The Teddies Review - Dec 2021

is no hope for change. Secondly, many BAME actors have reported that auditions are stressful because the casting director is already looking for a person, and so they are cast as extras or roles that are deemed to fit the stereotype of their race. The idea of casting a BAME lead is seen as so unnatural that it just doesn’t happen.

Where’s the Diversity on British Screens?

Though you would be forgiven for thinking that British media is paving the way in terms of representation for BAME actors and directors, there are still significant issues surrounding the lack of diversity on our screens Ofcom’s annual figures show that only thirteen percent of staff within the five major British media outlets - BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky - come from a black or ethnic minority. This figure might initially seem shocking but if you consider your daily television programming, it’s actually unsurprising - on any given day you would struggle to find a single BAME person. For example, in the evening you might expect to see the Hairy Bikers , Great British Railway , Carol Klein’s Gardens and Superstore , and in each you would struggle to find any forms of diversity. So, the question has to be asked is why the British media fail so badly at attracting greater diversity? Lenny Henry, a tireless advocate for representation, has openly said that the problem lies behind the camera. The number of BAME people working in the British film and television industry fell from 7.4 percent in 2009 to 5.4 percent in 2012, and the number is still thought to be declining. And the root cause? Money and bias. First, without the investment into providing all people, regardless of their skin colour, equal opportunities and so allowing everyone the resources to break into the mainstream, there Money and bias

The way out

So, what is being done? The BFI published diversity expectations after the shocking 2019 BAFTAs - where only three nominations were black or ethnic minority. They also provided a platform for education on the topic. However, Dr Clive Nwonka has since highlighted that six hundred films were made in Britain outside of the Diversity Standards system. There is a long way to go until BAME actors and crew have a seat at the table and so much more has to be done. So next time you’re watching TV note of how many people are BAME, it might shock you.

By Ruby Freeland