Got Your 6 has announced six new projects have received its 6 Certified designation, a program that recognizes film, television, theatrical, or digital content that accurately portrays veterans as leaders and civic assets.
The projects range from CBS’s new show “SEAL Team,” the Tina Fey-produced “Great News” on NBC, and the biographical film “Rebel in the Rye” about WWII veteran J.D. Salinger.
The national veteran empowerment organization Got Your 6 launched the 6 Certified initiative in early 2015 as part of its mission to change the veteran “broken/hero” stereotype held by 80 percent of U.S. civilians. The program challenges entertainment industry executives and content creators to craft more thoughtful narratives around veterans and military families.
Got Your 6 announced the following projects were awarded with 6 Certified status:
“Blood Stripe” — Winner of numerous film festival awards, the thriller “Blood Stripe” tells the story of a female U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant returning home after three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. When a boisterous homecoming party provokes an explosive outburst, she seeks refuge at a summer camp on a lake. The production employed numerous veteran technical advisors on staff to ensure accuracy in the telling of this thriller. Wakemup Productions, Tandem Pictures
“Great News” — This Tina Fey-produced NBC comedy centers around a newsroom full of characters, including an up-and-coming producer whose older New Jersey mother has accepted an internship alongside her, as well as an anchor whose narcissism and showboating proves to be troubling for the whole crew. In writing an episode about journalists deploying alongside active duty servicemembers, “Great News” collaborated with Got Your 6 advisors in order to avoid veteran stereotypes. Little Stranger, 3 Arts Entertainment, Universal Television, Bevel Gears, Big Wig Productions
“My Motto: Veterans Edition” — A two-time 6 Certified recipient, MyxTV collaborated with Got Your 6 on “My Motto: Veterans Edition” to spotlight the stories of three Asian American veterans whose time in service empowered them to become leaders in their communities upon their return home. In order to shatter the stereotypes of Asian Americans as perpetual foreigners and veterans as broken heroes, the special gives an up-close look into the lives of Asian American Army, Navy and U.S Marine Corps veterans with accomplished but unorthodox careers. MyxTV
“Rebel in the Rye” — A biographical drama directed and written by Danny Strong, “Rebel in the Rye” is based on the biography J.D. Salinger: A Life, about the life of the young writer. The portrait follows Salinger’s life from the front lines of World War II to his early rejections and the service-connected writer’s block that led to the creation of his iconic novel, The Catcher in the Rye. Black Label Media, West Madison Entertainment
“SEAL Team” — Premiering on CBS on September 27, “SEAL Team” follows the professional and personal lives of the most elite unit of Navy SEALs as they train, plan, and execute high stakes missions. CBS has put veterans both in front of and behind the camera in order to accurately portray servicemembers and veterans. CBS Television Studios, Timberman-Beverly Productions
“Served Like a Girl” — Having served their country in Iraq and Afghanistan, Nichole, Hope, Rachel, and Andrea know that, for many, the war isn’t over. The documentary “Served Like a Girl” follows these and other women veterans as they join forces with Jas Boothe, founder of The Final Salute, to help the 55,000 homeless women veterans, whose stories mirror their own. While struggling with PTSD, divorce, serious illness, and sexual abuse, competing in Ms. Veteran America ignites an emotional roller coaster for the women veterans involved. Pop Smoke Films
Since the launch of the 6 Certified program, 60 projects have been certified, including Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Sully,” Lionsgate’s “Hacksaw Ridge,” and Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World,” as well as episodes and seasons of Netflix’s “Marvel’s Luke Cage,” FX’s “Justified,” Fox’s “Gotham,” FX’s “Fargo,” and ABC’s “Modern Family.”
To become 6 Certified, a project must contain a representative and balanced depiction of veterans and fulfill at least one of the following pledges:
DO YOUR HOMEWORK
Research or consult with real veterans, family members, or subject matter experts in an effort to create accurate representations
CAST A VETERAN
Hire a veteran actor to play a substantial role
HIRE A VETERAN WRITER
Employ a veteran writer to contribute to the narrative
PORTRAY A VETERAN CHARACTER
Develop a multi-dimensional veteran character
TELL A VETERAN STORY
Develop a narrative with meaningful and accurate veteran themes
USE VETERANS AS RESOURCES ON SET OR IN WRITERS’ ROOMS
Have veterans present for consultation throughout the filmmaking process
After the project has met the requirements for certification, it may be submitted by a studio or production company once the project enters post-production. After the submission is complete, the project is evaluated by the 6 Certified Review Committee, an independent group of subject matter experts who review all submissions and grant 6 Certified status.
The current members of the 6 Certified Review Committee include: Bruce Cohen, producer of “American Beauty” and “Silver Linings Playbook”; Charlie Ebersol, chairman and founder, The Company; Dr. Kimberly Gilmore, senior historian and vice president of corporate social responsibility, HISTORY/A+E Networks; Rory Brosius, vice president, ScoutComms, Bonnie Carroll, president and founder, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS); Tim Norman, director of human resources, DreamWorks Animation; Marjorie Williams, vice president, business and legal affairs, Endemol Shine North America; Matt Mabe, director of strategic operations, TAPS Red Team; and, Bill Rausch, executive director, Got Your 6.
Additional information on certification is available at gotyour6.org/6-certified.
The 6 Certified program is operated by Got Your 6, the national veteran organization that empowers veterans to lead a resurgence of community across the nation. The organization believes veterans return home as leaders and team builders and is named after the military term meaning “I’ve got your back.”
