Actor & Filmmaker Richard Cambridge on Diversity and Inclusion in Film & TV

An Interview With Guernslye Honoré

To wrap up, diversity’s impact on the quality of a production is undeniable. By incorporating a multitude of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, we can create richer and more authentic stories that truly resonate with audiences.

As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Richard Cambridge.

Richard Cambridge is an actor, digital producer, and a member of the British Academy (BAFTA) Equity (British Actors Equity) and the BADC (British Academy of Dramatic Combat). His previous roles include recurring character Pete Webster in Hollyoaks, the IT crowd and the movie ‘Golden Years’. In 2022 & 2023 he won multiple festival awards for his role in the film ‘Man Made’ including ‘Best Actor’ at the London Movie awards. He has been working professionally in the UK as an actor in Film, TV and commercials for over 20 years. Richard is also co-founder and CEO of WeAudition.com — the revolutionary global video-chat community for auditions, rehearsals, self tapes & advice.

Thank you. It’s great to have you here, Rich. Your article was amazing, and I wanted to follow up on it. Your energy is contagious, and I’m thrilled to have you back so our fans can hear your thoughts. I really appreciate your perspective on diversity and creating family-oriented content that appeals to everyone. So, let’s jump into my first question: Could you share your thoughts on the role of diversity and representation in storytelling?

Absolutely, thank you for having me. I believe diversity should be intrinsic to storytelling, rather than a separate consideration. We’re making progress, but there’s still work to be done. When I step out into the world, whether it’s a bustling city or any corner of the globe, I encounter a rich tapestry of people with diverse appearances and inner qualities. This reality should be mirrored on screen. Otherwise, we risk a situation where content caters only to privileged perspectives, failing to reflect the society we live in. This can lead those not represented to feel excluded. Personally, I grew up in the UK, coming from a single-parent, working-class background. Despite my British roots, I work in the UK but love traveling to the US and all over the world. This experience informs my belief that the media should provide opportunities for everyone. While we’re making progress, there’s still ground to cover.

I completely agree. Thanks for sharing your insights. Moving on, how do you ensure your creative projects promote inclusivity and connect with a diverse audience?

Inclusivity starts with authentic scripting and extends to the casting process. I’m involved with an online platform called WeAudition, where we’ve been assisting actors for eight years in creating better self-tapes for auditions. We also support casting directors and help actors land roles. The casting process is crucial — it shouldn’t be a matter of just black or white. It needs to be genuinely inclusive. For instance, if a project is set in a fantastical world, it shouldn’t solely feature straight white characters. In a fictional realm, the rules of our own society shouldn’t apply rigidly. The responsibility falls on casting directors, producers, and directors to ensure diversity on screen. This representation impacts young minds, influencing their aspirations and beliefs. If an astronaut in a movie doesn’t look like them, they might think it’s not a path for them. That’s a loss we can avoid. Writing also plays a role. Currently, there’s a writers’ strike in Hollywood, with one issue being AI-generated content that perpetuates old norms. As a tech person, I’ve observed that AI recycles past content, often perpetuating harmful biases. We need human writers with a vision for a better future and a moral compass. This is why it’s crucial for writers to create content that not only reflects reality but also envisions a better one. Just like how romance movies depict an idealized version of love, we should aim to present a superior version of reality, inspiring positive change.

You’re spot on. Your perspective aligns with my thoughts perfectly. I was about to ask how, as a writer and filmmaker, one can ensure content promotes diversity, but you’ve already addressed that. Could you elaborate on how writers can contribute more?

Certainly. Writers wield a powerful influence through their character names and relationships. For example, a friend of mine worked on a major show where character names indirectly suggested certain cultural associations. They decided to change these names to avoid such implications. In a fictional world, names can be chosen without such biases. Even in fantasy, like with hobbits, the possibilities are endless. Unconscious biases can slip into our writing, affecting representation. As a writer, it’s important to be aware of this and use it purposefully, if necessary, without perpetuating stereotypes.

That’s great, but sometimes, unintentional biases might creep in, and we shouldn’t encourage unconscious bias or pander to it, in my opinion.

I totally agree, because, you know, I’m West Indian- Caribbean, right? I’m not black, but I am black, if you catch my drift. My skin’s black, but I’m West Indian. So, when people see me, they’re like, “Oh, a black woman,” you know, and that’s when that bias comes into play, even without them knowing. So, yeah, I think it’s important not to slot people into boxes, but to be open and expressive. So, I’m on the same page with what you’re saying.

Something I find interesting is how, now in our world, travel is easy, you know. There are folks who’ve journeyed, and unlike ages past, where people lived largely determined how they looked, today that’s not necessarily the case. But your accent can totally pinpoint where you’re from. I mean, take you for instance — looking at you, I’d be clueless about where you’re from. But as we chat, I’d place you as an American. Yeah, I’d bet on you being American, and that’s not based on appearances at all.

