'Burn It Down' exposes discrimination and toxicity behind the scenes in Hollywood
Nov 27, 2023
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Maureen Ryan, author of 'Burn It Down', discusses the discrimination and toxicity hidden behind the scenes in Hollywood. Topics include incidents of racism and sexism, mistreatment of marginalized groups, and the importance of addressing exploitation and toxic behavior. Ryan also reflects on their own experience and the impact of speaking out, while promoting support for trans youth.
Maureen Ryan's book 'Burn It Down' exposes the discrimination and toxicity behind the scenes in Hollywood, focusing on incidents of racism, sexism, and bullying during the production of the TV show 'Lost'.
The entertainment industry perpetuates an abusive culture with the assumption that creative geniuses must behave in damaging or unprofessional ways, highlighting the need for a cultural shift and creating a healthier work environment in Hollywood.
Deep dives
Exploitation and abuse behind the scenes in Hollywood
Journalist Maureen Ryan's book 'Burn It Down' sheds light on the exploitation and abuse that often occurs in Hollywood. The book discusses incidents of racism, sexism, and bullying that took place during the production of the TV show 'Lost.' Actors like Harold Perrineau and an Asian writer faced marginalization and discriminatory behavior. Ryan emphasizes that good art does not require abuse and that Hollywood needs a culture change to address these issues.
The belief in an abusive culture for brilliant TV and film
Ryan's book argues that Hollywood continues to perpetuate an abusive culture, believing it is necessary for producing brilliant TV shows and films. She highlights that the industry has an unexamined assumption that creative geniuses must behave in damaging or unprofessional ways. Ryan raises awareness about the need to challenge this harmful belief and create a healthier work environment in the entertainment industry.
Exploitation and the need for change
Exploitation is a prevalent issue in the entertainment industry, with workers being underpaid, overworked, and subjected to bullying and discrimination. Maureen Ryan connects the current writer's strike for pay equity and protection from exploitation to the larger issues highlighted in her book. She emphasizes the need for change and advocates for fair and respectful treatment of workers in Hollywood to create a more inclusive and ethical industry.
As Hollywood was warming up for a summer of labor strikes a few months ago, Vanity Fair's Maureen Ryan came out with a new book, Burn It Down, that exposed a lot of the abuses many writers, actors and crew members were coming forth about. When the book first published, Ryan spoke with NPR's Eric Deggans about how the set of Lost became a centerpiece of her research, and how her own experience speaking out about assault at the hands of a TV executive shaped her ability to report highly sensitive stories.