since Tokyo Ghoul is a cult classic - both the manga and anime having a large following - the audience has been putting pressure on Lawrence to remake the movie with an all-Japanese cast. 2018 was a slow year for Hollywood Studios, only having produced 5 of the 33 movies released this year, in comparison to producing all of the movies released prior to 2017, the year Davis Wylde started taking over the entertainment industry. With this, Hollywood Studios has been struggling to keep up with the amount of movies produced and released by its main competitor MC-Wylde, in which Lawrence focused more of his time on the future reputation and the cultural significance of its films; remaking Tokyo Ghoul would take away time and resources that would prevent Lawrence to create a redefining movie, such as In Peace and War and Valley of the Kings. Lawrence believes in quality over quantity with his films, which is the complete opposite of Davis Wylde’s current values; although, he has discussed diverting the values of his company to match that of Lawrence Harland’s for the upcoming year.

Davis Wylde, the director of MC-Wylde, could not see himself passing on from this opportunity of a lifetime. He legally challenged Hollywood Studios to transfer him the production rights for Tokyo Ghoul, in which Lawrence adamantly rejected. This ensued a year-long legal battle between the two monster companies. As the 2018 Ross Awards were drawing to a close, Lawrence released three movies as contenders for the award show, while Davis focused his attention on acquiring the rights for his future movie series.

Following the announcement of three additional Sword Art Online movies coming within the next year, Davis secured his title of being the most influential person in the history of the entertainment industry. He found that focusing on accurate cultural and historical representation of all his films triumphs focusing on the future reputation and cultural significance of a piece. "The discussion has to be now and let time tell its reputation", Davis comments. "I find focusing on how big the cult following of a movie in the future to be a bad idea" citing that the themes presented in those movies may not resonate well with the current audience, he adds.

The legal battle for the acquisition of the rights for Tokyo Ghoul ended after Christmas this year, when Davis Wylde won the series for production under MC-Wylde. With the announcement of the acquisition, he officially declared the remake of Tokyo Ghoul and the sequels that will ensue following the second adaptation to be released in 2019. Production for the first film, renamed Tokyo Ghoul: Unravel commenced following the official announcement, with Death Note’s director Itsuki Nakamura helming the newly-revived film series, following his recognition of Best Director for Death Note: Zero in this year’s Ross Awards and last year’s Best Picture for Death Note, for an official release of February 15, 2019. Davis has kept most of its original cast, replacing the three whitewashed actors. The audience voiced their agreement and celebration following the casting of The Red Moon’s Mishima Kenshi as Ken Kaneki, replacing Alexander Avanda.

No comments have been made from Hollywood Studios at this point.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue V

Original Publication: 16 March 2018

MC-Wylde Soars Despite Miranda Cosgrove Resigning By: Aramis Giordano

Earlier in the year, Davis Wylde and Miranda Cosgrove announced the MC-Wylde, a fusion of the MC Company and Wylde Studios, to continue providing platform for the underrepresented groups of people. As the current entertainment industry is becoming more prolific, coupled with the birth of Donovan and Mallory, Miranda Cosgrove decides to step down from her position as co-president. She cites her resignation as to focus on taking care of her two children, away from the spotlight and the attention from the current Asian Age. The announcement followed after the end of the production of While You Were Sleeping, and Miranda notes that even though it had been a worthwhile experience, both Donovan and Mallory should not be growing up without their parents most of the day, or having the production stages be their playground. “It robs them the life that children should be having, and I don’t want them to grow up in the industry and society with a silver spoon already feeding them”.

With this conundrum facing the MC-Wylde, Davis ends the production of the Asian Saga, claiming that they have “reached an absolute milestone with the first generation” and expresses his excitement on the future of the second generation, presumably after the promotion of a new co-president or vice president. “The nine movies we have finished for the Asian Saga have been nothing but progression and excitement, and I am looking forward to working with the new vice president in producing a record-breaking second generation of Asian Saga movies”.

