Last Updated 2 months ago
Definition
In Hollywood, the term Black List has multiple meanings depending on context. Historically, it refers to the 1940s–1950s blacklist of industry professionals accused of communist ties, which barred them from working in film and television. In modern use, “blacklist” generally means a list of people or companies someone refuses to work with. Separately, The Black List is also the name of a popular industry website and podcast that highlights the best unproduced screenplays each year.
Historical Hollywood Blacklist
- Origins: The Hollywood Blacklist emerged during the late 1940s, following investigations by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) into alleged communist influence in the film industry.
- Hollywood Ten: A group of screenwriters and directors who refused to testify before HUAC were cited for contempt of Congress and blacklisted.
- Impact: Careers were destroyed or severely limited for hundreds of writers, directors, and actors who were suspected of communist affiliations, whether real or fabricated.
- Legacy: The blacklist era is remembered as a dark chapter in Hollywood history, raising issues of censorship, political persecution, and artistic freedom.
General Industry Use
Today, to be “blacklisted” in film or television means to be unofficially barred from work due to poor behavior, unreliability, or conflicts with others in the industry. This can range from individuals who mistreat crew to companies that fail to pay fairly. Unlike the historical blacklist, this usage is informal and based on reputation rather than politics.
The Black List (Modern Website & Podcast)
- Founded: In 2005 by Franklin Leonard.
- Purpose: An annual survey of Hollywood executives highlighting the best unproduced screenplays circulating in the industry.
- Impact: Many scripts from the list have gone on to become award-winning films, including Juno, Argo, and The King’s Speech.
- Expansion: The Black List has since grown into a website where screenwriters can host and share scripts, as well as a podcast and live events.
Why It Matters
The term Black List carries weight in Hollywood for both historical and modern reasons. It represents a period of censorship and fear, while also serving as a platform that celebrates and elevates screenwriting talent today. For filmmakers, understanding both meanings is essential to grasp how the industry’s past influences its present.
Related Terms
- [Hollywood Ten] A group of filmmakers blacklisted in the 1940s for alleged communist ties.
- [Screenplay] A script written for film or television, often evaluated by The Black List.
- [Censorship] The suppression or control of artistic expression, central to the history of the blacklist era.