Meet Meg DeLoatch | Television Writer & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Meg DeLoatch and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Meg, how does your business help the community?
Obviously, Hollywood has a major impact on society, that’s why I’m so excited about my current show on Netflix. Family Reunion is the first time in my career where I’ve been allowed to tell my personal story without it being filtered through others. Writing a TV series about an African American family from an authentically Black point-of-view that’s honest and positive allows an audience to spend intimate time with people who may not look like them, but are still extremely relatable. Lately there’s been a lot of talk about teaching people about diversity — I think diverse entertainment is a great way to overcome some of the misunderstandings and myths about other cultures.

For example, some folks don’t understand why Black people are offended when they say, “All Lives Matter.” Why? Because we know that and agree. However, the term “Black Lives Matter” stems from the constant negative and violent way African Americans have been treated by the American justice system. We did an episode that explored two of the young boys in the family being detained by the police because they thought the boys were breaking into their own home. My hope was personalizing something that for my community is truly an everyday, soul trampling experience, would open some closed eyes and hearts to our situation. Hopefully it did, because then in a small way, that’s a big step toward change.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Maintaining a career as a TV writer isn’t easy, and because I am a woman of color, I just don’t always get the opportunities I deserve. I’m grateful that now that I’m a showrunner with my own show, I am able to give jobs to others who have been marginalized as well. I’m proud that I promote diversity both in front of and behind the camera. And I’m willing to bet that I have the most diverse staff and crew in Hollywood.

So many people talk about being more open and inclusive. I’m proud that I don’t just talk, I do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, I long for a Covid-free Los Angeles. If I had a friend in from out of town, of course I’d give her the full Hollywood treatment and do all of the touristy stuff. And likely, if she’s my friend, she loves to shop, so the garment district in Downtown is a must stop.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout Netflix for investing and supporting diverse storytelling. Thanks to this progressive company, I get to tell my own stories AND watch so many other fascinating projects by and about cultures that span the globe.

I also have to shoutout my amazing writing staff: Adrienne Carter, Arthur Harris, Ralph Greene, Lia Martin, Sa’rah Jones, Chris Moore, Deja Harrell, Anthony Hill, Bill Boulware. They work so hard to help bring our episodes to life.

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Image Credits
Renee Avitia photography Tracey Royal