(David Harewood), Marianne Jean Baptiste, Adrian Lester, Parminder Nagra)
Earlier on in the year, David Harewood, Adrian Lester and Giles Terera were quoted in an article in The Guardian giving their opinions on why black British actors have been heading to the US for work that they don't seem to be getting in the UK. The arguments in agreement and against this statement were varied; some felt that as an actor – black or white – you can never just concentrate on one market while others mentioned that the issue exists partly because casting directors base their decisions on what they feel that the audience will expect and accept.
More recently, David Harewood told the Radio Times that the issue may be down to the difference in class dynamics between the UK and US:
"I think perhaps it's to do with economics. There is a black middle-class in America – you have a black President, black CEOs, you've got black political analysts and you turn on CNN and you have black anchors. In the UK, we don't have a growing, viable, strong, aspirational black culture…Commissioning editors and advertisers don't see us as a target market and because of that we're not really part of the fabric of society." Read the full piece in The Independent.
Other actors who have 'made it in America' include Marianne Jean Baptiste who starred in TV hit 'Without a Trace', Chiwetel Ejiofor who has starred in a string of movies including 'Salt' alongside Angelina Jolie and Parminder Nagra who had a long-standing role in 'E.R'. Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman has also picked up on this saying that the British film and television industry need to "catch up with the times."
"I know at least three actors who left Britain for the States because opportunities for them here in the UK were limited…I think Hollywood is pulling it off quite well for young black actors. There’s a lot of opportunities over in the US.” Click here to read the full article.
It's a debate that seems to be running continuously, which is good thing as it places the issue of diversity in the forefront. We can't ignore the progress and the successes, for example 'Line of Duty' starring Lennie James was a recent BBC hit. However, it would be great to see and hear about more successes in regards to diversity in front and behind the camera and especially at senior executive level where the decision making happens. Ultimately, talent and great content is of utmost importance – there's no denying that. It's more about havinig an open mind, not being limited to the status quo, seeking new, diverse talent and giving them a platform that shows the UK and international TV and film industries what they can do.
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