Encouraging a new generation of talent

WE ALL KNOW THAT REPRESENTATION MATTERS. AT A TIME WHEN ‘DIVERSITY’ HAS NEVER BEEN A HOTTER TOPIC, YET PROGRESS AROUND INCREASING THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE IN THE MEDIA IS STILL MOVING AT A SNAIL’S PACE, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO MOTIVATE YOUNG PEOPLE TO PURSUE AMBITIONS OF WORKING – AND SUCCEEDING – IN TV AND FILM?

AMarch 2022 report by the Creative Diversity Network shows that while there has been some marginal improvement in diversity representation, this doesn’t include senior roles – and that representation of people with disabilities remains poor. In fact, both on-screen and off-screen, the TV industry falls far short of the 18% of the UK population who identify as having a disability, and this extends across all genres, broadcasters and job roles. The report notes that there

has been a decrease in contributions by disabled people in director, producer-director and producer roles.

What advice exists for young people with disabilities who have their sights set on a career in front of, or behind, the cameras? Performing arts students at Derwen College in Shropshire recently welcomed an actor and a screenwriter from Hollyoaks who spoke with the group about diversity in acting. Actor Gabriel Clark and writer Jayshree Patel, who has written 35 episodes of the Channel 4 soap, also gave advice from their own experiences to the students.

Student Anna Redding, from Shropshire, first contacted Jayshree Patel over Twitter. “I messaged her and she came straight back to me, and said she was happy to come along and would bring another member of the team. I had no idea who she was bringing. It was so exciting to meet Jayshree in person for the first time, and Gabriel Clark, who plays Ollie Morgan. I was completely starstruck!”

Jayshree, who has a daughter who is autistic, said: “I think it’s important, where possible, for an actor who genuinely has that condition to play these roles, rather than someone pretending.

“We have an actor and writer who are autistic. Being inclusive is not about doing people a favour, it’s about making the most of everyone’s differing skills and talents.”

Gabriel, who is gay and a proud champion for LGBTQ+ rights, agrees. “Growing up, I didn’t see many gay actors and thought it would affect my career. I wished I’d had more acting role models growing up.”

Performing Arts student Amy Jude, from Herford, who is autistic and has a visual impairment, said: “It’s really important to see people with disabilities on television, and that there are a variety of different disabilities.

“I always wanted to see someone like me on television, to inspire young people like me.

People with disabilities in the limelight continue to push for greater inclusion. TV favourite Rosie Jones, who has cerebral palsy, is set to host Disabilty Comedy Extravaganza. The 45-minute programme invites comedy talent to perform for an audience of producers and commissioners from across the industry, and will be broadcast on UKTV’s streaming channel and comedy channel Dave’s YouTube account.

Jones, who is known for her live shows, her appearances on panel shows, has also written on the second series of Netflix hit Sex Education. She says, “‘it’s so important that TV doesn’t overlook disabled comedians as we are a ridiculously funny bunch. It’s so exciting that this time viewers will get to join in the fun and watch too.”

When it comes to getting a foot in the door, Gabriel’s advice to the performing art students at Derwen College was to be OK with making mistakes, and to have a good creative practice: “You have to accept that you’re never always going to get everything right. Take risks and don’t take yourself too seriously.

“Be the best storyteller you can be. Go to the theatre, enjoy film, television, books and art and approach everything with a child-like wonder. Make your own films, and create your own stories. Nowadays, everyone has a phone so anyone can make their own content and share their own stories.”

The visit from Gabriel and Jayshree has left performing arts students at Derwen College motivated to be part of the change. “Meeting Jayshree and Gabriel has made me want to go for it even more! I’m going to make a showreel to send to the show. I want to inspire people with disabilities to follow their dream,” says Amy.