The announcement of another set of Asian Saga films came alongside the declaration of MC-Wylde’s new vice president, Miyurina Hamasaki. As MC-Wylde’s former Chief of Staff, Miyurina was responsible for team meetings, staffing, casting, and coordination of events and film productions. Davis idolizes Miyurina’s hard work and her dedication on further improving the studio’s public image and equal and fair treatment within the workplace, that making the decision of who to fill up Miranda’s position was “a no-brainer”. Miyurina was responsible on pitching ideas on the creation of what is now known the Asian Saga, and continued to pursue better and more complex storylines as the saga continued until the final movie, Jang Minho’s While You Were Sleeping, who also helmed the box office hit W. As an Asian-American, Miyurina hopes to address more issues regarding historical and current maltreatment against Asian-Americans and more representation of Asian histories and cultures, providing more platforms for other Asian populations, instead of Japanese and Korean. She has currently proposed another set of 6-10 movies for the second generation of the Asian Saga, in which she currently refers to as the Tales from the East. “Even though it is called the Asian Saga, I still believed that we underrepresented the other Asian minorities; my responsibility as the new vice president of the company leading the forefront for progression is to make sure other Asian cultures and histories are valued and represented. The heroes and heroines who non-East Asians look up to will find a place in the spotlight with the Tales from the East, a spotlight that was robbed from them in our current history books and cinematic works”.

A Surveillance: Reel 3 is due to air this December for non-Korean and non-Japanese candidates to participate in. “This is not a form of discrimination against the Koreans or the Japanese”, Miyurina promotes. “I want the Thais, and the Pakistanis, and the Indonesians to star in the same blockbuster films that the Koreans and the Japanese are raking glory in. She promises to take part on the casting process for the third reel to make sure that the positions are open for everybody and not just biased towards one race. “I can’t promise the results of who fills in the positions, but be assured that the spotlight can shine at everyone”. Miyurina closes her speech wishing the Ross Award nominees much luck and looks forward to working with Davis and Lawrence closely for the next years to come.

Ross and Racism: How River Johnson is the Catalyst for Something Greater By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 12 December 2017

This year's Ross Awards is the most anticipated show in the entire history of the industry, mostly because of the interest in the movies nominated from the Asian Age and the drive to witness an historical awards ceremony. The Ross Awards did not disappoint and awarded the first Muslim and Asian winners that day. Sophia Osman won the title Best Supporting Actress for her role as Sughra "Leafa" Daher in ALFheim Online and Park Jungmin was awarded Best Actor for his breakout role as Arima Kousei in Your Lie in April. The most anticipated award of the season, Best Actress, did not fail to create conversations even days after the Ross Awards. Retrospectively, the Best Actress Award has always been the most talked about award with the viewers and has created the most controversial moments in the industry. This year's contenders were nothing but diverse: Keira Kuyama (Your Lie in April), Joanna Park (W), Caterina Sultana (Boys Over Flowers), Vanessa Harding (1872), and River Johnson (Omelas). Three of the five candidates are newcomers and are racial minorities, which sets the expectation that one of them would go home with the award.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. The award was given to River Johnson for her role as Ursula Le Guin, who willfully saved a child being emotionally and physically neglected in exchange for eternal happiness of the entire city of Omelas. Recent polls from various news sites and channels showed that Keira Kuyama and Vanessa Harding were supposed to be head-to-head for the award, and all of the polls have chosen River Johnson as the least likely winner. This begs the question: is this an award for the art of film or just another method to maintain white dominance in the industry? Since compared to Vanessa and Keira's performances, River's was clearly subpar. Which leads to the conclusion that this is not an award for performances. So, what happened? How did River Johnson win?

White. She is white. That's the case for Vanessa Harding also, although her role as the first woman to run for president in an era where women did not have the rights to vote yet, warranted the recognition of being the best actress. Her role as Victoria Woodhull was arguably one of her best and most memorable role as it showcased the drive to achieve an impossible goal. Another big award, Best Director, was handed to Mercer Leigh Stanley for her work in Boys Over Flowers. Together with River Johnson, two of the trifecta awards (Director, Actress, and Actor) were awarded to white artists. Another discussion whether or not Mercer deserved the award continues claiming it was her weakest movie with only two acting nominees.

The Vanity Chariot asked for a statement from the chairman of Hollywood Studios who is also responsible for the Ross Awards, Omar Vanderkoff, but none was given. Looking at the history with how Omar Vanderkoff handled the race issue from X Factor Season 8, an internal investigation should be warranted to prove that Omar had no influence in depriving the Asian nominees of the biggest award at the height of the Asian Age.

