What are the chances these days of
an Asian succeeding in a
career in the Film and Television Industry in Britain?
Well, considerably better than they
were when I first trod that prickly and lonely
path many moons ago. Hey,
but don’t be under any illusion that it’s all now
become an easy ride.
Admittedly over time the Asian
presence in Britain has not only changed us but more noticeably we have had a
distinct effect on the way of life in Britain. Every day Asians continue to make great
strides in almost every
facet of life and business in this country.
However, we still seem to
be left out of the reckoning when it comes to working in the media. Yes, there
is a slow trickle pursuing acceptable or reasonable jobs in
journalism, radio and print. However, there is a worrying under- representation
of Asians in mainstream film and TV so much so that even the
broadcasters themselves sporadically blush at the embarrassing numbers they
employ to “fairly reflect multi-ethnic Britain”. What are the reasons for this
shortage of Asians in mainstream film and TV ?
Are we simply not motivated enough to
tackle the “closed shop" beast that the media industry is? Perhaps the rewards
don’t seem clear cut? Or is it because in amongst all the traditional doctor,
accountant, engineer, members of your family or friends you don’t recall a
successful, director, writer, producer?
There just isn’t a role model to follow.?
Well it cannot be through a lack of suitable courses. When I first expressed a
desire in wanting to study filmmaking my parents “firmly encouraged” me to do
a business degree first. “There is no future for an Asian film director in
England” I was told. On reflection at the time I guess this was good advice.
Surviving as a serious
professional Asian filmmaker was not easy. There were many moments of
desperation, feelings of rejection, lack of support, many obstacles and
hurdles had to be overcome. So I suppose knowing that I had a backup
qualification that could get me a secure job was reassuring and made me
perhaps more confident and determined to succeed. I got a business degree and
then followed it up with a Diploma in TV production and film qualifications.
Although I felt frustrated by coming up against
“closed doors” I didn’t give up. Sheer
determination and passion led me to write direct, edit and produce my
16mm film “Easy Money”. This film apart from winning awards all over the world
in competition with established broadcasters also became my calling card for
opening those very doors, which had remained shut earlier.
Today things are somewhat different. At least as far as courses are concerned.
There are numerous media courses of all types all over the country. Even
Yorkshire can now boast not only the degree and short courses offered by the
Universities but two film schools: in Sheffield and Leeds, offering Diploma
and MA courses in all aspects of filmmaking from scriptwriting, direction and
editing. Hall Place Studios, part of West Yorkshire Media services also run
two excellent courses in conjunction with Leeds Metropolitan University
1. Cert. HE Film And Video Production. A unique part-time course equivalent to
the first year of a degree. This course
is aimed primarily at the ethnic minorities and women. It incorporates film
studies as well as filmmaking from tape to 16mm, culminating in the production
of a 16mm film and individual productions.
2. A short access course for beginners to filmmaking yet covering most of the
modules of the certificate course. Two separate productions are generally
made.
In addition to a recognised qualification work experience, of a relevant
nature, is just as important if you are to progress to any paid work in the
industry. Until that secure job arrives and to improve your chances of getting
one then I suggest you get out there and make yourself known. Who you are and
what you are? Get as much experience as possible in the area you want to
specialise in. If that opportunity isn’t immediately available, then take any
other job in the media however menial. Don’t worry, if you’ve got the talent
your true ability will shine through that opening whenever it appears.
Get involved at all levels of media work. Any production, shoot, broadcast
audio-visual. Whether it’s voluntary or not, at weekends, one day a week,
during a religious festival…. work on a RSL radio station, local corporate
production company. Get the experience! Hassle and hound the established media
companies or the BBC or the one-man outfit doing wedding videos. Pester them
to give you a work trial, a placement, a shadowing role (where you work
alongside an existing employee gaining experience in kind of job you’re
after.) You have to wedge that first foot in the door and then the first rung
of the ladder will hopefully be within easy reach. Whatever it takes as long
as you don’t compromise your integrity, principles, community, or religion -
just do it!
As you gradually gain more experience
people will look at your track record and eventually you can be choosy about
the work you accept and go for quality rather than quantity.
If your heart is set on being in the media then follow it with vigour,
determination and passion. You’ll suffer and lets not kid ourselves about
this, you’ll be humiliated, embarrassed, undervalued, and there will be
occasions of depression and disillusionment but if you truly believe in your
art, your talent and yourself you’ll overcome it all. You’ll in fact relish
the challenges, the deadlines, the disasters, the traumas, and ultimately the
end product.
The power of the media especially the
moving image cannot be underestimated nor ignored. More Asians need to get
involved in every aspect of the industry and especially at the higher levels.
Interestingly enough recently some Asians from the Sub continent being aware
of “media clout” have set up
independent production companies and channels targeted at their own
communities. The pioneer being TV Asia now Zee TV, followed by Sony, B4U,
Bangla and Pakistani Channels, and Prime TV. Soon to be joined by specialist
Gujeraati, and Punjabi channels. This sudden rise is of course primarily due
to the advent of digital TV providing greater availability of broadcast
frequencies. This is a big step in providing not only a voice for our
communities but an opportunity for the employment of talent from those
communities.
I
have actively promoted media education ever since I was qualified enough to
pass on the benefits of my knowledge and experience to others. It has been
encouraging to see a recent increase in the number of Asians who enrol on
these courses but even more so to discover how incredibly talented these
Asians are. This talent should be harnessed by investors and businesses
sponsorship so that whether you are a writer, director, camera man, make up
artist, presenter, that you can clearly see on the horizon a vehicle for
expressing and proving your talent and ability. It is the responsibility of
members of the business community and investors to fund all manner of media
projects at all levels so that the undeniable creative talent is not wasted in
some mundane job.
These are exciting times for the industry as a whole. With the Internet and
digital revolution. New media
technologies, web sites, streaming video and film will provide further
opportunities to broadcast visual messages. Therefore it is of even greater
significance that we have an effective involvement in film and TV.
Raza Mallal
Email: raza@filmmakers.co.uk
A Raz Web
Design .
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