Ryan Murphy is tackling the issue of diversity and he’s doing so in a very productive and game changing way. Half, Murphy’s foundation inside “his 20^th Century Fox TV-based Production Company,” plans on ushering in more women, LGBT members and people of color to the world of television by adding them as directors to his shows.

In an interview addressing his plans to make Hollywood more diverse, Murphy stated, “I personally can do better.” Murphy was inspired, in part, by his former publicist, Nanci Ryder. In a speech during The Hollywood Reproter’s Women In Entertainment Breakfast, she addressed the industry’s gender equality problems and issued a call for action. Murphy commented, “Nanci said, ‘People in power, you have a position and responsibility to change the industry,’ and I thought, ‘She’s right.’”

Murphy’s current shows, which include American Horror Story, Scream Queens, and American Crime Story, mostly featured female directors or minority members (defined by Murphy as individuals of color or LGBTQ members). But now, Murphy plans on broadening his director search even further. His plans include hiring a co-manager for Half while creating “a database of names and contact information to share with other showrunners who are also looking to challenge the status quo.”

Half will also reach out to universities and colleges with visitations beginning at UCLA, USC, and AFI before extending its reach “around the country later this year.” Internships and opportunities to shadow will also be introduced by Half for Ryan Murphy Productions – the purpose: Letting younger people have a place to belong within Hollywood. Murphy expands on the idea stating, “The industry has always been about, you come to us,” further adding, “There’s not a lot of effort and inclusion, and I’m saying, ‘No, we’re going to go to you.’”

Murphy has enlisted the help of many individuals such as Anthony Hemingway and Nina Jacobson in order to extend the reach of Half.

Half is a foundation that wholly encompasses what this writer wants within the television and film industry. Kudos to you Sir Ryan Murphy, you have done wonder yet again. I look forward to the results Half produces.