Not only River Johnson winning spurred conversations after the awards show, the talk about 1872 and W being snubbed from receiving any awards also flourished. The two movies were considered the golden movies of the year, displaying plotlines and themes that the industry has never experimented with before. 1872 was nominated for all categories yet came home with no awards; that has also been the case with the first Ross Awards which saw an historical seven nominations for Vanessa Harding's The Regnancy, but the movie fell short with no awards won. Although being her fourth Best Actress nomination, the most anybody has ever had, she never had the chance to go up the stage for a victory speech yet. A controversial win in 2015 with Chrystia Allwright put into the spotlight Vanessa's drive to have her movies recognized, and even though she released another historical movie, A Woman's Crusade, the following year, the Ross still did not hand the award to her.

River expected all of this to happen. The moment Taelyn Robins announced her name as the winner, the auditorium echoed with sounds of disapproval, followed by a unified chant with Keira's name prior to River starting her speech. She mentioned how the media "loves to pit women against each other for entertainment" and the viewers everywhere should realize they're falling into their trap. After the show, a rally outside the Stanley Auditorium ensued calling for a boycott for the future Ross Awards and calling out Hollywood Studios for the continuous unacceptance of other races into the industry. River acted as the ignition for the racial protests that will continue throughout 2018 and will be amplified by Tokyo Ghoul in April 14.

Next year's Ross Awards will also be an historical one, since it will include all of the Asian Saga movies. It will also be the fifth awards ceremony and the Chariot will be doing a segment on all the winners from the past five shows. In addition, the Ross Awards also announced Crew Matthew Barton as the permanent host of the ceremony.

Despite the chaos, Davis Wylde remains victorious for taking home all the awards, but Best Actress – an amazing feat for this year’s Ross Awards being his first. It is an exciting year ahead in diversity and history, and we just hope the president of Hollywood Studios, Lawrence Harland, will do everything to clear the studio's image following River's win and Tokyo Ghoul's release.

Asian Age Strengthens in the Face of a Crumbling Harland Empire By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 16 March 2018

Three months have passed since the most controversial Ross Awards Ceremony that saw cultural and racial minorities as nominees and winners. An anti-racism propaganda also emerged following River Johnson’s win as Best Actress against first-time nominees Keira Kuyama for her work in Your Lie in April and Joanna Park for her role in the blockbuster hit, W. Despite the chaos that ensued three months ago, the tension within the entertainment industry remained. An internal investigation is being conducted in Hollywood Studios with its chairman, Omar Vanderkoff, for possible influence with the Best Actress win. Hollywood Studios president, Lawrence Harland, declined to have an interview while the investigation is taking place.

Unlike Hollywood Studios, which had remained stagnant since last year’s Ross Awards, releasing no movies as of March, MC-Wylde’s The Asian Saga is in full-swing, with a release of one movie every weekend. Its most recent released film, The Pinocchio Syndrome, saw unprecedented success, almost on par with its predecessors, W and Descendants of the Sun. MC-Wylde’s Vice President, Miyurina Hamasaki also updates The Vanity Chariot about the Tales from the East being a very strong contender for a diverse and solid pathway for the future generations of racial minorities to follow. Miyurina mentioned movies, such as Fight My Way, Suspicious Partner, and Missing Nine, having main cast of non-Japanese or non-Korean descents. She acknowledges the talents brought in by the new cast members, such as Samar Chopra, Rio Tran, Kiet Aromdee, Aishah Khan, and Anika Sunisa. She also follows up that most of the movies in the Tales from the East are directed by Hadian Kusuma, an Indonesian-American female director. “I pride on diversity, and not just a homogenous form of diversity away from the typical White European standards that the industry thrived on before MC-Wylde. South and Southeast Asians will both thrive alongside the East Asians who carried The Asian Saga”.

Following Miyurina’s updates on the Tales from the East, she also announces MC-Wylde’s new Chief of Staff, taking her previous position before Davis Wylde promoted her as vice president. Dr. McCormick Hawthorne, an adjunct film history professor at Lawrence Harland University, steps in as Chief of Staff after a three-month discussion with Davis and Miyurina. “Davis and I think that with his knowledge on film backing him, Dr. Hawthorne will deliver new and raw ideas into the table that will mold the film industry that we want – an industry that shares our values and represents us a nation. We are very glad to have him on board”.

