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Racial Screening on the Big Screen? Evidence from the Motion Picture Industry

Author

Listed:
  • Liang Zhong
  • Angela Crema
  • M. Daniele Paserman

Abstract

We develop a model of discrimination that allows us to interpret observed differences in outcomes across groups, conditional on passing a screening test, as taste-based (employer,) statistical, or customer discrimination. We apply this framework to investigate the nature of non-white underrepresentation in the US motion picture industry. Leveraging a novel data set with racial identifiers for the cast of 7,000 motion pictures, we show that, conditional on production, non-white movies exhibit higher average revenues and a smaller variance. Our findings can be rationalized in the context of our model if non-white movies are held to higher standards for production.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang Zhong & Angela Crema & M. Daniele Paserman, 2024. "Racial Screening on the Big Screen? Evidence from the Motion Picture Industry," NBER Working Papers 33186, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33186
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • J70 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Labor Discrimination - - - General
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media

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