Last night Deadline writer Nellie Andreeva posted an article accusing the increase of ethnic casting on television’s looming lack of roles for Caucasians. Andreeva says that the boost that’s happening in 2015 ethnic casting was needed for the lack of diversity on television, BUT now it is too much of a good thing, because how does it benefit Caucasian actors?
Shonda Rhimes had a firm reaction to the article. Rhimes basically established the diversity movement on television with Scandal and How To Get Away With Murder. It is unmistakable that she is working towards representation of all people on television. This article basically states there shouldn’t be an equal level playing field in Hollywood.
But, as is the case with any sea change, the pendulum might have swung a bit too far in the opposite direction. Instead of opening the field for actors of any race to compete for any role in a color-blind manner, there has been a significant number of parts designated as ethnic this year, making them off-limits for Caucasian actors, some agents signal. Many pilot characters this year were listed as open to all ethnicities, but when reps would call to inquire about an actor submission, they frequently have been told that only non-Caucasian actors would be considered. “Basically 50% of the roles in a pilot have to be ethnic, and the mandate goes all the way down to guest parts,” one talent representative said.
(taken from Deadline's Article)
Writer and filmmaker Imran Siddiquee definitely noted a few good points:
Let us know what you think about the article below (if you get through all of it, the comments and Tweets in regards to it were way more interesting)
WRITTEN BY: VIOLA CONSTANCE | @Voila_its_Viola
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