¡AU!’s inaugural event, “Emergency summit on the collapse of DEI in the entertainment industry”, explored how creative professionals can push back against the new US administration’s attacks of diversity, equity & inclusion initiatives. We hosted three panel discussions on how the rollbacks might affect different populations, not just in the American industry, but in the creative sector worldwide.

Our third Summit panel, “How to rise when you’re below the line”, explored the ways media businesses and organizations are building a new foundation for the sector with new, diverse talent. The entertainment industry is run through the continuous hard work of craftspeople, technologists and lower level management. Without them everything would grind to a halt. How do we make sure these jobs are open to everyone?

You can read an analysis of the discussion in the Summer 2025 issue of ¡AU! Journal here.

The panelists were:

• Simon Devereux, Director & Founder, Access VFX
• Amanda Sapp, VP of Media, Bread of Life
• Ellen Walker, Executive Director, RightsTech Women
• Neal Romanek, ¡AU! (moderator)

Watch the full discussion below.

And for more video from the Emergency DEI Summit, check out our YouTube playlist.