TV Lacks Racial Diversity: TV Debate
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2004/Jul/05/ln/ln03a.html
Hawaii TV lacks state's racial diversity
Monday July 5. 2004
Lack of local talentProducers and casting directors say they'd love to cast more local talent but the pool of qualified actors and extras just isn't big enough to meet the demand.
"Hawaii," which premieres Aug. 30, is an ensemble cop drama set in Honolulu with at least three Asian American and Pacific islander actors in its core cast. "Lost" is a survival drama shot in various remote locations on O'ahu but not actually set in Hawai'i. It includes two Asian Americans in its cast.
Casting decisions
By all accounts, "Hawaii" is pushing to properly reflect the state's diverse population in its casting decisions. The core cast includes veteran actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Aya Sumika, and Peter Navy Tuiasosopo.
Sumika, who was raised in Washington and has family in Maui, plays police officer Linh Tamiya
"She's a very tough, very strong woman surrounded by men & she has goals. She wants to be a detective." Sumika said of her character
Producers intend to show a decidedly grittier side of Honolulu than has any show previously shot here.
"There's a responsibility we have to be true and respectful to what Hawai'i really is. For me, it's an honor to be an Asian American representing the people of Hawaii". says Sumika.
Sumika, who is half-Japanese, and half-Caucasian, said finding work as an Asian actress is difficult but not impossible.
"There are a lot less roles for Asian Americans but people make it through with hard work and focus. There is a shortage of good, qualified Asian American actors, but this can be good and bad. It's not like trying out for a role in L.A. that calls for blonde hair and blue eyes."
Sumika's role on the show did not come with a ethnic designation when she read for it.
"A lot of roles are being written now without specifying race. They go with the person who can come in and blow them away. The success of one or more of the Hawai'i-based shows will mean only good things for local actors in the long run. It's our time to have a voice," she said.
"I hope that more Asian Americans will get the opportunity to work and get jobs. I need the support of my people around me."
Hawaii TV lacks state's racial diversity
Monday July 5. 2004
Lack of local talentProducers and casting directors say they'd love to cast more local talent but the pool of qualified actors and extras just isn't big enough to meet the demand.
"Hawaii," which premieres Aug. 30, is an ensemble cop drama set in Honolulu with at least three Asian American and Pacific islander actors in its core cast. "Lost" is a survival drama shot in various remote locations on O'ahu but not actually set in Hawai'i. It includes two Asian Americans in its cast.
Casting decisions
By all accounts, "Hawaii" is pushing to properly reflect the state's diverse population in its casting decisions. The core cast includes veteran actor Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Aya Sumika, and Peter Navy Tuiasosopo.
Sumika, who was raised in Washington and has family in Maui, plays police officer Linh Tamiya
"She's a very tough, very strong woman surrounded by men & she has goals. She wants to be a detective." Sumika said of her character
Producers intend to show a decidedly grittier side of Honolulu than has any show previously shot here.
"There's a responsibility we have to be true and respectful to what Hawai'i really is. For me, it's an honor to be an Asian American representing the people of Hawaii". says Sumika.
Sumika, who is half-Japanese, and half-Caucasian, said finding work as an Asian actress is difficult but not impossible.
"There are a lot less roles for Asian Americans but people make it through with hard work and focus. There is a shortage of good, qualified Asian American actors, but this can be good and bad. It's not like trying out for a role in L.A. that calls for blonde hair and blue eyes."
Sumika's role on the show did not come with a ethnic designation when she read for it.
"A lot of roles are being written now without specifying race. They go with the person who can come in and blow them away. The success of one or more of the Hawai'i-based shows will mean only good things for local actors in the long run. It's our time to have a voice," she said.
"I hope that more Asian Americans will get the opportunity to work and get jobs. I need the support of my people around me."
posted by ayasumikafan1 at 9:10 AM
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