Mónica Marie Zorrilla Janine Sherman Barrois remembers being one of the only Black people in the writers’ room — or on set — when she began in television more than 20 years ago.
At the time, she was grateful to get a seat at the table, given how few opportunities there were for Black women in Hollywood.Fast-forward to 2022, and Sherman Barrois acknowledges there are more powerful Black women on camera and off (like her idols Shonda Rhimes and Oprah Winfrey).
But there are still so many diverse creators who haven’t been empowered enough to get their big break.That’s one of the missions behind her new production banner, Folding Chair Prods., which she has launched at Warner Bros.
Television Group (where Sherman Barrois has held several overall deals since 2015). Nikita S. Adams, previously an agent at Paradigm Talent Agency and A3 Artists Agency, has been hired to serve as Folding Chair’s new head of television.
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