Representation by the Numbers: The DEI Gap in Marketing and Film

Infographic demonstrating the Statistics of Diversity within Film and Marketing

DEI Gap In Marketing And Film

This infographic contains graphs and charts to visualize the various statistics related to diversity and inclusivity within the marketing and film industry.

Audience Insights

The film and marketing industry continues to struggle with diversity despite the evidence that proves it beneficial for long term retention of customers. In film, stories from people of color and other underrepresented groups are still rare, and they’re often limited to stereotypes or side roles. This lack of representation doesn’t reflect the audiences who actually want to see inclusivity within mainstream media Viewers want to see themselves in the stories being told, and that’s something the industry can’t afford to ignore anymore.

Inclusive marketing and storytelling go hand in hand. When people feel represented, they connect more deeply and stay loyal to the brand or the film.

According to the United Nations, inclusive advertising is “Advertising that authentically and positively portrays a full range of people, including traditionally underrepresented and/or underserved communities, and is devoid of stereotypes.”

Companies need to ensure inclusivity isn’t just a surface-level marketing strategy but something that’s built into every part of their organization. When brands and studios embrace diversity genuinely, it shows in the response they get from audiences. Inclusion leads to connection, and connection drives long-term success.

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Sources

Hunt, Darnell, et al. “Hollywood Diversity in Decline as Moviegoers Worldwide Want More.” UCLA Newsroom, 11 Mar. 2025, newsroom.ucla.edu/releases/hollywood-diversity-in-decline-as-moviegoers-worldwide-want-more.  Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

“Is Inclusive and Diverse Advertising Worth It?” Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, 4 Feb. 2025, sbs.ox.ac.uk/oxford-answers/inclusive-and-diverse-advertising-worth-it#:~:text=The%20findings%2C%20and%209.4%25%20higher%20salience.  Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.

Ramón, Ana-Christina, Michael Tran, Jade Abston, and Darnell Hunt. Hollywood Diversity Report 2025: Part 1 – Theatrical. Institute for Research on Labor and Employment, University of California, Los Angeles, 27 Feb. 2025. socialsciences.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/UCLA-Hollywood-Diversity-Report-2025-Theatrical-Film-2-27-2025.pdf  Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.