UK TV Networks Launch New Initiative for Disabled Actors
The BBC, Channel 4 and the actors centres are launching a new talent
training fund for existing and aspiring disabled actors who want to work in
television.
Why are we launching this initiative?
16% of the adult population in the UK are Disabled People, but they make up
less than 1% of representation on television. Research shows audiences are
overwhelmingly in favour of seeing more disabled people on television.
BBC
Ewan Marshall, BBC producer of Pear Shaped and Every Time You Look At Me
which had disabled actors in lead roles knows "there is a whole untapped
pool of talent and new stories out there. I think the talent fund is a great
opportunity to find and develop that talent".
Paul Henshall is facing the campaign. Paul, who has cerebral palsy appeared
in A Thing called Love and will be appearing in Holby City as a regular
later this year. Emma Turner, BBC Series Producer, Holby City says "Paul
Henshall is a wonderful actor who will bring a new young, ambitious
character into Holby City. The BBC aims to make Holby City truly
representative of its audience and Paul is an essential ingredient of that."
Channel 4
Following the success of the Channel 4/Actors Centre Bursary Scheme for
Disabled Actors in 2003/04, Channel 4 is delighted to be partnering the BBC
and the actors centres in this new Talent Fund. It will enable many more
disabled actors to develop skills and strategies that will improve their
chances in the highly competitive world of TV drama casting.
Channel 4's Editorial Manager for Disability Alison Walsh says: "In 2005 I
am overseeing a number of new initiatives to increase the number of disabled
people on and off screen. Channel 4 is determined to reflect disabled
people's participation in society more fully. Disabled actors continue to
find it difficult to break into the industry, and the Talent Fund will allow
some of this untapped talent to develop."
About the actors centres
The actors centres in London, Manchester and Newcastle upon Tyne exist to
provide professional actors with further training of the highest quality and
the opportunity to develop every aspect of their craft. They promote high
artistic standards across the profession and initiate innovative work and
projects. They also provide opportunities for actors to share information,
exchange ideas and develop their careers in a supportive environment.
In 2003-4 the Actors Centre ran a very successful Channel 4 Bursary Scheme
for disabled actors, one of whose recipients was Paul Henshall. The actors
centres are delighted that this new partnership with the BBC will extend the
scheme to the Northern Actors Centre and Actors Centre North East and help
more disabled actors to gain access to the finest professional training.
 printer-friendly format
|