As the year progresses, the Asian Saga and Tales from the East will continue to take over the film industry, setting aside the movies released by Hollywood Studios; and with the upcoming release of its most controversial whitewashed film, Tokyo Ghoul, consisting of an all-white cast set in Tokyo, Japan, it is only a matter of time until Lawrence Harland’s empire crumbles down. The industry is changing rapidly, and anybody who does not accept this change will be left behind.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue IV

Original Publication Date: 02 September 2017

Pioneering the Asian Age By: Aramis Giordano

The Carlsburgh Mysteries finale signaled the end of The Stagnant Age, which spanned three years (2013-2016) starting with The Eternal Fire (April 16, 2013) and ending with Inferno (November 11, 2016), and gave rise to the new era in the entertainment industry – The Asian Age - which began with Death Note (March 24, 2017). The growing interest towards the Asian culture, history, and language began in Davis Wylde’s revolutionary short-lived series Dandridge (2016) through his incorporation of various taboo storylines and diverse characters. One of the main supporting characters, Daniella Kobayashi, played by Keira Kuyama, drew public interest in the Japanese and Korean cultures through her weekly vlogs reacting to Korean popular music videos, trying out Japanese and Korean cuisines, and her vacation video blogs in Asian countries. Through Keira’s videos, her viewers, who are mostly avid fans from the Western hemisphere of both Carlsburgh Mysteries and Dandridge, celebrate various Asian cultures with her – something that is unprecedented in the White-majority entertainment industry.

This growing interest in Asian culture lead to the MC Company (now MC-Wylde) releasing the first live adaptation of Death Note, which was initially criticized for casting White actors for its major roles. The success of Death Note prompted then-MC Company to release more live adaptations of Japanese anime (the Sword Art Online series and Your Lie in April). Interest in Korean films followed with the release of Boys Over Flowers after an increase in KPOP react videos by Keira Kuyama herself.

​During the promotion tour for ALfheim Online in the summer of 2017, Keira stayed in Seoul, South Korea to immerse herself in the Korean culture, which led to a number of Korean videos further increasing the public’s growing interest on the cultural and historical videos outside the White Western media. This fast-growing interest of both Japanese and Korean cultures is the reason Davis Wylde created a new series manufacturing new celebrities, called Surveillance, which will go against The X Factor after the show faced backlash earlier in the year for its lack of diversity.

Former X Factor director, Omar Vanderkoff, steps down and is replaced by Alistair Sullivan for the upcoming ninth season after facing criticism of how he handled the diversity issue in Season 8. Omar Vanderkoff helmed the successful series since its conception in 2012, which saw the rise of Music Generation’s Aubree Jones. With his resignation as The X Factor’s director, Hollywood Studios President, Lawrence Harland, acknowledged his contribution to the entertainment industry in the last five years and promoted him as the company’s chairman (who is also responsible for the Ross Awards) after the previous chairman, Francis Daehler, resigned last week. Hollywood Studios has recently been facing a lot of backlash due to its lack of diversity in its movies. In this year’s contenders for the Ross Awards, Hollywood Studios is releasing Omelas and 1872, both studded with White casts, and the studio is facing a growing pressure to incorporate more diversity in its workplace and movies.

MC-Wylde, officially used for the first time in Your Lie in April, is aiming to release more movies within the next few years that celebrates diversity, especially catering to the Asian wave. Davis Wylde particularly incorporates celebrities from very diverse backgrounds in his films, gaining public approval after an unprecedented hiring of Asian directors for Death Note (Itsuki Nakamura), Sword Art Online (Erika Yamamoto), and Your Lie in April (Eliza Maleenon), and casting Asians of different nationalities in major roles such as Rohan Kumar (Boys Over Flowers) and Park Jungmin, Riza Yuki, and Bodhi Zhao (You Lie in April). Davis cites that he wants to “normalize diversity in the entertainment industry by acknowledging the creative contributions of non-White artists” amid criticism from his White viewers accusing him of racism towards Whites. “People of color are very underrepresented since the conception of the entertainment industry in 2009. I cannot name a movie or a show with a Latin American or Asian as its lead”. Davis further defends his stance by saying he wants to provide a platform for people of color to catch up on the achievements that White celebrities have experienced in the last eight years. This year’s contenders for the Ross Awards are very racially and culturally diverse; and frankly, this might be a very exciting era of change and progress.