It’s all about your voice, and that’s the fascinating bit. You learn this stuff as a kid, and it becomes part of your culture, something you rarely shake off, right? It’s weird. As an actor, I spend a lot of time honing my accents, especially my American one. But when I’m in the States, people just know I’m British, and with that, the baggage, good or bad, that comes along. You know, the stereotype that Brits don’t tip, or whatever. There’s a whole package that gets bundled with it. Yet, your accent can reveal so much. Us actors, we leverage that sometimes. A little side note, I’m just really intrigued by accents, how they’re not just about where you’re from, but can hint at your social class and manners too. It’s fascinating how filmmakers utilize that to weave narratives and guide audiences.

It’s truly wonderful. You’re essentially reinforcing my earlier point. Initially, people tend to see me as a black woman, until I start talking. Then it becomes evident that I’m not black. An interesting incident happened yesterday. I was at a Jamaican restaurant in Brooklyn, and I had this exchange with a young woman around my age. I love New York; I used to live here along with my family. I still visit every now and then. I was hungry and stepped into the restaurant to order food. During the interaction — I can’t quite recall what I had said — but suddenly she remarked about my accent. She asked about my background, and I replied that I was West Indian. She struggled to place my origin, and I explained that I was Haitian. Then things shifted; she herself was Jamaican and began speaking in her Jamaican dialect, which I understand. So, it transitioned from a regular customer-employee interaction to this moment where her ears tuned in to my accent.

It’s like when you see something, hear something, it catches your attention, and you start noticing it more, similar to how you can identify instruments in music. It establishes a connection, right?

Absolutely. The moment of realizing I had an accent was intriguing. It’s like suddenly the accent becomes noticeable. It’s fascinating how an accent is often a product of your environment. When you’re comfortable, you tend to embrace it. Sometimes, I find myself struggling to speak standard English because that comfort level is achieved, and I just let go.

There’s such a diversity of accents. Even within a small area, accents can vary greatly. For instance, I live in Bristol, and there’s a distinctive accent here. But just a short distance away, the accent changes dramatically. The US, too, is a treasure trove of various dialects and accents.

Absolutely, I love it. Our accents shape our identities.

I’m in complete agreement. Speaking of diversity, we’re this amazing blend of various elements, which is what makes it so wonderful. I also believe that each person is exceptional in their own way, but it’s like a pie chart of brilliance. People might be celebrated for excelling in one area, and that portion of their pie chart becomes their standout quality. However, all of us possess inherent qualities and contributions. Unfortunately, sometimes these attributes that are truly our best aspects aren’t valued in society or our current environment. This can lead people to not feel appreciated, both socially and economically. It’s a pity. As filmmakers and media representatives, I feel we have a duty not only to entertain but also to educate. That’s my perspective.

Absolutely, I wholeheartedly agree…. Alright. Our third question delves into your experience regarding the impact of diversity both on and off screen on the overall quality of a production. How does it influence the craftsmanship and the outcome? In other words, how do you perceive the effects of diversity, both behind and in front of the camera?

Absolutely, it’s a valid consideration. One might argue that as long as good films are being produced, the diversity aspect shouldn’t hold significance. However, the reality is that when we engage in storytelling through media and filmmaking, we often depict the real world, share opinions, inform, and entertain — just as we discussed earlier. The crux lies in the fact that if these narratives are narrow-minded, inconsequential, factually incorrect, or biased, they can hinder societal progress. In cases where stories are attempting to represent communities they’re detached from, the risk of inaccuracies causing harm looms large.

So, if our intent is to mirror the world authentically or to catalyze positive change, a range of perspectives and creators is imperative. Authenticity cannot emerge if these voices aren’t genuinely present. I can relate to this in my own context; for instance, I’m from the southern part of England and I can’t authentically portray a northern perspective since I lack the firsthand understanding of their culture and experiences. It’s only logical that to depict such stories, I should involve those who do possess that knowledge. In that way, the project becomes more inclusive.

Moreover, when I refer to diversity, it extends beyond merely skin color. It encompasses geographical locations, accents, sexual orientations, sizes, ages, and the plethora of aspects we’ve been discussing. To truly capture this diversity, it’s necessary to have a diverse team both on and off the camera. This trajectory is something we’re progressing towards, as I mentioned earlier. An encouraging shift I’ve noticed is in commercials, where the portrayal of families, for instance, has become more inclusive. Mixed-race families and same-sex couples with children are being featured, which is a positive development.

These commercials are at the forefront of pushing this change. While the relevance to the product might not always be explicit, this diversity is being embraced as a reflection of reality and societal values. These commercials are resonating with the audience because they reflect the diversity we see around us. This shift also translates to casting, where projects are seeking a wide range of individuals, irrespective of age, body type, or other factors. The focus is on finding the best fit for the role, someone who embodies the character rather than adhering to a specific look.

So, these changes in casting are making it evident that the best person for a role isn’t confined to a certain mold; rather, it’s about authenticity and the depth a performer brings to the character.

To wrap up, diversity’s impact on the quality of a production is undeniable. By incorporating a multitude of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, we can create richer and more authentic stories that truly resonate with audiences.

