UPDATE: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are celebrating a major milestone today as their groundbreaking initiative, Group Effort, marks its five-year anniversary. This Hollywood training and mentorship program, which focuses on unrepresented communities, has made significant strides in promoting diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.
Launched in 2018 during the production of Reynolds’ Netflix film, The Adam Project, the program initially started with just eight trainees in Vancouver, Canada. Back then, both Reynolds and Lively expressed concerns about their ambitious plans. “When we saw those first eight trainees on set for ‘The Adam Project,’ it was clear something good was happening,” Reynolds stated in an email.
Since its inception, Group Effort has transformed the landscape of Hollywood. It has successfully placed 1,056 paid internships and facilitated 247 hires at studios and production companies, along with 365 roles as on-set production assistants across 209 film and TV productions.
The organization has also formalized its mentorship program, matching 640 mentors with mentees over the past three years. Today, Group Effort operates in 20 cities and collaborates with over 550 company and pipeline partners, including major players like Netflix, Disney, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Group Effort released a new video that highlights its achievements and outlines future plans. Among the new initiatives is the Adobe-sponsored Mid-Level Bootcamp, designed to help participants advance from assistant roles to management and directorial positions. “We’re leveling up even more,” Reynolds emphasizes in the video.
Lively expressed her vision for the future, stating, “The real goal is for the people who came through Group Effort to become the ones making the decisions, bringing others in and continuing the change.” The couple’s commitment to inclusion is evident, as they strive for a Hollywood where access and mentorship are ingrained in the production process.
Reynolds adds, “Inclusion shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be built-in from the start. It isn’t charity. It’s a means to be better at the job and expand capabilities across the entire creative landscape.”
As Group Effort continues to grow, its impact on the industry is undeniable. The organization aims to make representation and inclusion a standard practice, advocating for a future where diverse voices are integral to the filmmaking process.
Stay tuned for more updates on how Group Effort is shaping the future of Hollywood and fostering a more equitable environment for all.
