Hidden Racism in The Film Industry - Tyrees Lamptey | Real Talk With Zuby Ep. 287

Added: Dec 8, 2023

Tyrees explains that he became obsessed with storytelling and began watching behind-the-scenes footage of famous films to learn more about the art of filmmaking. He also delved into the process of writing, learning the differences between stage plays and screenplays, and honing his skills in storytelling and scriptwriting.

When asked about his transition to becoming a professional filmmaker, Tyrees shares that he made a short film in 2016 called "Fortuna," which was nominated in several film festivals and received an honorary mention for best short film. He also discusses the challenges he faced in securing funding for his projects, particularly due to the industry's focus on diversity standards and the pressure to conform to certain demographic checkboxes.

The conversation then shifts to the current state of the film industry, with Tyrees expressing his frustration with the industry's overemphasis on diversity and inclusion. He criticizes the British Film Institute for its limited funding allocation to independent filmmakers and its checklist of diversity standards that filmmakers must adhere to in order to receive funding. Tyrees argues that this approach stifles creativity and limits the types of stories that filmmakers can tell.

The discussion also touches on the trend of forced diversity in mainstream media, with Tyrees and Zuby highlighting the backlash from audiences who are growing tired of seeing certain agendas being pushed in films and TV shows. They discuss the impact of this trend on the industry and the potential for a resurgence of independent creativity that focuses on storytelling and quality content.

They also address the issue of gender and race swapping of characters in films, citing examples of historical figures and long-running characters being portrayed in ways that deviate from their original identities. They discuss the condescending nature of these casting decisions and the negative impact they have on both the audience and the integrity of the storytelling.

The conversation continues with Tyrees expressing his frustration with the industry's tendency to blame racism when people critique or have issues with forced diversity in films. He emphasizes that people appreciate natural diversity but dislike forced diversity, which feels unnatural and forced. He gives an example of how a movie set in a specific location, such as Nigeria or Japan, should reflect the natural diversity of that setting, rather than forcing diversity for the sake of it.

The conversation delves into the lack of support for emerging talent and the barriers faced by filmmakers who do not conform to the industry's norms. Tyrees mentions John Boyega's decision to leave the UK due to the lack of diverse roles and opportunities in the industry. He also discusses the challenges of speaking up against the industry's practices and the fear of facing consequences for doing so.

The discussion then turns to the potential for change in the industry. The host expresses optimism about the future, citing the upcoming disruption and innovation in various industries, including film. He emphasizes the rise of independent creators and entrepreneurs challenging the traditional systems and creating new opportunities for themselves. He also highlights the potential for investment and support from emerging markets, such as the Middle East, in challenging the existing industry norms.

Tyrees shares his vision for his production company and his desire to break the barriers of traditional storytelling in the film industry. He talks about creating an environment that allows for creative freedom for both actors and crew members, challenging the industry's confinements.

The conversation then shifts to the host's experiences as an independent musician and his journey of building a successful career without relying on traditional industry support. He shares his experiences of rejection and the challenges of breaking into the music industry, emphasizing the importance of going directly to the audience and building a loyal fan base.

Lastly, they discuss the power of independent creators and the potential for reaching global audiences through alternative platforms. They highlight the importance of connecting with like-minded individuals and finding support outside of traditional industry structures.