Hollywood’s race problem: An insular industry struggles to change

With critical praise for the civil rights drama “Selma,” Chris Rock’s comedy “Top Five,” and the social satire “Dear White People,” it looks like Hollywood has been on a roll this year producing movies showcasing black casts and black directors.

Yet all these films — much like “12 Years a Slave” and “The Butler” from last year — have another thing in common: The films struggled to find financing from the biggest movie studios, relying instead on independent producers, black investors and even crowdfunding to get made.