Los Angeles, CA – Franklin Leonard's groundbreaking platform, The Black List, is marking its 20th anniversary, a significant milestone celebrated by Hollywood and recognized with the prestigious Gotham Anniversary Tribute. Since its inception in 2005, The Black List has become an indispensable force in identifying and championing unproduced screenplays, leading to the production of numerous acclaimed films and reshaping the industry's approach to talent discovery.
The Black List, initially conceived by Leonard as a survey of favorite unproduced scripts among development executives, has evolved into a comprehensive online community. This platform allows screenwriters and novelists to share their work and receive feedback, fostering a more inclusive and meritocratic environment for emerging voices in entertainment.
The Gotham Film & Media Institute honored Leonard and The Black List with the Anniversary Tribute at its 34th annual Gotham Awards Ceremony in December 2024. This award acknowledges the platform's profound impact on elevating talented writers and bringing remarkable projects to fruition. Notable films like "Juno," "Slumdog Millionaire," and "The King’s Speech" were all featured on The Black List before finding their way to the big screen.
In a recent interview with Nieman Storyboard, Leonard discussed the evolving landscape of storytelling in Hollywood. He emphasized the importance of finding stories "in the strange minutiae" and adapting true stories for film and television, highlighting the intersection of journalism and entertainment. Leonard also touched upon the challenges faced by new and diverse voices in getting their work recognized in the industry.
Over its two-decade history, The Black List has seen at least 450 of its featured scripts produced, collectively grossing over $30 billion at the worldwide box office. Beyond film, Leonard is also expanding the platform's reach into the publishing world, aiming to provide similar opportunities for undiscovered novelists. This expansion underscores The Black List's ongoing commitment to nurturing written storytelling across various media.