What kind of challenges or opportunities related to diversity have you encountered in the filmmaking industry?

When I started out in filmmaking, it was mostly seen as a profession for wealthy individuals, primarily white, and to some extent, that still holds true today, especially in the UK. We have drama schools here too, but the setup is quite different from the US. In the UK, drama schools are a significant part of the industry. It’s less about formal training and more about vocational learning and on-the-job experience. However, the issue we’ve faced for the last few decades is that these drama schools are quite expensive. This has led to a situation where only affluent individuals can afford to attend, resulting in a lack of diversity.

This lack of diversity is evident in the fact that the best drama schools are filled with well-off students who then go on to secure the best agents and opportunities in TV shows. I personally didn’t attend drama school, mainly due to financial constraints. The cost was just too high for someone like me, from a working-class background. The staggering amount of money required to enroll was a risk I couldn’t take. On the other hand, someone from a wealthier family might not see it as such a gamble. This has created an environment where the top-tier actors often come from privileged backgrounds.

While the situation has improved somewhat over the years, there’s still a long way to go in terms of diversity. Thankfully, I’m noticing a positive shift now, with many talented individuals from various backgrounds getting cast and working in the industry. I’ve personally managed to sustain my career for 25 years, although I must admit, the way I speak has been slightly altered to align with a more privileged tone, which isn’t really me. Nevertheless, we’re making progress, although it’s still not as diverse as it should be.

Going back to your question about personal experiences, I have indeed faced challenges due to the lack of diversity. There’s a trend now where people are being cast based on the color of their skin or specific criteria. I like to call it “pantomime casting.” It’s reminiscent of traditional British plays that aim to cater to various audience demographics. While this trend has its merits, it’s important to strike a balance and not let it skew too far in one direction.

In my work, I’m conscious of representing diverse characters and experiences. If I were part of a writing panel that leaned heavily in favor of one group, it would be a disservice to storytelling and the industry as a whole. Creating a more inclusive environment is crucial, and it’s a responsibility we should all uphold. I’ve taken proactive steps in my company to ensure a diverse casting process. For instance, we were among the first to introduce non-binary options for roles, which was an important step toward breaking gender stereotypes in casting.

Moving on to “WeAudition” and its purpose, it’s a platform designed to help actors enhance their self-tape auditions, increase their job prospects, and foster connections within the industry. You can access it through weaudition.com or the app on iOS and Android. While it can be used on mobile devices, it’s most effective on laptops or desktops due to the larger screen.

The platform thrives on a sense of community. Actors support each other in various ways, but its core feature is the on-demand self-tape reader. This feature is immensely helpful during auditions. Instead of struggling to find someone to read lines with you, there are people available globally, 24/7, ready to assist. You can upload your script, connect with a suitable reader, and practice your lines effectively. Some readers do this for free as part of the community, while others charge a fee.

“WeAudition” isn’t just about enhancing auditions; it’s also about creating a space where actors can network and learn from each other. Our diverse community is its strength, and we actively foster interactions among members. This inclusivity extends to casting directors’ meetups, events, and parties worldwide.

In essence, “WeAudition” aims to uplift actors by providing them with the tools they need to improve their self-tapes, expand their opportunities, and foster a supportive community.

That’s amazing. Well, I wish we had more than three minutes left. But yes, I’m going to join it today.

Please do, please do today.

So, another question I’d like to ask before we end is why — I mean, it makes sense — but I would like to hear it from you — why do you think we need to promote more family-oriented content on television?

I’m a dad, but I’m also an actor and a filmmaker, and I think we have a responsibility to create content that educates. I want to see the world become a better place even after I’m gone, and that means educating our young people. A lot of what we see is cool, fun, and entertaining, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the right thing. I come across stuff that’s entertaining and carries a good social message, which is fantastic. But there’s also content with a negative social message that’s entertaining. I don’t particularly want to live in a world where we’re just churning out movies that replicate success by focusing on guns, violence, and heroism. This could lead to a culture of gun-related issues, especially among kids. So, why do we keep promoting such content? It’s not necessarily beneficial.

I’ve recently been part of a wonderful movie that tells an inspiring real-life story about a guy named Yan. He started by racing in his bedroom and went on to become a professional racing driver, following his dream. That’s an inspiring family story. I watched this movie in the IMAX cinema in London’s West End, and there was a 10-year-old kid sitting next to me with his dad. There were children in the audience, and we all enjoyed the same story without needing explicit language or gun scenes to make it engaging. It was about struggle, overcoming challenges, and achieving victory. That experience was heartwarming. Why don’t we prioritize these values? I believe we should. They can be commercially successful and should be part of our content. It’s a substantial audience. As filmmakers, we should definitely create such films.

I agree. Absolutely right, Rich. Thank you so much. This was a pleasure and quite enjoyable. Thank you for your efforts within the community. We truly love and appreciate you.

Thanks for your support. I genuinely appreciate it. It’s been great talking to you.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.