Why diverse creators are better for film | Aletha Shepherd | TEDxReigate

Summary

The speaker shares her journey from aspiring actress to passionate filmmaker, highlighting the power of authenticity in storytelling. She discusses overcoming industry barriers, the importance of diverse voices, and the profound impact of connecting with audiences through film. The narrative emphasizes the untapped potential of diverse storytelling and its commercial value, advocating for an inclusive cinematic landscape that enriches our shared human experience.

Takeaways

• 🎬 The speaker initially aspired to be an actress but found her true calling in filmmaking.
• 🛤️ She grew up with a love for storytelling through film and TV, which allowed her to dream of visiting different worlds.
• 🚫 The film industry presented many barriers and stereotypes, which left her feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.
• 🌟 Despite the challenges, she found success and validation through attending top drama schools and auditioning for roles.
• 💡 A pivotal moment in her life was when an industry professional advised her to write, direct, and understand the business of filmmaking.
• 📝 She took this advice and wrote her first script, which led to her first award at the LA indie film festival.
• 🎥 The experience of filmmaking captivated her, and she went on to create multiple short films, finding joy in storytelling.
• 🔍 Film, as a medium, allows for intimate and personal experiences, connecting with audiences on a deep level.
• 💰 The speaker realized the importance of understanding the business side of filmmaking, especially for financing feature films.
• 🌈 Authenticity in storytelling, particularly from diverse backgrounds, is crucial for resonating with audiences and is good business.
• 🌍 The film industry has a significant opportunity to grow by addressing barriers to equality and inclusion, potentially unlocking additional revenue.
• 📚 The speaker emphasizes the importance of diversity in storytelling for cultural, societal, and commercial reasons, and the role of film in preserving humanity's legacy.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial dream before life took her down a different path?

The speaker initially wanted to be an actress.

How did the speaker describe her childhood environment and its influence on her interest in storytelling?

The speaker grew up on a council estate where film and TV were her favorite pastimes, allowing her to dream of worlds and places she could only imagine.

What challenges did the speaker face when she first tried to enter the film industry?

The speaker faced challenges such as a lack of connections, limited opportunities, and roles based on stereotypes that left her feeling frustrated and unsatisfied.

Why did the speaker decide to try her luck in Hollywood?

The speaker wanted to break through the barriers she faced in the UK and hoped for a breakthrough in Hollywood.

What pivotal advice did the speaker receive from an industry professional that changed her life's trajectory?

The advice was that to succeed in Hollywood, one must not only be an actor but also write, direct, and understand the business side of filmmaking.

What was the speaker's first experience in filmmaking, and how did it impact her?

The speaker's first filmmaking experience involved writing a script about a personal experience of betrayal and shooting it with friends in one night. This experience sparked her love for filmmaking.

How did the speaker's first film project influence her filmmaking career?

The film won her the 'Best Short Short' award at the LA Indie Film Festival, which solidified her desire to continue making films.

What realization did the speaker come to regarding the importance of authenticity in storytelling?

The speaker realized that her most successful films were those based on elements of her life, highlighting the importance of authenticity in connecting with audiences.

Why does the speaker believe that diverse voices are crucial to the cinematic experience?

Diverse voices can bridge gaps between different factors such as race, sex, religion, disability, and socioeconomic status, contributing to a more inclusive and representative industry.

What commercial incentive does the speaker mention for embracing diversity and inclusion in the film industry?

The speaker mentions that the film and TV industry could potentially unlock an additional 10 billion in revenue by addressing barriers to equality and inclusion.

How does the speaker view the role of film in preserving humanity's legacy?

The speaker views film as a timeless artifact that captures the essence of our era and preserves a piece of humanity for future generations to cherish and learn from.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 From Actress to Filmmaker: Embracing Authentic Storytelling

The speaker reflects on their initial dream of becoming an actress and how life led them to filmmaking. Growing up in a council estate, they found solace in film and TV, which opened up worlds they could only dream of. Despite their passion, the film industry seemed unattainable due to lack of connections. The speaker's desire to be seen and heard led them to acting, but they faced stereotypes and barriers in the UK and Hollywood. After a pivotal suggestion from an industry professional to write and direct, they discovered their true calling in filmmaking. Their first film, inspired by personal heartbreak, won an award at the LA indie film festival, igniting their passion for storytelling. The speaker emphasizes the power of film to create intimate connections with audiences, allowing them to see into characters' lives and feel less alone.

