Founded in May of 2021, the goal of The Collective is to increase Jigsaw’s efforts to better reflect the global society and highlight the voices of underrepresented populations at Jigsaw Productions.

The Collective hit the ground running by quickly organizing company-wide webinar events and a training workshop for hiring managers. Additional committees have also been organized to set mission goals for the years ahead.

THE COLLECTIVE'S MISSION

  • Set goals and recommend policies to further amplify and empower marginalized group representation and remove barriers to creating an equitable and inclusive environment.
  • Recommend resources to increase the hiring of more diverse voices within the Company.

CURRENT SUBCOMMITTEES

  • Hiring Best Practices

  • Communications & Events

  • Industry Outreach

The Collective is made up of Jigsaw staff and long-term collaborators who sign on for a one-year commitment. The Collective works in tandem with Jigsaw leadership which is represented by Richard Perello, COO and EVP of Production. The council is advised by Carrie Spell-Hansson, CEO of The Folke Institute.

Jigsaw Productions is committed to establishing, supporting, and cultivating a culture of diversity equity, inclusion, and belonging in which all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We believe that diversity of thought, perspective, and talent is crucial to fostering a successful community and creating world-class content. We are passionate about empowering and amplifying underserved voices through the stories we tell, coming together to make a collective impact.

REEL WORKS/ MEDIAMKRS


For the last 6 years, Jigsaw Productions has engaged with Reel Works, a not-for-profit organization that mentors, inspires, and empowers underserved NYC youth to share their stories through filmmaking, creating a springboard to successful careers in media and beyond. In 2019, Jigsaw formerly partnered with the MediaMKRS program to reimagine the traditional internship model and open its doors to underrepresented young individuals eager to explore careers in documentary filmmaking. The innovative initiatives that we have developed together include our MediaMKRS career- mentoring program helping many participants launch careers in film and television production and related industries.

  • 40 Interns

    Have explored careers in documentary production at Jigsaw Productions since 2019

  • 15 Expanded Internships

    Enabled success interns to deepen their exploration of careers leading some to full-time jobs.

  • 5 Career Accelerator Mentorships

    Participants matched with Jigsaw Production Executive mentors.

MEDIAMKRS CAREER EXPLORATION PROGRAM

Through work readiness training and on-the-job experience, MediaMKRS Career Exploration participants gain confidence, expand their professional networks and identify pathways to careers. The Career Exploration program serves primarily individuals from the BIPOC community– 37% of our participants identify as Black, African American, or of African Descent and 59% identify as Latina, Latino, Latinx, Hispanic, or Hispanic American.

EXPANDED INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

In the Spring of 2021, Jigsaw and MediaMKRS partnered to launch the Expanded Internship Program, which allows us to extend an internship opportunity to engage underrepresented ready-for-work college students, recent graduates and early-career professionals. Each intern has received support from placement to completion from Jigsaw and MediaMKRS staff.

After completing the various ReelWorks and MediaMKRS programs with Jigsaw, some notable outcomes include positions at Jigsaw, Showtime, The Mill, Time, Youtube Channel, The History Channel, Nickelodeon, post-production house Light Iron (Panavision) and as a freelance 3D Artist and animator for various projects. In addition, 5 Expanded Intern Graduates are currently enrolled in graduate or undergraduate school to consider their paths toward careers in media.