Industry voices

Working in the screen industries can be a rewarding experience full of exciting opportunities for a wide range of people. However, these opportunities do come with significant challenges and unfortunately industry professionals from diverse backgrounds have often found that their cultural and social background, or gender, puts them at a disadvantage.

It is important that we recognise the challenges encountered by individuals from underrepresented groups in the screen industries so we can better understand what actions need to be taken in order for representation in the industries to improve.

Below are three people who themselves have found challenges working within the industry. In these videos they discuss who they are, where they come from and what they have faced and continue to face working in the screen industry.

“I don’t feel there’s a problem with getting young diverse people into the industry. The problem is keeping them there.”

“I grew up in multicultural London. This is my home, you know. Everyone around me looks like me or from a different place. Everyone’s different, whereas when I entered a broadcaster I suddenly felt other.”

“I think there needs to be more neurodiverse production personnel and on-screen talent and I think it would really benefit the industry to have a bigger spectrum of humanity.”

Lastly, coming from a background which he reports as “what most people might describe as the most stereotypical media upbringing”, Nick Ransom, a TV researcher, discusses how hidden diversity can impact a career in the screen industries. He mentions that his colleagues are often surprised to discover that he is gay and autistic, with the latter often putting him at a disadvantage. Nick does mention that there are times when his autism aids his critical eye at work, but expresses concern that often those who are neurodiverse are dissuaded from this industry due to the social implications.

Find out more

These are just three examples, you can find more interesting video interviews with industry professionals about their experiences with diversity in the workplace on SIGN’s website as well as more information regarding the interview led research which led to this documentary series.

The Industry Voices series is a collaboration between SIGN and Candour, an independent Yorkshire-based production company which specialises in hard-hitting content on pressing social issues.

Over to you

We’d like you to now comment and discuss your thoughts, considering what you have learned in this block and any personal experiences you yourself have.

Think about your own personal experiences, have you suffered from discrimination or barriers due to your ethnicity, gender or social background, that you would be comfortable sharing?

Do you have any thoughts or ideas on how the screen industry could improve inclusion moving forwards?