Stop Black Actors Leaving The Uk????????

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/news/david-oyelowo-hire-ethnically-diverse-film-and-tv-bosses-to-stop-black-actors-leaving-the-uk-10018794.html

There are many white actors (or come to that many other people who happen to follow other employment), that have to leave these shores so as to further their careers, so why should black actors be any different?

[Gavmacp]

I think there have been a few white actors that have gone to America as they felt they weren't the opportunities here.

[andy-hughes]

The point Mr Oyelowo is making is that, where a role would be appropriate for a black or a white actor, he believes that white actors are more likely to be successful, and that more diversity would encourage black actors to stay here and compete for roles on a level playing field.

Specifically, Mr Oyelowo, who has relocated to the US to further his career, advises that, although he was successful in his audition to play Martin Luther King, because only a black actor could be chosen for the role, he believes that if a similar role had been open to white and black actors, he would have been passed over in favour of a white actor.

Obviously, Mr Oyelowo has direct experience of what he speaks, so I believe his point is a valid one.

[jackthehat]

When you balance his words with those of the Midsommer Murder's producer, perhaps he has a point?

[Peter Pedant]

No AOG Nice to see you back on form

I thnk you have misread the headline and think that stopping black actors leaving the UK involves taking their passports away and chaining them to the furniture

You old slave - driver you !

erm - I think it is more a plea for more employment opportunities
I mean OK story on a thin day

Hey did you hear Margaret Hodge on R4 this morning ?
she wants to cure the A+E doctor problem by MAKING A+E trainees work in casualty units instead of going to Oz and starring on Helicopter Heroes !

Blimey that will make the junior doctors choose to do A+E training wont it ?

[Gavmacp]

Was there not an actress in America complaining about the lack of roles for the older actress. There was also a debate about disabled actors as well.

[Peter Pedant]

.

yeah child actors growing up
terrible profession

[Gavmacp]

Thinking about this discussion why did it take the Paralympics to present us with disabled commentators. I personally don't care if you are old or young, black or white, disabled or not disabled I just want you to be good at the job they want to do!

[Peter Pedant]

// I think there have been a few white actors that have gone to America as they felt they weren't the opportunities here. //

yeah Bob Hoskins went to Amerikee after Long Good Friday and Mona Lisa and starred in memorable films like the Super Mario brothers

yeah and that other guy - Joe Orton - went and starred in films along with Jean Reno in 'Leon' I think

[tonyav]

Nothing to do with $ then.

[anotheoldgit]

Gavmacp

Don't see many Chinese actors, TV announcers, Weather presenters or TV commercial actors also.

[Gavmacp]

I was thinking of Tim Roth. I remember him talking about the lack of roles in the 80' or 90's.

[anotheoldgit]

andy-hughes

/// Obviously, Mr Oyelowo has direct experience of what he speaks, so I believe his point is a valid one. ///

Couldn't possibly be that Mr Oyelowo happens to carry a particular chip on his shoulders then?

[ummmm]

That'll be it. It's just the chip on his shoulder.

[andy-hughes]

AOG - "andy-hughes

/// Obviously, Mr Oyelowo has direct experience of what he speaks, so I believe his point is a valid one. ///

Couldn't possibly be that Mr Oyelowo happens to carry a particular chip on his shoulders then?"

One man's direct experience is another man's chip.

[anotheoldgit]

andy-hughes

/// One man's direct experience is another man's chip. ///

Then we will never know which it really is Andy?

[jackthehat]

There's a very easy way to tell, apparently, AOG......if he's black, it'll be the chip.

[anotheoldgit]

jackthehat

/// There's a very easy way to tell, apparently, AOG......if he's black, it'll be the chip. ///

Are you actually saying that they all have a chip on their shoulders?

How very brave of you JTH.

[jackthehat]

I think you'll find that you were the first person to introduce the notion of black actors having chips on their shoulders.

As was ever the case....

[tonyav]

More like chip and pin in Hollywood.

[Booldawg]

The world of performing arts is very competitive. I think blaming not getting roles on this, that and the other is just sour grapes. You can however, package those sour grapes with an erudite argument and make it appear to be fact.