Creative Artists Agency (CAA) recently announced the next evolution of its Full Story Initiative, an effort designed to support more authentic and equitable storytelling in television and film, unveiling a redesigned digital toolkit that provides writers and creators with streamlined, practical resources to help shape stories connected to social issues and historically underrepresented communities. #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
Originally launched in 2021 in collaboration with leading nonprofit and international organizations, the Full Story Initiative established a centralized platform bringing together research, resources, and partnerships aimed at supporting responsible storytelling in film and television. The new toolkit builds on that foundation with a more accessible, story-forward experience designed specifically for creators working in development and underscores the business imperative for these narratives.
Developed in response to feedback from writers, producers, and nonprofit partners who have engaged with the initiative since its launch, the updated platform prioritizes quick and actionable insights that can be applied directly to the creative process. The site now features searchable statistics, case studies, storytelling considerations, and direct pathways for collaboration with partner organizations.
Among the speakers at the launch event are showrunners Justin Spitzer, Patrick Macmanus, and Jeff Davis who share about the creative process with the respective organizations they’ve partnered; Spitzer with Define American for NBC’s “Superstore,” Macmanus with GLAAD for Peacock’s “Devil in Disguise,” and Davis with JED Foundation for MTV’s “Wolfpack.” The conversation, moderated by Rebecca Sun, highlighted the real-world examples of how these partnerships unfold, in practice, not theory—and the high value of these collaborations.
“The Full Story Initiative was originally built to connect storytellers with credible research and expert partners,” said Dennis St. Rose, Executive, CAA. “What we heard from creators over time was that they wanted something more practical and development-focused. This evolution keeps the same mission but delivers it in a more accessible format, giving writers and creators a working tool they can use quickly as they build stories.”
The redesigned toolkit also highlights case studies, some of which have not been shared before publicly, that demonstrate both the creative and business value of collaboration with subject-matter experts, helping illustrate the success that informed storytelling can have with audiences.
“Authentic and inclusive stories succeed with audiences,” said Alex Schmider, Senior Director of Entertainment at GLAAD. “GLAAD, and all of the organizations in the Full Story Initiative, bring proven value to entertainment companies by providing subject matter expertise and customized audience insights. This will make projects more successful, benefitting the project, the artists behind it, and our communities. The FSI provides the resources necessary to achieve both authentic representation and commercial success in an increasingly crowded content market and attention economy.”
“The Full Story Initiative pulls together the best resources from an intersectional group of collaborators focused on communities and issues that are often underrepresented on screen. We individually and collectively stand ready to advise creatives and executives on people’s lived realities and to amplify stories that advance narratives that engage audiences and shift culture. CAA’s backbone role in this effort is invaluable,” said Vicki Shabo, a Senior Fellow at New America and the Founder and Director of New America’s entertainment initiative, Re-Scripting Gender, Work, Family, and Care.
“The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) Hollywood Bureau continues to be inspired by the front-line warriors in narrative change, the storytellers, advocacy organizations, and industry decision makers who are telling and advocating for authentic, accurate and nuanced stories,” said Sue Obeidi, Senior Vice President, MPAC Hollywood Bureau. “Storytelling is a matter of life and death for vulnerable communities because stories shape how people see, fear, and ultimately treat others. Like other communities, Muslims have so many hyphenated identities that make the stakes even higher. We are honored to be a member of CAA’s Full Story Initiative and look forward to being a resource to those who are interested in Muslim storytelling.”
The initiative has also expanded its network of collaborators, with new partners including the WGA Jewish Writers Committee, Human Rights Watch, New America, and the Kids Mental Health Foundation, among others. They join a coalition of nonprofit and advocacy organizations that work with creators to provide research, expertise, and consultation across a wide range of issue areas, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment, Define American, GLAAD, Caring Across Generations, Disability Belongs, Hollywood Health & Society, Brady United, Hollywood, Health & Society, Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC), Natural Resources Defense Council, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and more.
Background on CAA
Creative Artists Agency (CAA) is a leading entertainment and sports agency, with global expertise in filmed and live entertainment, digital media, publishing, sponsorship sales and endorsements, media finance, consumer investing, fashion, brand management and consumer product licensing, and philanthropy. Distinguished by its culture of collaboration and exceptional client service, CAA’s diverse workforce identifies, innovates, and amplifies opportunities for the people and organizations that shape culture and inspire the world. The trailblazer of the agency business, CAA was the first to build a sports business, create an investment bank, launch a venture fund, found technology start-up companies, establish a philanthropic arm, build a business in China, and form a brand marketing services division, among other innovations.
Named Most Valuable Sports Agency by Forbes for nine consecutive years, CAA represents more than 3,000 of the world’s top athletes in football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer, in addition to coaches, on-air broadcasters, and sports personalities and works in the areas of property sales and sponsorships, media advisory, brand consulting, venue development and strategic advisory, and executive search. Founded in 1975, CAA is headquartered in Los Angeles, and has offices in New York, Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, Miami, London, Munich, Geneva, Stockholm, Shanghai, and Beijing, among other locations globally. For more information, please visit www.caa.com.
The new “Full Story Initiative” toolkit is available by clicking here.
