Casting Director Renee Godbout embraces the changing faces of television and film and looks forward to more on-screen diversity
By Renee Godbout
A milestone in American history has occurred and our first African-American president will be entering the Oval Office in 2009. He inherits the daunting task of fixing our economy, improving education, and figuring out how to give everyone affordable healthcare. It’s a lot to heap onto one man, but there’s even more he can accomplish just by taking his place in history.
By electing our first African-American president, the nation has spoken and finally agreed that we are all created equally. Racial lines are finally disappearing all over the country and I think that will be reflected in next season’s crop of TV shows and films. Stay alert and you might find an audition that fits you perfectly!
There have always been a few TV shows in every season that revolve around an African-American, Hispanic, or other ethnicity character. The Cosby Show, Girlfriends, and most recently Ugly Betty are perfect examples. But today, the options are generally much smaller. TV shows have been working to diversify their ensemble casts, although it still feels like the representation is small and sometimes done on purpose to add a token character.
Films, on the other hand, have already taken notice of the strength of the African-American community and made success stories out of Tyler Perry, The Secret Lives of Bees, Akeelah and the Bee, and last years award winning Dream Girls. Stars like Denzel Washington, Will Smith, and Halle Berry can easily carry a film. The popularity of the Harold and Kumar movies exemplify Americans openness to all cultures and that humor is universal
So what’s next for our ethnically diverse country? Most likely, the opportunity to see it represented on our television screens. Producers should take notice of our country’s willingness and desire to see all ethnicities mixing and supporting one another. Our country is the most diverse it has ever been and I believe more opportunities on television and in film will come about to show this change.
It might not be immediate, but keep your eyes open for possible roles that every ethnicity is being considered for. And if you’re a filmmaker, then take advantage of this opportunity to tell your story with a variety of characters from different backgrounds. Embrace the diversity surrounding you. Many casting directors will be doing the same.
Renee Godbout - Freelance Casting Director. Renee Godbout recently worked on the first season of The CW's popular teen show Gossip Girl at Grant Wilfey Casting. Some past projects include 2 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the pilot for Dirty Sexy Money, and the upcoming Jonathan Demme-directed Dancing with Shiva.
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