Advancing Industry Relations, Workforce Development, and Advocacy
Bringing creative content to the screen relies on the talent and dedication of professionals from a broad range of regions, disciplines, and experiences.
Research shows that a range of perspectives strengthens the creative process and drives long-term growth. In fact, 75% of global consumers say that what they see in content influences their purchasing decisions.
A 2024 McKinsey report found that the media industry could unlock up to $30 billion in additional annual revenue by telling stories that reflect the breadth of audiences in the U.S. Expanding reach to underserved viewers offers major upside in the U.S. and even greater potential across the global marketplace.
The Motion Picture Association is committed to strengthening the creative economy through strategic industry relations and partnerships. We support workforce development, pipeline expansion, and collaboration with over 60 national and industry organizations. These efforts help ensure that the industry remains competitive in a global marketplace, while reinforcing long-term growth and innovation across all production hubs.
Established in 2012, the MPA’s advocacy work has evolved into the Industry Relations and Advocacy program led by John Gibson, Vice President, Public Affairs and Industry Relations.
John leads global outreach efforts that support workforce development, pipeline growth, and strategic partnerships across the entertainment industry. He manages the MPA’s engagement with more than 60 industry adjacent and national organizations, helping to advance initiatives that benefit the broader creative economy and align with studio goals for long-term sustainability and growth.
John has built enduring relationships with organizations throughout the United States and Canada focused on workforce development and innovation including the Atlanta Film Society, which has trained over 5,000 people through a variety of industry-facing courses with hire-ready skills in Georgia; Entertainment Industry College Outreach Program (EICOP), which boasts some of the most innovative industry entry initiatives and opportunities in high production states like California, Georgia and New York; Reel Works, which provides industry career pathways for youth in New York City and Los Angeles, The Inevitable Foundation, Interfaith Film Festival and Veterans in Media and Entertainment as well as Women in Animation, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, the Native American Media Alliance, and many others. These partnerships help strengthen access to careers in film and television across regions and communities. This work has also supported state-level programs like the Georgia State of the Industry and the New York State Multicultural Creativity Summits, which serve as strong examples of coproduction models that drive workforce development in collaboration with state and local partners.
Through national and international speaking engagements, media outreach, and consistent collaboration with advocacy groups, John continues to build bridges between creative talent pipelines and the evolving needs of a global media marketplace.
Our Studios
Explore how our member studios are supporting workforce development, expanding access to career opportunities, and strengthening connections with a global audience.
Outreach and partnership programs
“Talent is equally distributed among the population—opportunity is not.”
The Motion Picture Association collaborates with organizations across the world to expand access to careers in film, television, and streaming, enabling true meritocracy. These partnerships strengthen industry pipelines, support workforce development, and ensure our creative sector remains competitive in a global market.
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