Hollywood's Community Action Hero

Too many entertainment executives are still just talking about diversity. Dan Lin has been walking the walk for years.

- DINAH ENG

WHEN DAN LIN started as a creative executive at Warner Bros. in the late ’90s, diversity was not a priority at most studios.

Back then, Lin was one of three minorities in the film production group at the junior executive level, developing movies that WB top brass would consider for green-lighting. He noticed that any time Jet Li, Ang Lee, or Jackie Chan came in for a meeting, his bosses encouraged Lin to join them.

The young executive, who is fluent in Mandarin and English, grabbed the opportunity to witness the decision-making process with studio execs and prominent filmmakers, and he used his language skills to help translate conversations.

Today, Lin is the most prolific and successful Asian-American producer in Hollywood, and diversity is front and centre at his production company, Rideback.

Lin’s producing credits include the Lego Movie and It franchises, and his films have grossed more than $5 billion in worldwide box office. Lin recently helmed hits such as Disney’s live-action Aladdin and Oscar-nominated The Two Popes for Netflix. And he’s not slowing down. Current projects include Lethal Weapon 5 and a sequel to Aladdin.

Last year, Lin teamed up with MRC, the studio behind House of Cards and films such as Ted and Baby Driver, to create the Rideback TV Incubator, a paid residency programme for mid-career TV writers from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants are paired with volunteer mentors and develop shows to pitch at cable networks and streaming services.