05:00

🌟 The Impact of Authenticity in Filmmaking and Representation

The speaker discusses the transformative power of authenticity in filmmaking and its impact on audience engagement. They share their journey of realizing the importance of diverse voices in cinema, especially as a black woman from a Caribbean heritage raised in Britain. The speaker's successful films are rooted in their lived experiences, highlighting the need for a multitude of authentic stories to resonate with a broader audience. They argue that diversifying cinema can bridge gaps between different factors such as race, sex, religion, disability, and social economic status. Citing studies that show the potential for growth in cinema attendance through representation, the speaker calls for more inclusive storytelling. They also point out the commercial incentive for embracing diversity, with research suggesting the film and TV industry could unlock additional revenue by addressing equality and inclusion.

10:01

🌈 The Power of Diversity in Storytelling and the Future of Film

The speaker passionately advocates for the amplification of diverse voices in the film industry, questioning why more isn't being done when there's a clear demand for representation. They argue that successful diverse stories are often seen as anomalies rather than indicative of broader demand. The speaker emphasizes the untapped potential of diverse storytelling and the commercial benefits of embracing diversity, citing research that suggests significant revenue potential. They call for an industry that celebrates humanity in all its forms, leaving a legacy of diverse stories for future generations. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the importance of authenticity in storytelling and their commitment to supporting authentic voices in their role as a producer, aiming to connect with audiences on a deeper level and share stories that reflect the diversity of the human experience.

Keywords

💡Authenticity

Authenticity refers to the quality of being genuine, true to oneself, and not influenced by external factors. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing one's authentic self in storytelling, which is central to the theme of the video. Authentic storytelling allows for a deeper connection with audiences, as seen in the speaker's own journey of turning personal experiences into impactful films.

💡Passion

Passion is a strong emotional drive or enthusiasm for something, which in the context of the video, is filmmaking. The speaker initially had a passion for acting but later discovered a deeper passion for filmmaking. This shift illustrates how passions can evolve and lead to finding one's true calling.

💡Storytelling

Storytelling is the act of conveying events in a narrative form, either in writing, speech, or visually through mediums like film. The video's theme revolves around the power of storytelling in film, as a means to explore and express the human experience. The speaker's journey from actress to filmmaker underscores the transformative impact of storytelling on both the creator and the audience.

💡Diversity

Diversity in the video refers to the inclusion of different types of people, perspectives, and experiences in storytelling. The speaker argues for the importance of diverse voices in cinema to create a more inclusive and representative industry. The video highlights how diversity enriches storytelling and resonates with a broader audience.

💡Barriers

Barriers are obstacles that prevent progress or access. In the video, the speaker discusses the barriers faced by marginalized groups in the film industry, such as limited opportunities and underrepresentation. These barriers are contrasted with the potential for diverse stories to succeed when given a chance.

💡Representation

Representation in this context means the portrayal of various identities and experiences in media. The video emphasizes the need for better representation in film to reflect the diversity of the audience and to provide a sense of visibility and validation for underrepresented groups.

💡Empowerment

Empowerment is the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one's life and claiming one's rights. The video suggests that by embracing authenticity and diversity in storytelling, filmmakers can empower themselves and their audiences, fostering a sense of agency and self-worth.

💡Inclusion

Inclusion is the act of including or involving all members of a group or community. The video calls for greater inclusion in the film industry to ensure that a wider range of stories and voices are heard. Inclusion is presented as a key to unlocking the full potential of storytelling and the industry's commercial success.

💡Cinematic Experience

The cinematic experience refers to the overall effect of a film on its audience, including the emotional, intellectual, and sensory engagement. The video discusses how the authenticity and diversity in film can enhance the cinematic experience, making it more relatable and impactful.

💡Human Experience

Human experience encompasses the full range of emotions, thoughts, and events that make up human life. The video's main theme is the exploration of the human experience through storytelling in film, highlighting how film can capture the essence of being human and connect audiences on a profound level.

💡Filmmaking

Filmmaking is the process of making a movie, which includes writing, directing, photography, and editing. The video details the speaker's transition from acting to filmmaking, which allowed them to express their creativity and tell stories that resonate with a wide audience. Filmmaking is portrayed as a powerful medium for self-expression and cultural impact.

Highlights

The speaker's initial dream was to become an actress but life led to a different path in filmmaking.

Growing up on a council estate, the speaker found solace and inspiration in film and television.

The film industry seemed inaccessible due to lack of connections and perceived opportunities for the connected few.

A childhood desire to be seen and heard was evident in the speaker's early years.

The speaker faced industry prejudices and barriers, feeling frustrated by stereotypical roles in the UK.

Hollywood aspirations were met with disappointment despite networking and attending acting classes.

Self-doubt and questioning of potential arose from the lack of callbacks in Hollywood.

