Chit Chat
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08 Oct 14
20:45
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02 Jul 08
The BBC was attacked yesterday for casting a white actor in a role originally written for a black one in a new thriller.
Danny Lee Wynter, who set up diversity campaign Act for Change, said black actors were “confused and understandably angry” when Edward Holcroft was chosen for London Spy after many of them had auditioned.
He said the part was originally advertised for “an immensely talented non-Caucasian actor” and auditions had taken place for what was described as “a pivotal role in this brilliant original drama series”.
He claims some black actors had been “in serious talks”.
Mr Wynter, 32, said: “To change the race of a character seems a cavalier decision to make, especially so very late in the casting process.
“It may seem like one small thing... but once again this highlights the subtle, repeated erosion of opportunities available for black British artists.”
A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC supports the creative freedom of its writers. The BBC is committed to diversity and has set targets to increase BAME (?) portrayal on screen from 10.4 per cent to 15 per cent in the next three years that we believe will make a tangible difference.”
tut tut
.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/bbc-race-row-as-white-actor-plays-black-role-9783216.html
Danny Lee Wynter, who set up diversity campaign Act for Change, said black actors were “confused and understandably angry” when Edward Holcroft was chosen for London Spy after many of them had auditioned.
He said the part was originally advertised for “an immensely talented non-Caucasian actor” and auditions had taken place for what was described as “a pivotal role in this brilliant original drama series”.
He claims some black actors had been “in serious talks”.
Mr Wynter, 32, said: “To change the race of a character seems a cavalier decision to make, especially so very late in the casting process.
“It may seem like one small thing... but once again this highlights the subtle, repeated erosion of opportunities available for black British artists.”
A BBC spokesman said: “The BBC supports the creative freedom of its writers. The BBC is committed to diversity and has set targets to increase BAME (?) portrayal on screen from 10.4 per cent to 15 per cent in the next three years that we believe will make a tangible difference.”
tut tut
.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/bbc-race-row-as-white-actor-plays-black-role-9783216.html
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Replies: 13
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Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
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Thinly veiled bbc sent for Danny dyer to boost ratings of their london spy show.
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Will the white character have a black family?
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They might keep him in the shadows seeing as it's a spy thriller. Nobody will notice the difference.
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Will they be rewriting the episode where he infiltrates a gang of Jamaican yardies?
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No, but they are now advertising for a voice-coach to teach him to talk just like a black guy. Three million white boys from London have applied for that job.
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Are Polish people BME?
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Sorry BAME!
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They might have more luck if they auditions for some work in Africa or the like where their skin colour would be seen as a big advantage. People fail auditions all the time...it's part of the 'resting' process.
No doubt the casting director selected the person that HE considered most suitable. That's his job. I think some folk are way too quick to wave the 'race' card. |
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don't believe it next we will have a black guy
playing the president of the USA |
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If memory serves Black actors have played Richard 111 and Hamlet,
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And why not? The acting ;profession always wear make-up. A bit of white face paint and there you are! It only seems to cause problems when fair-skinned chappies put on some black face-paint.
Perhaps they should stop making it?! Or better still, just get on with it! |
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I don't remember any black actors getting “confused and understandably angry” when the Black and White Minstrel shows were on TV.
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