by Chas. Floyd Johnson and Diane Kerew

Minorities In Television

An Open Letter to the Caucus

Certain concerns were shared by all present. First, there was the issue of "non-traditional casting": how to encourage writers, directors, producers and casting directors to make an effort to see actors of color for roles where race is not an issue. Second, how are we portraying the minority population? What kind of role models are we providing for young Afro-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans? Is the face we show America a real picture of itself, or a reflection of our L.A. society, where it is possible to live without having any intimate contact with a person of color except for the maid and the gardener?

Our membership is overwhelmingly white (we have four blacks, one Hispanic, one Asian, and no Native American members). The issue of minorities on television is one in which the Caucus has expressed interest, but how are we to champion the interests of groups which are not represented among the membership?

As a means of opening a dialogue on these subjects with the actual people we would like to help, we present the following essays. Each reflects the point of view of a respected industry professional who is also a minority.

Why do I have a problem . . . ? Invisibility!!!

The invisibility of Latinos in Film and on Television can be summed up by the fact that Space aliens and extinct Dinosaurs have more screen and air time. Not to mention animated characters with Super Star Status.

I can't seem to understand how it is that we are constantly overlooked as a people. Stories about our communities (Cuban, Puerto Rican, Chicano, Mexican, etc.) are seldom depicted and when there is something in development, the question arises who will star.

Yet, there always seems to be an abundant flow of young Euro-American talent for leading roles. Majority rule? Fine, then why are we not integrated into projects as positive contributors to the plot or story line?

Unfortunately, we are constantly relegated to those stereotypical roles of pimps, prostitutes and whatever house-hold chores we can be plugged into. Sure, things are changing a bit, but what would it take for writers, producers or directors to consider stirring up the pot to make their projects more interesting.

Let us take time to consider the economic good sense of using Latinos in prominent roles. We, as a people, watch more television than our anglo counterparts and spend three times as much on theater tickets.

-- Richard Thigues

When somebody says, "You speak English real good; how long have you been in our country?" I get livid. "I've been here nearly a half century since I was born in Orange, New Jersey," I spew out. "I practiced English a lot when I was a cheerleader in Colorado." Because Asian Pacific American women are almost non-existent in the media, it is no wonder they are an oddity in real life to many Americans. If they do appear on screen, they are usually subservient sex objects who do nothing to move the plot.

Asian and Pacific islander Americans can be perceived from movie and television screens as exotic playthings, dragon ladies, gang members, drug lords or martial arts experts. In the flesh, however, they are in the mainstream of American life, as students, elected officials, parents, athletes, merchants and executives, with the women moving up corporate ladders almost as fast as men. Yes, there are some black belts and drug dealers, and even nerds, but the population is as diverse as the mainstream population

-- Sumi Sevilla Haru

In truth, as a Black actor, I don't think I've ever been brought in to read for any of the major roles that I've done. A casting director always brought me in to read for something smaller, and then it was the director, or the producer who, after seeing my work, cast me in a more important part.

It has been my experience that casting directors tend to think in ve ry traditional terms. I think that writers have to help them along and producers and directors need to assist them. Writers and producers should look at their source material and consider which roles they might change to a certain ethnic group or gender. I read characters all the time that I feel I would absolutely be right for, but because the word "Black" is not in front of the character description, I would never be considered for the role.

-- Raymond Forchion

In film and television, the Native American has been the most misunderstood and stereotyped of all the ethnic groups. We are usually portrayed as violent, drunk, or the all-knowing sage. We are not seen on television or film as doctors, lawyers, businessmen, or as everyday people.

The message this sends to Native American children (which have the highest suicide rate in the nation) is that there is no place for us in modern society, that we are an antiquated culture.

We are trying to live in both worlds: the traditional and the modern. Help us show that this is possible.

-- Michael Horse

The opinions expressed within this article by these performers illustrate the frustration that minority artists feel about their inability to participate fully in all aspects of the industry. Their collective experience indicates the need for producers, writers and directors to encourage casting directors and each other to be much more open in their approach to creative and "non-traditional" casting in each of our projects.

In discussions with members of the Minorities Committee, we've learned that many of us have attempted to make our projects more reflective of the society we live in, but it is also clear that those efforts do not go far enough in meeting the needs of so many minority artists who do not get the opportunity to either express their talent freely or participate equally in the marketplace with their majority counterparts.

Afro-American actors have been the most vocal activists in their quest for a greater share of roles in our industry -- and, as a result, they have had the most success in making themselves more visible in film and television product. However, their success, such as it is, has become synonymous with the word Minority and when producers often call for a Minority actor, Afro-Americans get the call. Asian and Hispanic actors are, more than likely, an afterthought and as Michael Horse indicates, a balanced portrayal of the Native American artist is virtually non-existent.

The Minorities Committee has listened and heard these artists. We want to help and here are some of the ways that we propose to do so:

1. A Casting Seminar -- in conjunction with SAG, the PGA and the Casting Society of America (CSA), we hope to hold a panel discussion on this topic. The panel would consist of representatives of SAG, the CSA and some of our own producers and directors.
2. Participation in SAG's Career Day -- On Saturday, September 18, the Affirmative Action Committee of the Screen Actors Guild will hold their Annual career Day on the UCLA campus. We would like to enlist the support of our membership to be represented on some of their workshops and panels. Our participation will guarantee an on-going dialogue with SAG on this issue.
3. Policy Statement -- A proposal to have a discussion by the Steering Committee, and approval by the membership, of a Caucus Policy statement supporting SAG'S efforts in attempting to achieve better non-traditional, industry-wide Casting.
4. Film Project -- A long-term project to create a film dealing with several aspects of the issues of race in the film and television industry: non-traditional casting, lack of role models for minority youth and the establishment of more creative casting in all projects to better demonstrate the multi-culturalism of American society.

The Minorities Committee will keep moving forward on all of these ideas. As we formulate a more specific agenda, we will enlist the help of the entire Caucus. We can and must make things better.

Chas. Floyd Johnson's recent credits as an Executive Producer include Quantum Leap, B. L. Striker and Magnum P. I.

Diane Kerew is an EMMY and Peabody Award winning producer whose recent credits include Paris Trout and Night of the Hunter.