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VIRAL EXCLUSIVE
Oct. 28, 2024
Challenges in Commissioning Black Stories
A panel of four Black creatives, including ’Supacell’ producer Sheila Nortley, spoke yesterday on a panel at Bafta HQ.
At a recent
panel discussion held at Bafta’s London headquarters, Black creatives voiced
concerns over the diminishing momentum in commissioning stories that represent
Black and Global Majority voices. The panel, which included notable figures
such as Sheila Nortley, producer of the Netflix series Supacell, highlighted
the regression in diversity and inclusion efforts within the UK film and TV
industry.
Following the
rise of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, there was a noticeable
increase in the commissioning of diverse stories. However, this progress has
stalled, with industry leaders reverting to “safe bets” amid economic
challenges. Nortley emphasized the need for sustained efforts to keep doors
open for underrepresented voices, particularly at the commissioning level.
Nina Malone,
a talent agent at IAG, pointed out that funding remains a significant barrier.
She stressed the importance of diversifying funding sources and hiring
practices to ensure a broader representation behind the camera. Actor Déja
Bowens added that diversity should be meaningful and not merely tokenistic.
The panel,
titled “Authentic Representation and Inclusivity On Set,” was organized in
collaboration with Your Cinema, a platform dedicated to showcasing diverse
talent in the UK. The discussion underscored the ongoing challenges and the
need for the industry to uphold its commitments to diversity and inclusion.
