Inclusion Rider Information

The Inclusion Rider Information card explains what an inclusion rider is and how it can be used to promote diversity in film and television productions. An inclusion rider is a stipulation that actors and filmmakers can add to their contracts requiring a certain level of diversity among cast and crew.

The concept gained widespread attention after Frances McDormand mentioned it in her 2018 Academy Awards acceptance speech. Since then, several high-profile actors and production companies have adopted inclusion riders as part of their standard contracting process.

Understanding inclusion riders empowers actors to advocate for more equitable hiring practices on the projects they join. Even actors who are not yet in a position to negotiate contract terms benefit from understanding how systemic change is being pursued in the industry.

This resource card is free to access and provides a concise overview of the inclusion rider concept, its history, and practical steps for implementation. No registration is required.

Whether you are an emerging actor or an established professional, understanding the inclusion rider is part of being an informed participant in the industry. This resource gives you the knowledge to support and advocate for inclusive production practices. The card also discusses how inclusion riders have evolved since their initial introduction, with newer versions addressing intersectionality and behind-the-camera positions in addition to on-screen casting. Understanding these developments positions actors to be meaningful advocates for change within their own productions.

The Inclusion Rider Information card is completely free to access, with no registration, membership, or payment of any kind required. All content is available immediately upon visiting the resource, making it one of the most accessible advocacy education tools in the entertainment space. There are no paid tiers, premium versions, or upsells associated with this resource. Compared to attending diversity and inclusion workshops or conferences, which can cost anywhere from fifty to several hundred dollars, this card provides essential foundational knowledge at no cost. The resource is supported as a public good rather than a commercial product, which reinforces its credibility as an educational tool. For actors and producers who want to understand inclusion riders before engaging legal counsel to draft one, this free primer saves time and money by establishing a baseline of knowledge.

The Inclusion Rider Information card is recommended for every actor and filmmaker who wants to be an informed participant in industry conversations about equity and representation. It is particularly valuable for actors who are approaching a career level where contract negotiations become part of their professional life and want to understand all available tools. Producers and directors should read it to understand what they may be asked to agree to and how inclusion riders benefit their productions beyond compliance. Actors who are early in their careers and not yet negotiating contracts will still benefit from the knowledge, as it shapes how they evaluate the productions they join and the companies they work with. For those who want to go deeper, the resource should be supplemented with legal consultation and the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative's research for data-driven context. If you are already well versed in inclusion riders, this resource may be too introductory, but it remains a useful tool to share with colleagues who are learning about the concept for the first time.

After reading the resource, have a conversation with your agent or manager about inclusion riders to understand their perspective and how they approach these discussions in negotiations. Keep the key points accessible so you can reference them when evaluating whether a production aligns with your values around equity and representation. Share the resource with fellow actors and crew members, as collective awareness creates more momentum for change than individual advocacy alone. Follow the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative and similar research organizations to stay current on data about representation, which strengthens any conversation about the need for inclusion riders. If you are in a position to negotiate contract terms, consult an entertainment attorney who has experience with inclusion riders before proposing specific language. Remember that advocating for inclusion does not require having contract leverage, as speaking up about the importance of diverse casting and hiring in everyday professional interactions is a form of advocacy available to everyone.