Indiana Jenkins: Dead in Phuket By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 10 September 2017

Phuket, Thailand. It was supposed to be a fun weekend for the group consisting of Indiana Jenkins and her fiancé Rutherford Jackson, and the couple Emilio Rojas and Madison Leigh Stewart, which ended in Indiana’s body washing ashore Raya Island in the evening of Friday, September 9, 2017. The Thai police was notified of Indiana’s disappearance early morning Friday when her friend, Madison Leigh, found her missing in the yacht they were aboard on. The four left Los Angeles to Phuket on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, and stayed at a local hotel upon arrival. Madison Leigh claims that the couple has been arguing over Indiana’s nightclub life over the labor day weekend a few days before, but didn’t treat it as something worrisome. The four planned to board the yacht on Thursday evening, September 7, 2017, which was rented by Rutherford Jackson as a getaway. Indiana invited Madison Leigh for the trip last week without any arguments from Rutherford. “It was very last minute and Diana said that Rudy was very excited about it”, Madison Leigh claims.

As this story progresses, Vanity Chariot has interviewed both Madison Leigh as the memories are still fresh in her head. “We went drinking at a club near where the yacht was docked,” Madison Leigh starts. “We’ve had a few drinks, but Indiana maybe had a little bit more wine”. Madison Leigh describes Rutherford as “quiet” and “reserved” that night, which is completely different than his usually loud personality. “Something was odd that night and I thought it was just from their argument earlier”. It was Indiana’s idea to go drinking before they boarded the yacht, which Rutherford was against with. Before leaving the hotel room, Madison Leigh overheard them from the other room arguing over Indiana wanting to go out, and Rutherford worrying over her “throwing herself to another guy”. She heard the door slam and Indiana knocked on her door asking if she’s ready.

It was an hour after they arrived at the club when Rutherford catches up to Indiana, Madison Leigh and Emilio. Rutherford had a blank expression on his face and didn’t seem angry. It was Indiana’s fifth shot when she started dancing with Emilio, in which Madison Leigh wasn’t worried about.

Half an hour later, Rutherford walked Indiana, Madison Leigh, and Emilio to board the Serendipity. There was a small dinner set up for the four, but Indiana wanted to rest for a while. Rutherford asked Madison Leigh and Emilio to go ahead and finish the dinner and he’ll set up another one just for the two of them later in the night. He walked Indiana to the bedroom, and that was the last time Madison Leigh saw Indiana that night.

The captain of the yacht, Klahan Chankul, claimed not to hear any suspicious arguments throughout the rest of the night.

Meanwhile, Madison Leigh and Emilio had dinner and went to the game room around midnight - an hour after Rutherford walked Indiana to the bedroom. Madison Leigh wanted to check up on Indiana, but Emilio told her to not bother the couple. That was the last memory Madison Leigh had before crashing on the couch.

Around 2:30 AM, Madison was the first one to wake up, noticing Emilio absent in the game room. She found him sleeping on the deck, but neither Indiana nor Rutherford were around. Madison Leigh checked the bedroom to see Rutherford pacing back and forth sweating - he asked Madison Leigh if she had found Indiana yet and said that he fell asleep when he was supposed to be watching over her. They both go to the captain and Emilio who have not seen her. After looking through the yacht, the captain of the yacht found that the dingy has been detached. That was when Madison tried calling Indiana, but to no avail. The captain docked the yacht and asked Madison to phone the police.

A search was conducted throughout dawn and there were still no signs of Indiana. Thai police took Rutherford Jackson into custody for questioning and as a possible suspect. Emilio and Madison followed.

Rutherford was held until early afternoon where he called his parents in Los Angeles about the issue.

Later in the evening, Thai police contacted Rutherford, Emilio, and Madison that Indiana’s body had been found. Upon initial inspection, she had multiple bruises throughout her arms and legs, but no signs of bleeding. Her body is being sent back to Los Angeles upon her parents’ requests for autopsy. Thai police asks Rutherford to stay for further questioning.

The Vanity Chariot will continue reporting as the story progresses.

The Asian Saga By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 30 October 2017

The Asian Age has been conquering the entertainment industry ever since it started with Death Note on March 24 this year. Following the release of the first movie of the trilogy, MC-Wylde introduced more Japanese-based movies, the Sword Art Online series and Your Lie in April. Even after the success of these movies, Davis Wylde starts off another avalanche by announcing the Asian Saga – a proposed five to ten Korean-based movies to be released throughout the first six months of 2018. Production for four confirmed Asian Saga movies have already concluded: Erica Maleenon’s Descendants of the Sun (February 24, 2018) stars Evan Tanaka, Keira Kuyama, Park Jungmin, and Joanna Park, Jang Minho’s W and W2 (November 3, 2017 and March 9, 2018) stars Park Jungmin, Joanna Park, Nam Taemin, and Lee Jiyeon and is the first movie to ever be studded with an entire Korean cast, Anh Siyeon’s Feral (January 12, 2018) stars Lee Jiyeon, Yoon Jaehwa, and Jeong Minhyuk, and Choi Soohyun’s The Pinocchio Syndrome and The Pinocchio Syndrome 2 (March 16 and March 30, 2018) stars Nam Taemin, Song Yeonhee, and Jeong Minhyuk.

Due to the complicated plot lines and the anticipation and hype surrounding Jang Minho’s W, Davis Wylde confirmed that the original movie will be split into two parts – with the release of the first movie being moved up to November 3, just a week prior to the Grand Nomination Event on November 11. This year marks the first time Davis will be participating in the Ross Awards competition as the president of an established film studio. He cites the unprecedented movie with W to his confidence on the success of the movie and the dedication of the fans to the Asian wave. W2 remains in its March 9, 2018 slot to mark the weekly release of the Asian Saga movies.

Following the move of splitting W into two movies was another announcement of a two-parter, The Pinocchio Syndrome and The Pinocchio Syndrome 2 to be both released alongside the other Korean-based movies. With The Pinocchio Syndrome, Davis was dedicated on presenting and elaborating a storyline that would be too dense for one movie and he is optimistic that the two films would greatly contribute to the success of the Asian Saga. Together with the news of The Pinocchio Syndrome, two more Korean-based movies have been greenlit and are ready for production: I Can Hear Your Voice and While You Were Sleeping. Davis opened Surveillance: Reel 2 to fill the cast of the future Asian Saga movies with the chosen housemates, all of Asian descents. The first two evicted housemates, Jeon Jihoon and Rio Tran are confirmed to have been casted for the Asian Saga.

In response to his unconventional casting, Davis shares his fear of what is now called the Spencer-McKinley Syndrome, in which the same actor is casted for all the main roles. In some cases, the actor plays a similar role in every movie, known as typecasting, due to its success from their previous similar roles. The combination of typecasting and Spencer-McKinley Syndrome lead to audience fatigue, which was very prevalent during the Stagnant Age. Although, this has been plaguing the industry since the Golden Age, it did not come into scrutiny until the previous age, notably with Jaci Spencer and Shannon McKinley. Davis plans to have different actors playing the main roles in each of the Asian Saga movies to avoid the syndrome and hoping to prolong the current prosperous era.

During an interview about the future of the entertainment industry beyond the Asian Saga, Davis Wylde teased the remake of Carlsburgh Mysteries for its five-year anniversary in 2019 with a working title of just Carlsburgh alone; he also continued hinting that iCarly will also be released that same year to celebrate its ten-year anniversary. Any further information on the two future movies are not shared until closer to the production dates.

2018 is right around the corner and MC-Wylde has already finished filming nine movies for the next year’s awards season proving to be a tough competition for Lawrence Harland’s Hollywood Studios, which has been facing backlash on its attempt to join in the Asian Age by confirming the production of Daisy Campbell’s Tokyo Ghoul, slated to be released April 14, 2018. The backlash started from the announcement of Alexander Avanda and Riella Harland playing the main characters Ken Kaneki and Touka Kirishima, both of whom are of Japanese descent. No comments have been made from the representative of the studio, although it is certain that the movie will be released without any changes in its cast.

[thevanitychariot]

