Exclusive: How The “Black Panther Effect” Is Shaking Up Hollywood & Beyond

Film Industry Veterans Say Movies With Diverse Casts Have A Widespread Positive Impact

Films like “Black Panther,” “Hidden Figures,” “A Wrinkle In Time” and “Girls Trip” have brought in billions for movie studios – in fact “Black Panther” is on track to be the highest grossing film of all time.

But when it comes to films with diverse casts, the measure of success isn’t just measured by its bottom line. The movies are a chance for people in the African Diaspora to see themselves on screen, and serve to help expose members of the public who don’t interact with minorities a different narrative about the black experience.

“Hopefully, it’s becoming the new norm,” Doreen Spicer-Dannelly, a screenwriter whose book “Love Double Dutch” is out April 3, said. “People want to know the experiences of African-Americans and Latino stories, because they are human stories.”

One reason why majority minority films do so well is that they are an opportunity for African-Americans to see themselves on screen – an opportunity they historically haven’t had, said Ed Sylvan, of film distribution company Sycamore Entertainment, which develops films from minorities and provides marketing and distribution services.

Another is that African Americans are more likely to use social media like Twitter compared to their white counterparts, according to the Pew Research Center. And with online phenomenon’s like Black Twitter, word is sure to get out fast.

“We are social as a group,” Sycamore told us. “And when you add social media, word spreads.”

But the biggest success measure appears to be one that can’t be defined by money. It’s the bettering of race relations in America and beyond, Sycamore and Spicer said.

“I think it sends a message about America, saying, we have our stuff together,” Spicer said. “We do love each other. America is not only about hate. We do love each other regardless of race or creed.”

Sycamore agreed and said the films are an easy and nonthreatening way to further the fight for social justice and change.

“People who aren’t used to dealing with blacks, it leads to more understanding,” Sycamore, who is now working on a film about black Boy Scouts, said. “And it’s that understanding that more of our population needs to see. It brings down the fear level and can lave a social impact, like in policing.”

Sycamore called for more diversity in films, and Spicer said it won’t be long before other movie studios take notice and start creating more diverse content, opening doors for a new crops of writers, production staff and directors.

“It just speaks volumes about first, good storytelling, good directing and excellent actors,” Spicer said, “and that it’s possible to see ourselves in something so extraordinary.”