Photo Credit: James White
Shonda Rhimes recently did an interview with Hollywood Reporter and dropped some gems that someone needs to hear. I am someone. Shonda reflects on her time at ABC when creating hit TV series such as Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder. You would think that after creating these hits shows and bringing a substantial amount of money to the company, they would be working collaboratively with the writer. Instead, Rhimes talked about the back and forth she would have to face.
Rhimes states, “I felt like I was dying. Like I’d been pushing the same ball up the same hill in the exact same way for a really long time.”
I think we all have heard by now, but a Disneyland pass is what broke the camel’s back. Rhimes had an issue with one of the Disneyland passes that the company provided based on her position with ABC. There happen to be a problem with the pass when it was time to be used. When she called one of the higher-level execs to alleviate the issue. The response she got was appalling.
The exec allegedly replied, “Don’t you have enough?” If I was wearing any I would have clutched my pearls.
That was more than enough for Rhimes to take her talents elsewhere. We all know that Rhimes can afford her own pass to Disneyland. Hell, she can probably close down the park for a whole day for just her family. Rhimes is an essential part of the company. Having someone respond in this matter is just despicable. They never revealed the execs name’s, but I hope ABC gave them the can. Especially since this just put the icing on the cake for Rhimes and start her path with Netflix.
This is becoming more common. In 2018, Forbes published an article citing the 10 Shocking Workplace Stats you Need to Know. Number 5 on the list was that 79% of people who quit their jobs cite “lack of appreciation” as their reason for leaving. Also, that people don’t leave their companies. They leave their bosses. Let that sit in for a minute.
Rhimes talks about her early talks with Netflix. Meeting with the co-CEO and afraid of anyone seeing her out with him. Rhimes let him know that she just wanted to do what she loved and not feel bound to anyone. Which is what any creative would want to do when it comes to their craft. Netflix convinced Rhimes and they inked a deal in 2017 signing the writer for a nine figure overall deal at Netflix. Cha-Ching!
What stuck most with me is when Rhimes recalls on her early days at Netflix and getting used to the culture. Rhimes avoided a dinner at the Co-CEO’s house. When he followed up with Rhimes, she stated, “she didn’t feel she could come have dinner until she “had something on the board.” Rhimes wanted to be on her game if she was to attend. How many other black woman can relate? Insert raises hand emoji. Black woman feel that they have to be at the top of their game in any position that they are in. We want things to be perfect and we spend countless hours getting it to OUR Standards before letting anyone else see.
Rhimes reveals how much she was struggling with owning “her power”. Shonda Rhimes was struggling. The woman that gave us Olivia Pope and Annalise Keating. Yes that one! Reading that was just so baffling to me but also made Rhimes seem so relatable. This is someone who is making millions of dollars and millions of viewers are tuning in to watch her creation.
Netflix signed another major deal with Ryan Murphy for $300 million dollars and became know as TV’s $300 Million Man. He also started producing content sooner than Rhimes did out the gate. In the interview she stated.
“Here’s the thing: I’m a little obsessed with Ryan and how comfortable he is owning his power,” says Rhimes. “It’s like he has this incredibly stylish home, these beautiful children, and he always seems like he’s got it all together — and then he did this amazing photo shoot and he owned his shit, and I was like, ‘Why wouldn’t I own my sh*t? Like, why do I feel like it is wrong to do somehow?’ ”
As women, why do we seem to dim our light? Why are we afraid to let people know? I always hear more women struggling with demanding raises at work or truly articulating what they are really worth. We all need to stand up and say, This is my worth so run me my coins and my RESPECK!
At the 2018 Elle’s Women in Hollywood event Rhimes was honored with the Luminary Award. She was determined to let people know her worth and demand her RESPECK on that platform.
“The other day I came to the conclusion that men brag and women hide,” she began. “Even when they don’t deserve to brag, men brag. When men do deserve to brag, they’re good at it.” She kept going, “I’m getting this award for inspiring other women, and how can I inspire anyone if I’m hiding?” she asked. So, she took a deep breath and said, “On behalf of women everywhere, I will brag.” She paused there, admitting that what she was about to reveal was harder than she’d imagined, and then she went for it: “I am the highest-paid showrunner in television.”
YASSS QUEEN!
Now, do not get it twisted this was new for Rhimes. She says that she was raised in a household where she was raised to make sure she was confident. She gives credit to her parents for making this a staple in their household. I can agree that this is essential to instill in children at a young age. Especially our girls. If we start this off early, they are able to apply this to their career and any other aspect of their lives even relationships. An area where we also need to demand our worth and ensure respect is given. That is a conversation for another day. When people start to embrace their value, you cannot just treat them any kind of way. I do not know about anyone else but that is something I need to hear.
The article mentioned a tweet from Rhimes from 2018.
“Why do reporters always say writers were ‘lured’ [into deals]? Like we’re children following a trail of candy. I created a $2B+ revenue stream for a major corp. with my imagination. I do not follow trails of candy. I am the candy.”
This has to be my favorite quote, “I am the Candy”.
Please remember that you have not been working your butt off just to always stay humble. This is a reminder that you need to know your worth and go where you are appreciated and valued. And then add tax.
You can read the full interview here on The Hollywood Reporter.
Victoria is a Disney fanatic and Team Marvel. A Southern Girl and Naturalista but loves a good wig. Victoria launched her lifestyle blog this year focusing on inspiring others with her experiences and words. Follow her on instagram at always_withlove_tori
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