The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently.launched a virtual panel series called Academy Dialogues: It Starts With Us. The purpose is to have conversations about race, ethnicity, gender, history, opportunity and the art of filmmaking. These discussions focus on the industry-wide systemic changes that are needed to afford greater opportunities to women and people from underrepresented ethnic/racial communities and to create a new narrative for recovery.

In this week’s panel, DeVon Franklin, Debra Martin Chase, Franklin Leonard and Phillip Sun discuss “Owning Your Brand”

Here’s the description: Academy governor and producer DeVon Franklin (“Breakthrough”), Franklin Leonard, founder and CEO of the Black List, producer Debra Martin Chase (“Harriet”), and M88 president, managing partner and co-founder Phillip Sun discuss their professional journeys and finding success outside of the traditional Hollywood system.  What is the importance of having a vision, investing in yourself, and building a business brand by taking control to tell new and authentic stories?  

Check out an exclusive clip from the conversation below. The full episode debuts on the Academy’s YouTube on Thursday at 9 a.m. PST/12 p.m. EST.

Photo: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences