Equity calls the BBC on failing to cast unknown actors

Adam Anouer
Actor

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/equity-slams-bbc-for-failing-to-cast-unknown-actors-9442286.html

Equity are calling the BBC on failing to Cast Unknown talent. Please note that when I say unknown, I don't mean young I mean those who have worked tirelessly to get on spotlight but almost never get the chance to be seen. Presumably the reason Equity are calling them on it is because with the BBC being one of if not the biggest employers of talent in the UK it's things like this which directly why so few actors are unionised because so much talent goes unspoken for and unaccounted for.

Personally I understand why you would stick to certain names because you can attest to them and with so many actors vying for the same goals there are only so many hours in the day you can go scouting for something new. That said I also believe that if you match the brief and if you've made the effort of checking all the details and making sure your a match then you should be given the chance to show among any other than you can live up to it.

I realise it's a deep and complicated issue but what do we all think?


  • 9 years ago
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I should add that both of these comments only worked in context with the rest of the post, which was an expression of frustration that if you are a well trained, unrepped actor, who knows their casting and only makes carefully thought through submissions, you are still lumped in with "can't be trusted to make sensible submissions" lot.

At a recent meeting I was urged to get a good agent when I enquired about casting at the theatre. I was told they use their preferred CD, and with prompting they admitted they only went through agents as it was down to 'quality control'.

I understand casting is a tough job and there's not time to sift through 1000s of submissions. Unfortunately it's my job to hunt out the castings and (sensibly) add mine to the 1000s. I just wish I could wear a badge like the TFL baby ones - identifying me as having passed quality control!


  • 9 years ago
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Adam Anouer
Actor

I do agree with you Beth that is exactly how it feels. It's isolating and you're being pushed down to the bottom of the pile for very little reason. It's completely unjustified to cast aside actors for a lack of content when the reason they lack anything to show is because they're never given the chance to show it.

Goodman and Charles that's now how you come across at all. It's how a lot of actors feel but most are to afraid to vocalise because heaven forbid out of fear of being blacklisted before they're even looked at. The simple fact of the matter is it's got to improve because this industry has more than enough outlets to give actors a chance but they're all going to the same people.

We all deserve the chance to showcase the ability we've worked so hard to develop. To display the best and most powerful image possible requires to look hard and deep and give it a chance.


  • 9 years ago
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