Success in drama school auditions silenced doubts about the speaker's abilities.

A pivotal moment involved advice to write, direct, and understand the business of filmmaking.

The speaker's first script was a personal story about a recent breakup, leading to their first award at the LA Indie Film Festival.

The exhilaration of audience connection through short films was addictive for the speaker.

Filmmaking's intimacy allows viewers to connect deeply with characters and stories.

The speaker realized the importance of creating stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

The business side of filmmaking was a necessary realization for making feature films.

A film sales agent's advice to draw from personal experiences led to a successful film pitch.

The speaker's films that resonated most were based on elements of their life, highlighting the power of authenticity.

Diversity in cinema can bridge gaps between different factors such as race, sex, and social status.

Studies show that diverse audiences are frequent cinema goers, indicating potential for growth with representation.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of diverse voices in storytelling for a more inclusive industry.

Recent progress in representation is noted, but more work is needed, especially for women in the industry.

The commercial incentive for embracing diversity and inclusion in the film industry is significant.

The speaker's commitment to authenticity and supporting diverse voices in their filmmaking journey.

Film as a legacy and a testament to the stories we choose to tell and the voices we choose to amplify.

The speaker's call to action to embrace authentic storytelling and the potential for film to inspire, educate, and unite.

Transcripts

[Music]

