Shining a Light on the Missing with the Team Behind NBC’s “Found”
3Digest
This episode of Talking Dateline delves into the NBC drama "Found," focusing on the issue of missing persons and the disproportionate representation of certain groups in the media. The show's creators, NK O'Coreau and Shinoah Hampton, discuss their inspiration for the show, which stems from a cluster of missing Black and Brown women in DC. They emphasize the importance of highlighting the stories of "the forgotten ones," particularly Black women, who are often overlooked in missing persons coverage. The show aims to bring attention to these cases and advocate for greater resources and support. The episode also explores the show's commitment to authenticity and representation. The creators discuss how they draw inspiration from real-life cases, personal experiences, and creative imagination to create compelling and grounded storylines. They also highlight the importance of portraying complex characters, such as Gabby Mosley, a public relations expert and former kidnapping victim, who embodies the show's themes of resilience and the desire for justice. The episode further examines the show's exploration of the complex relationship between law enforcement and the media. The creators acknowledge the challenges faced by both parties in addressing missing persons cases and emphasize the importance of finding a middle ground that promotes collaboration and accountability. They also discuss the show's commitment to engaging audiences without repelling them, highlighting the careful approach taken by the writers and the show's dedication to authenticity and nuance. Finally, the episode previews the upcoming season of "Found," which expands the show's scope to include diverse missing persons cases, including those involving addicts, sex workers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The creators emphasize the show's commitment to representation and authenticity, aiming to shed light on the experiences of marginalized groups and advocate for greater understanding and support.
Outlines
Missing Persons Advocacy and the NBC Drama "Found"
This episode of Talking Dateline explores the NBC drama "Found," which sheds light on the disproportionate representation of missing persons in the media, particularly Black women, and advocates for greater attention and resources for these cases. The show's creators, NK O'Coreau and Shinoah Hampton, discuss their inspiration for the show, which stems from a cluster of missing Black and Brown women in DC. They emphasize the importance of highlighting the stories of "the forgotten ones," particularly Black women, who are often overlooked in missing persons coverage.
Inspiration, Character Development, and Authenticity
The episode delves into the show's commitment to authenticity and representation. The creators discuss how they draw inspiration from real-life cases, personal experiences, and creative imagination to create compelling and grounded storylines. They also highlight the importance of portraying complex characters, such as Gabby Mosley, a public relations expert and former kidnapping victim, who embodies the show's themes of resilience and the desire for justice.
Law Enforcement, Media, and the Black and Missing Foundation
The episode further examines the show's exploration of the complex relationship between law enforcement and the media. The creators acknowledge the challenges faced by both parties in addressing missing persons cases and emphasize the importance of finding a middle ground that promotes collaboration and accountability. They also discuss the show's commitment to engaging audiences without repelling them, highlighting the careful approach taken by the writers and the show's dedication to authenticity and nuance.
Season Two: Expanding the Scope and Impact
Finally, the episode previews the upcoming season of "Found," which expands the show's scope to include diverse missing persons cases, including those involving addicts, sex workers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. The creators emphasize the show's commitment to representation and authenticity, aiming to shed light on the experiences of marginalized groups and advocate for greater understanding and support.
Keywords
Forgotten Ones
A term used to describe individuals who are disproportionately underrepresented in missing persons coverage, often due to their race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or other factors.
Missing Persons Advocacy
The act of raising awareness, promoting resources, and advocating for policies that support the search for missing persons and the prevention of future disappearances.
Disproportionate Representation
The unequal representation of certain groups in the media or other contexts, often reflecting systemic biases and inequalities.
Human Trafficking
A form of modern-day slavery involving the recruitment, transportation, harboring, or exploitation of individuals for forced labor or sexual exploitation.
Authenticity in Storytelling
The use of real-life experiences, research, and diverse perspectives to create stories that are grounded in reality and resonate with audiences.
Representation in Media
The portrayal of diverse groups and experiences in media, aiming to promote inclusivity, understanding, and accurate representation.
Black and Missing Foundation
A real-life organization that advocates for missing persons, particularly those from Black and Brown communities.
Law Enforcement and Media
The complex relationship between law enforcement and the media in addressing missing persons cases, often involving challenges of collaboration, accountability, and public perception.
Q&A
What is the main focus of the NBC drama "Found"?
"Found" focuses on the "forgotten ones," highlighting the disproportionate representation of missing persons in the media, particularly Black women. The show aims to bring attention to these cases and advocate for greater resources and support.
How does the show "Found" strive to be authentic and impactful?
The show draws inspiration from real-life cases, personal experiences, and creative imagination to create compelling and grounded storylines. It also features diverse characters and explores complex issues like human trafficking and the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
What is the Black and Missing Foundation, and how did it inspire the show?
The Black and Missing Foundation is a real-life organization that advocates for missing persons, particularly those from Black and Brown communities. The show's creators were inspired by the foundation's work and its focus on public relations and media advocacy.
How does the show "Found" navigate the complex relationship between law enforcement and the media?
The show acknowledges the challenges faced by both law enforcement and the media in addressing missing persons cases. It aims to find a middle ground, promoting collaboration and accountability while also highlighting the importance of public awareness and advocacy.
What are some of the key themes explored in the upcoming season of "Found"?
The upcoming season expands the show's scope to include diverse missing persons cases, including those involving addicts, sex workers, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. It aims to shed light on the experiences of marginalized groups and advocate for greater understanding and support.
Show Notes
Josh Mankiewicz sits down with showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll and Shanola Hampton, lead actor and producer of the hit NBC drama Found, to talk about bringing attention to the missing. Don’t forget to watch Josh’s all-new Dateline this Friday at 10/9c on NBC, and Found premieres Thursday, 10/3 at 10/9c on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
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