SceneTV Blog
*Promoting Diversity, Challenging Perceptions*
Research| Only 18% of UK Television Presenters Over 50 Are Women
06 days ago
by scenetvblog
in News
Reposted from The Guardian
Fewer than one in five presenters at major broadcasters over the age of 50 are women, a new study reveals.
Research compiled from figures taken from the main UK broadcasters found that just 18% of presenters over 50 are women. BBC television and radio, Sky, ITN and Channel 5 combined have just 26 women over 50 working as regular on-air presenters out of a total of 481 presenters.
Overall, women over 50 make up just 5% of on-screen presenters of all ages and both sexes and 7% of the workforce, both on and off screen.
Senior executives at the BBC, ITV, ITN, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky are to meet members of the Older Women's Commission on Thursday to discuss what can be done to end such discrimination.
Harriet Harman, Labour's deputy and the shadow culture secretary, accused the TV industry of ageism and sexism. "It really is a black hole … Broadcasters behave as though the viewing public have to be protected from the sight of an older woman and that's just rude. There is nothing wrong with being an older woman.
"We've got to fight back against this sense that older women are less valuable, whereas men accumulate wisdom, authority and experience as they age."
Harman launched the commission last year to consider the experience of older women with a focus on three main areas: women in the workplace, carers and women in public life.
This latter group is chaired by Miriam O'Reilly, former presenter of the BBC's Countryfile, who won a landmark ageism case against the BBC two years ago.
She told the Guardian: "There is still ageism in TV. We need to get to a position where women are not being shown the door simply because of their age and it is just as unacceptable to drop someone because of age as it is for their ethnicity."
To read the rest of the article, click here.
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SceneProfiles| Shameless Star & Actress Karen Bryson
01 week ago
by scenetvblog
in Scene Profiles
With the hit Channel 4 drama 'Shameless' coming to an end after its 11th series, we caught up with one of its stars Karen Bryson to talk about her role as Avril, her acting journey and her thoughts on diversity in the UK TV industry.
You must be sad that Shameless is coming to an end. What has been your favourite Shameless moment involving your character Avril?
Aw yes, not only for me but for the loyal fans, who've watched the show evolve over the 10 years. Shameless has almost become part of our unconscious psyche. However, it's great we're ending on a high. After all, all good things come to an end.
There have been so many great 'Avril' moments, but I suppose the most 'telling' moment would have to be when Avril’s perceived togetherness falls apart and we discover she's hiding a huge debt problem. The thing that comes out of that is the love and support of her family Jackson and Letitia. Once it was all uncovered, she could finally be herself warts and all…I think that was when she really became part of the Chatsworth.
You have played Avril for so long – what have you learnt from you character that you will take with you?
Oh I learnt so much from playing Avril… One of the main things is ALWAYS think before you speak… She had such an acid tongue, which got her into a lot of trouble!! But as an actor, the thing I've learnt and will take with me is to be brave enough to take risks, think outside the box…that's where real creativity happens.
Trailer| Aml Ameen & David Oyelowo Star Alongside Forest Whittaker & Oprah in ‘The Butler’
01 week ago
by scenetvblog
in On Film
Take a peak at the trailer for upcoming movie The Butler. The Hollywood movie is based on the life of Eugene Allen who served as the White House's head Butler from 1952 until retirement in 1986. During this time, he served a record eight Presidents including Nixon, Reagan and JFK and was in a unique position to see political and racial events become iconic moments in history. Brit actor Aml Ameen stars as a younger Eugene Allen while David Oyelowo plays Eugene's 'Freedom, Rider' son.
Coming soon!
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Music and Entertainment Website GRM Daily Now on Loaded TV
01 week ago
Reposted from GRM Daily
GRMDaily, number one spot for urban entertainment and music can now be found on Sky TV channel Loaded. (Wednesday from 7pm channel 200 Sky TV)
After four years of bringing the finest in urban entertainment and music into the homes of teenagers and young adults through YouTube and the world wideweb GRM Daily now enter a new phase bringing the best of their best to your TV screens.
The new hour slot on Loaded TV see’s GRM showcasing some of it’s finest material from festivals, live events and concerts to interviews with chart topping artist such as Wiley, Skepta and Chipmunk to US names from the likes of rapper Wiz Khalifa to Love and Hip Hop reality star Erica Mena as well as exclusive content such as unseen footage, behind the scenes music videos and some of their best loved shows from over the year such as Dine Daily, Car Check and Daily Duppy.
You can now find exclusive music, news and never before seen footage from GRM each and every Wednesday from 7pm channel 200 (Sky TV).
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Bajan TV Series Lands on UK Television
01 week ago
by scenetvblog
in On TV
This month, Bajan TV series Keeping Up With The Joneses will begin its broadcast on UK television. This will be the first time ever a TV series from Barbados will be shown on British screens. The Bajan hit takes on a mockumentary style a la The Office and Modern Family.
Sailbourne Entertainment (a European film production company) selects the Jones family to be the subject of their documentary: Life and Times in the Caribbean. It requires that a camera crew follow the family around for six days after which the family will receive $10,000 US. Irving (the patriarch of the family) signs the contract to do the show against Angela’s (his wife) wishes. Now, Irving, Angela, Tracy (their 17-year-old daughter) and Nathan (their 10-year-old son) have to coexist while the camera crew films their every move.
Keeping Up With The Joneses will be broadcast on Sky-209 and Virgin-828 from Monday 13 May at 2:30pm with a new episode each weekday (2:30pm and 11pm) until 31 May. See a clip below.