five years ago if you had asked me what

my dream was I would have said I want to

be an actress but life took me down a

different path one of discovering the

true power of letting go of a passion

and finding my true calling in film

making I would like to explore with you

today the idea of embracing our

authentic selves and the impact that has

on storytelling and The Human

Experience growing up on a council

estate in s film and TV was my favorite

pastime it allowed me into Worlds and

places I could only dream of going but

despite my passion for storytelling the

journey into the film business seemed

impossible no one I knew had any

connections or clue about the

business and opportunities seem reserved

for those with connections

from a young age I had an innate desire

to be seen and heard my parents have

this old footage of me from when I was

younger saying put the camera on me

Daddy put the camera on

me obviously I was obsessed with being

the center of

attention but it came to no surprise to

my parents when I decided I wanted to be

an

actress however as I ventured into

acting I encountered an industry that

was riddled with prejudices and

barriers at the time in the UK the roles

that were offered to me were based on

stereotypes and they often left me

feeling frustrated and wanting

more dissatisfied I wanted to try my

luck at Hollywood hoping for a

breakthrough but despite three and a

half years of efforts time and time

again I never got the call

back I attended all the acting classes

possible networked and I rubbed

shoulders with some of Hollywood's

greates but never seemed to make any

difference was it my

abilities doubt started to creep in and

I started to question my potential and

my

selfworth so on my return back to the UK

I auditioned for the top drama schools

and not only did I get into the final

round of one but two of the best drama

schools in the world so if I had any

doubt about my ability that definitely

silenced them it was at this time that a

pivotal moment occurred that changed the

trajectory of my life

forever seeking guidance from an

industry professional I asked for help

this is what they said this is Hollywood

you can't just be an actor you got to

write down direct you got to make your

own movies you got to know every single

thing there is to know about this

business then we'll see if you still

want to be an

actor lo and behold they were right I

had never written a script before so I

took their advice and wrote what I knew

a shitty guy at the time had just

cheated on me so I wrote about

that and I got a bunch of friends

together who are also discovering their

love for film making and we shot it all

in one

night this ad hoc first attempt of film

making was the making of

me we submitted that film into the LA

indie film festival and would you

believe it won me my first award best

short

short so I guess I have that shitty guy

to

thank after that award and my first

experience of film making I knew I

wanted more I must have made about 12

short films in the space of four years I

couldn't stop I was hooked having an

audience watch something that was in my

mind come to life and connect to it in

some way it was one of the most

exhilarating

feelings they may not have had that

exact experience or lived that life but

there was something about connecting to

a large number of

people it made you feel not so alone in

this world

I mean that goes across all forms of

Storytelling it's not just film but

there's something very powerful with

film because with film The one thing

about it is it's the only medium of

Storytelling where you can see and have

intimacy one way into seeing so you

could be with someone you can watch

someone and you can watch directly into

that character's eyes you can dream into

that space you can be with them

but they're not with you and that's

pretty impactful don't you think because

you can have these very intimate

personal

experiences from with a wide range of

people from different walks of life and

then you can put it back down and carry

on and there's something very powerful

about that now that I have the film

making bug I find myself wanting to

create and bring stories to life in ways

that resonate deeply with audiences

but as exhilarating as it is film making

comes with its

challenges especially when it comes to

financing I soon realized that if I

wanted to make a feature film I would

have to understand the business side of

things so I reached out to a film sales

agent with the thought that it's

probably best to ask people who sell

films for a living to see if my film

ideas are any good I spent hours

crafting ing my

pictures but none of them seemed to

capture her

interest as the last ditch attempt as

she was just about to leave I picture

something that happened to me years

ago I hadn't formulated it and I simply

expressed just what I had gone

through instantly she was she was like

if you can find money for that and get

it made I can sell that

film so here I was trying to come up

with cool ideas and all I had to do was

take a look at myself and take a piece

of my lived

experience my films that I have made

that have had the most success have been

based on elements of my

life they're successful because they're

based on

reality examples of what it's like to be

a

human armed with this knowledge I took a

look at myself

I am a black woman from a Caribbean

Heritage who was born and raised in

Britain experiencing firsthand the

impact of my authenticity and how it

connects and resonates with audiences

the most I began to understand the

importance of a multitude of diverse

voices and how important they are to the

Cinematic

experience by diversifying cinem we have

the opportunity to bridge gaps between

factors such as race sex religion

disability and social economical

status Studies have shown that black and

Asian audiences are already frequent

Cinema goers more than the national

average even when they don't see

themselves represented on

screen imagine the impact for growth if

they

did by authentically portraying diverse

backgrounds we not

only increased Cinema audience

engagement but we contribute to a more

inclusive and represented industry that

allows people to be seen and

heard it's evident that progress has

been made in recent years with a rise in

representation across various

demographics yet there is still still

more work to be

done women for example make up half the

population but then shouldn't 50% of

writers and directors be

women Barbie for is a great case study

who would have known that a movie about

a doll made for women by women would be

the highest grossing movie of last year

you all would have probably laughed

until it was

done but that film resonated so deeply

with audiences far greater than the

creators could have ever

imagined by expanding the landscape of

the types of Stories being told we can

truly showcase the depth and breadth of

The Human

Experience each unique perspective

adding another layer to the narrative

enriching our understanding of the world

and fostering

empathy cuz when you watch a film and

you find that sweet spot between the

familiar and the unique and you get to

experience it through someone else's

eyes that helps to build empathy and

understanding once I was immersed in the

industry I got to see the landscape for

what it truly is I understood the

barriers and challenges that

marginalized groups face when accessing

opportunities

And yet when diverse stories are

successful they're often seen as

anomalies or flues rather than

indicative of a broader demand for

representation this begs the question

why aren't we doing more to amplify

diverse voices especially when we know

they resignate more deeply with

audiences I would even go as far as to

say we've been excluded for so long that

when something goes well it's seen as a

surprise rather than a testament to the

untapped potential of diverse

storytelling but the reality is there is

a significant commercial incentive to

embracing diversity and inclusion in the

industry McKenzie and Company's research

shows that the film and TV industry

could potentially unlock an additional

10 billion in Revenue by addressing

barriers of equality and

inclusion so as a new filmmaker I would

be silly not to try and tap into that

abundant

opportunity so not only is telling

people's authentic stories important on

a cultural and societal level but it

also makes sound business

sense it's time that we acknowledge the

commercial value of

diversity and create an industry that

celebrates Humanity in all its

forms film is one of the great imprints

we leave on this Earth it's our Legacy

it's a testament to the stories we

choose to tell and the voices we choose

to amplify by capturing diverse stories

on film we preserve a peace of humanity

for future Generations to cherish and

learn from it's through storytelling

that we leave our mark on this world

adding to The Narrative of our shared

Human

Experience from the beginning of time

humans have used storytelling as a way

to communicate with each other from the

very first cave

drawings it allows us to showcase our

struggles triumphs Joys and sorrows in

this literature age where information is

ever more abund and present film acts as

a Timeless artifact that will

encapsulate the essence of our

era our cinematic Creations will last

way beyond our

existence so let's flip the script

together embracing our true selves and

becoming authentic storytellers by

expanding the

landscape of Storytelling our film

Legacy has the power to inspire educ at

and unite us all let's continue to allow

voices from all walks of life to shine

and celebrate the rich

tapestry that is the beauty of

humanity ultimately being uniquely

yourself is your storytelling

superpower as I continue on my film

making Journey I'm reminded of the

importance of my authenticity and saying

true to myself

as a producer I actively seek to support

people who have found their authentic

voice with each project I strive to

connect with audiences on a deeper level

sharing stories that resonate with The

Human Experience in all its

diversity and while I might be at the

beginning of my

journey I am

excited to see where it leads because I

know there is countless more stories

waiting to be

told thank you