Article
May 9, 2017
Idris Elba posted an open casting call for his new film and got far more than he bargained for.
Idris Elba has always used his fame as a platform to raise issues close to him particularly the struggle for equality within the arts and has gone on record many times to voice the hardships many black actors find when trying to break into the industry.
He said back in 2016, “People in the TV world often aren’t the same as people in the real world. And there’s an even bigger gap between people who make TV, and people who watch TV. I should know, I live in the TV world. And although there’s a lot of reality TV, TV hasn’t caught up with reality. Change is coming, but it’s taking its sweet time.”
It appears that change is not coming soon enough for Idris who is now moving into the director’s chair and providing opportunities himself for unseen talent. Over the weekend Idris posted on Instagram with an invitation to an open casting call and a chance to be a paid extra in his new film set within the Afro-Caribbean community in Hackney, 1983.
Unfortunately and yet somehow unsurprisingly Idris’ call proved too powerful with over 900 hopefuls turning up in droves for a chance to audition.
So I arrive at Dalston for a casting of extras for a film directed by #idriselba and this is what I saw… pic.twitter.com/HjTJGp4C0z
— Shortcrust Pie (@shortcrustpie) May 8, 2017
With so many arriving it was not long before the police appeared, forcing casting to be shut down.
The police said no! Idris Elba’s casing call was a no! Waited for 1.5hrs for nothing! #idriselbacasting #idriselba pic.twitter.com/5SnxcL15tE
— Jaxx Nelson (@JaxxNelson) May 8, 2017
Idris took to Instagram again to post this message to his fans.
All is not lost though, as you can still send your head shot and information in to have a chance to shine and who knows where it might lead.
As in the acting world, Elba points out, “Even a small part is a start”. Good luck to you all!
-@gfpvincent91