The Chariot: Issue III

Original Publication Date: 03 March 2017

Cosgrove-Wylde Empire Rises Amid Ross Awards Competition By: Aramis Giordano

Hollywood royalties, Davis Wylde (Carlsburgh Mysteries and Dandridge creator) and Miranda Cosgrove (The Hunger Games and MC Company founder) announced the genders and the names of their twins on March 3, 2017 in front of a sea of supporters. Among the attendees are Miranda Cosgrove’s iCarly co-stars, Minemise Carole, Nathan Kress and Jerry Trainor; and Carlsburgh Mysteries veterans, Jaci Spencer, Shannon McKinley, Caleb Adams, Valerie Martin, and Taelyn Robins. Davis Wylde announced the name of the older daughter, Mallory Claire Cosgrove, while Miranda Cosgrove announced the name of the younger son, Donovan William Wylde. There are many conversations happening after the announcement in how the couple are going to pass down the MC Company to either Mallory or Donovan in the distant future. Meanwhile, in preparation for the 2017 Ross Awards, the MC Company announced the release date of the adaptation of the widely-read manga, Death Note, from February 17 to March 24, 2017. During casting, Death Note faced backlash in January for casting Alexander Avanda as Light Yagami and Dandridge’s Andrew Richard as L. Both Alexander Avanda and Andrew Richard faced pressure to drop the movie and were soon replaced by Ikeda Marusa and Akira Nishimura respectively. Death Note is the first Hollywood movie to be made up of an all person-of-color-cast. Alongside Death Note, the race for the Ross Awards intensifies as the year progresses. Vanessa Harding announces her involvement in an unnamed biopic of the first woman to run for president, Victoria Woodhull. Vanessa Harding faced criticism after three consecutive years of losing the Best Actress award for her roles as Annestine Millington (The Regnancy, 2014), Annalisa Passarelli (1906, 2015), and Alice Paul (A Woman’s Crusade, 2016). Vanessa announced her hiatus after losing the award against her competitor, Taelyn Robins (Inside the O’Brien’s), but soon changes her mind after taking on the role for her unnamed movie. More movies are being produced to compete against Death Note and Victoria Woodhull’s biopic. Some of the ideas being thrown out there include Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, Susannah Cahalan’s Brain on Fire, Emily Transue’s On Call, and Rebecca Skloot’s Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It will be an interesting and tough competition this year, looking at the possible participants, and the MC Company rising is definitely to be expected, as seen in the previous Ross Awards. Congratulations to the new parents and welcome to the industry, Mallory and Donovan.

Tensions Increase After X Factor Eliminates Final Candidate of Color By: Aramis Giordano Original Publication Date: 21 March 2017 

X Factor returns for its eighth season after a year-long hiatus following Tanner Hammond’s win on January 2016. This new season, hosted by Season 7’s Persia Chapman, is the first one under Lawrence Harland’s reign and accompanies the rise of The MC Company and Davis Wylde Studios. Both Miranda and Davis agreed to mentor any candidates from this season and help them succeed, as how they propelled the Carlsburgh Mysteries trio and the Dandridge cast to fame. Miranda and Davis announced that they are looking into four or five candidates from this season and help them find their right career path in the industry. Lawrence and Davis had a meeting prior to this season’s boot camp on increasing diversity within its candidates, instead of filling the twenty spots with people of European backgrounds. The commencement of this season’s boot camp saw two mixed sections of candidates from different backgrounds, yet only two of them made it to the Top 20 - Bodhi Zhao and Caterina Sultana. Within the first four days of the season, X Factor managed to eliminate its first Asian candidate, and the first Latin American candidate followed him afterwards three days later, March 21. Caterina Sultana’s elimination prompted liberal viewers to boycott the remaining episodes of the X Factor, sharing their disappointment and anger on multiple social media accounts. Many of them are asking to give Bodhi and Caterina another chance by opening two spots within the next few days for them to return to - just as how the X Factor opened one spot for Curtis Osbourne in Season 6 (which Curtis eventually wins). The mass public is putting pressure on Lawrence Harland to initiate more changes in the show, and offer more diverse roles for people of color to star in. The X Factor director, Omar Vanderkoff, shared to the public about the set schedule for this season’s X Factor, defending Curtis Osbourne’s comeback in Season 6 to be “part of the surprise”. Omar reiterates that X Factor Season 8 is following the generic rules, with no twists or surprises, and does not anticipate on making any changes. He ends his announcement saying that he will work alongside Lawrence Harland and Davis Wylde in making Season 9 more inclusive to candidates of different races. Davis Wylde made a public announcement following Omar Vanderkoff’s of his private talk with both Bodhi Zhao and Caterina Sultana, offering them recurring roles in the next season of Dandridge. Davis Wylde’s Dandridge is pioneering changes in diversity of Hollywood movies and shows by incorporating same-sex romantic storylines, Islamophobia protests, and normalizing diversity with main characters of different backgrounds and religions, such as Jerome Garcia (Antonio Santos), Shauna Khalfallah (Sophia Osman), Daniella Kobayashi (Keira Kuyama), Abigail Patel (Sahana Mittal), among others.