0/5

Screen Australia takes another deep dive into diversity in Drama

Screen Australia consulting with actors, key creatives, agents, and broadcasters for a new Drama report in 2022.

In early 2022 Screen Australia will be publishing a follow-up to its 2016 report Seeing Ourselves: Reflections on Diversity in TV Drama, which it described as the most significant study of diversity on Australian screens since television began in 1956.

The new report once again aims to shed light on inclusivity and representation of people and communities who have historically been under-represented in Australian screen content. Consultation is now underway with actors, key creatives, agents, and broadcasters.

The report will be capturing and analysing the main characters in Australian scripted TV drama and narrative comedy from 2016 to 2020 that was first released on television, as well as now including Australian broadcaster or agency funded streaming and online content, an expansion from the previous report. The report will also consider how the Australian screen sector can continue to create more diverse and inclusive stories.

Screen Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Graeme Mason said, “When we first released Seeing Ourselves in 2016, it was a milestone study that reflected the increasingly urgent conversation around the globe about the importance of representation on screen. It provided the Australian industry with vital data and a baseline for where we were at, in the hopes of encouraging real and genuine change. Screen Australia is committed to continuing the development of a representative screen sector and we believe by delivering an update on Seeing Ourselves in 2022, we will provide a key tool for the entire sector to support them in their efforts to foster a more inclusive industry.

“Stories that reflect the world around them make cultural and commercial sense, because we know stories and characters that resonate and connect with audiences succeed, both here in Australia and on a world stage. We look forward to seeing the results of this upcoming report, and empowering the industry with clear data and insights into our Australian stories. We thank those who have engaged with us so far and look forward to releasing this report early next year,” Mason continued.

Screen Australia has also appointed Jackie Leewai as Inclusion Strategy and Engagement Manager, responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring Screen Australia’s Equity and Inclusion strategy.  Most recently she was Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager at SBS.

“Screen Australia is dedicated to creating an inclusive and representative industry, and we recognise we must lead by example. We have created this role to ensure we are continuing our efforts towards creating an equitable sector and fostering an inclusive environment internally. We look forward to Jackie joining us here at Screen Australia and having her lead our new strategy,” Mason said.

One Response

  1. They should focus on getting the scripts are up to scratch before they worry who is being cast, because the quality of content is really not great at the moment. The Heights has a terrifically diverse cast, all acting out some terribly boring story lines! Style over substance on that show.

Leave a Reply