"… when you don’t reflect the real world, too much talent is actually trashed. Talent is everywhere, opportunity isn’t. And talent can’t reach opportunity, unaided.” That’s how Idris Elba opened his thoughtful and passionate half-hour address to British MPs about the need of diversity in media and film, and more critically, how it can only ensure the health of the entire industry.
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Speaking in Westminster to over 100 politicians, the "Beasts Of No Nation" actor shared that he went to the United States to find work because there were no opportunities for him in the U.K., and he urged the industry to take gambles, because the rewards are there.
While Elba’s talk addresses the U.K. industry, there is much in his speech that applies to the broader movie and television landscape. Watch his full talk below.
