"Creative Talent Development & Inclusion is the seamless connector for writers, producers and directors at all levels and our creative partners across Disney Entertainment Television Content. Through our industry-leading talent placement and professional development pipeline, and our signature programs and partnerships, CTDI continues to set and raise industry standards for inclusion, community engagement, and data-driven service and outcomes in connecting talent to opportunities."
A veteran of television programming development, Tim McNeal transitioned into talent development as Vice President of Talent Development & Diversity in 2006. With the 2013 restructuring of the team, he was promoted to head of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion.
In his role, McNeal oversees DET's Creative Talent Development hiring referrals and events, professional development offerings and talent programs, including the Disney Entertainment Television Content Writing Program, Disney Entertainment Television Content Directing Program, Disney Entertainment Television Content PA program and National Latino Media Council (NLMC)/National Hispanic Media Coalition’s (NHMC) Latino Television Writers Program, among others. He is also responsible for further expanding the scope of these programs across DGE. Additionally, McNeal serves as a primary liaison between DGE and diversity-related coalitions, nonprofit arts institutions and entertainment industry guilds, and he leads the strategic planning for the Company’s diversity agenda across DGE business units.
Prior to DET, McNeal joined the programming team that launched The WB Television Network in 1995. As Vice President, Drama Development, McNeal developed such groundbreaking series as DAWSON'S CREEK, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, 7th HEAVEN and FELICITY– all of which were instrumental in building the success of the new network. After working in development for several years, McNeal had a first-look writing deal at The WB. He eventually returned to the executive ranks as Senior Vice President, Development, Tom Lynch Company, where he led the production company’s expansion from kid-centered daytime entertainment to primetime television. Prior to making the move into development at The WB, McNeal was a literary agent at InterTalent and ICM Agencies.
A California native, McNeal is on the board of Colour TV, an organization of diverse television executives, and a director on the board of the UCLA Alumni Association. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA.
Read more about Tim McNeal here.