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Channel 4 to Host Opening 3 Events of 2013 British Urban Film Festival
02 weeks ago
by scenetvblog
in Event
Emmanuel Anyiam-Osigwe, the director of the British Urban Film Festival has today announced the first batch of key dates, venues and events scheduled for this year’s 8th annual event which will once again showcase 16 films together with a line-up of programming on TV and online. The festival returns to its’ September slot due to last year’s Paralympic Games (coincidentally broadcast on Channel 4) also taking place in September.
BUFF 2013 will kick off on the afternoon of Thursday 5 September with a double-header of free events at Channel 4’s headquarters in Horseferry Road. Distribution D-Day will feature a panel of experts discussing the changing face of content distribution. The BUFF Live Readings will feature the performance of 3 live readings as chosen by members of the BUFF board who will also be directing the performances. The traditional BUFF format of an opening night gala will take place the following day on Friday 6 September.
It’s also been confirmed that Babymother (a Film4 production) will be the closing night film for BUFF 2013. The screening co-incides with the 15th anniversary since the film was originally released in the UK.
The venue for the opening night gala plus the full programme will be announced at a press conference at Channel 4 on Friday 5 July. Tickets will go on sale from 10am Wednesday 17 July.
Follow @buffenterprises on twitter
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Event| RTS Futures – Speed Date the Factual Gurus
03 weeks ago
by scenetvblog
in Event
(Channel 4's specialist factual hit, The Plane Crash)
Date: Monday 13 May 2013
Time: 6.30pm for 6.45pm
The Press House Wine Bar, 1 St Bride’s Passage, London, EC4Y 8EJ
The latest in the series of RTS Futures Speed Date events focuses on factual programming. At this event you have the chance to 'speed-date' some of the UK's leading factual programme makers; face-to-face, one-on-one. This is a prime opportunity to ask the questions you've always wanted answered. Whether you want to find out about programme-making, how to pitch ideas or getting a job, now's your chance. But you'll have to talk fast. You'll only have three minutes to impress them and get the answers you need. This event is for anyone interested in finding out a little bit more about factual television.
The gurus in attendance will include:
- Meredith Chambers, Chief Creative Officer, Twenty Twenty
- Jo Clinton-Davies, Factual Commissioner, ITV
- David Glover, Commissioning Editor, Science, Channel 4
- Laura Mansfield, Managing Director, Outline Productions
- Tom McDonald, Commissioning Executive Producer, Documentaries on BBC One, Two and Four, and Science on BBC One
- Mark Roberts, Creative Director, Mentorn
- Mark Rubens, Managing Director, WatershedHelen Veale, Co-founder and Creative Director, Outline Production
How to Book
This event is open to all RTS Futures members but is designed for those with no more than two years’ television experience. The cost is £10.00. To book a place you (and any guest/s you book a place for) MUST be a member of RTS Futures. If you are an existing member please phone Callum Stott on 020 7822 2822 with your Credit/Debit Card ready or email info@rtsfutures.org.uk (mailto:events@rts.org.uk) providing your name, postal address, email address and phone number (we will then contact you to request credit card details), otherwise please register as a member at www.rtsfutures.org.uk before attempting to book. Please note that tickets can only be purchased in advance and will NOT be available on the door. All bookings are non-refundable.
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Watch| Trailer for ‘Patriarch’ – a Short Film By Reggie Yates
04 weeks ago
by scenetvblog
in On Film
via That New Next
Check out the trailer for short film 'Patriarch', written by Reggie Yates. More familarly known as a TV presenter (BBC1 The Voice) and actor (Demons Never Die, Doctor Who), Yates also takes a seat in the director's chair to shoot this short which centres on the relationship between fathers and sons. The film is produced by Yemi Bamiro.
Despite only seeing a snippet, this looks like it will be an interesting take on an important dynamic not often discussed or explored. We'll be keeping an eye out for the full film.
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Watch| Fifty Pence – A Short Film by Eric Kolelas
04 weeks ago
by scenetvblog
in On Film
Darren, a keen gambler, finds himself having to escort an unknown woman on the other side of Paris for a Mafioso. Struggling with the implications of his involvement in the affair, Darren is forced to reconsider his values.
Talented filmmaker Eric Kolelas did not only write, direct and produce this short film – he also plays the lead role of Darren. After being awarded a scholarship to train at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Eric was cast as Abe in the critically acclaimed short film 'Mosa' by Ana Moreno. While auditioning and waiting for acting opportunities, Eric took matters into his own hands and began making his own short films. By the looks of things, he hasn't done too badly – Fifty Pence has gone on to secure screenings and official selections at a number of festivals including the London Short Film Festival, Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago and the European Independent Film Festival in France.
Erici Kolelas is definitely one to watch. To find out more about Eric and his work, click here.
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Watch| Dear Jesus – Season 2 (Web Series)
01 month ago
by scenetvblog
in On the Web
Here is another homegrown web series to feast your eyes on. Dear Jesus, by Wonderlondon Films and written by Danielle Scott-Haughton is a five part web-series centred on a young lady called Mercedes as she juggles and deals with all the obstacles life is throwing at her. Asking Jesus for guidance, the season sees her deal with managing a business while her mum is sick, the return of her straight-talking sister and betrayal by the people closest to her. Watch how the drama unfolds in episodes posted below.
We enjoyed watching the series. Even though we hadn't seen season 1, from the viewer comments it sounds like the quality has gone up a notch this time around. The acting in places was a little stilted but Linda Adey, who plays the lead, shines. Her sister Alexis, played by Samantha Earle, is a great addition - I'm sure many will relate to having someone like her in their lives. As with most serials that are independently produced, progression is key so we look forward to seeing what season 3 brings.
Let us know what you think about the series either in the comments below or on Twitter @SceneTV. Watch the rest of the episodes under the cut. For more info and behind the scenes footage, head over to DearJesusTV.
