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News on a Petition for Equal representation of women in TV/Film drama

*This aticle was submitted by Jean Rogers, Equity (UK)

See http://www.gopetition.com/online/24658.html -
Over 3000 people have now signed this petition, calling for urgent action by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 to address the imbalance.

Over half the viewing public is female, yet in TV drama for every female character, there are two male characters - (35.3% female roles to 63.5% male roles).

Whilst leading parts are frequently played by male actors over 45, women in this age group start to disappear from our screens.

The message this sends to viewers is distorted and distorting. We call on all the major UK television channels to take action to correct this imbalance.

Please sign this Petition by clicking the link below and encourage your family and friends to do so too.

http://www.gopetition.com/online/24658.html - This petition follows research across 20 European countries by Equity and other entertainment unions which demonstrated that actresses have fewer work opportunities and get paid less than actors and that this gets worse as actresses get older. The research was conducted by the Industrial Relations Research Unit at Warwick University and commissioned by the International Federation of Actors (FIA).

The UK Arts Minister Barbara Follett MP has welcomed the Report and commented: "Just imagine what we would have missed if some of our finest actresses had been overlooked in the way this research suggests is happening today. Just imagine artistic life without performers like Helen Mirren, Judi Dench, Maggie Smith and Vanessa Redgrave. This is not just about lead roles for world class performers. I want broadcasters, writers and directors to think very carefully about what this report is telling us and to consider what they should do to ensure they capitalise on the depth and richness of talent of our actresses brought about through years of perfecting their craft."

There is also a parliamentary early day motion, EDM 699, with 45 signatures so far: See
http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=37752&SESSION=899
Please write to your MP to encourage him/her to sign the motion. Thank you for supporting this important campaign. ... more

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