Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
8
↓
I'm casting blind actors – there are too many sighted people playing blind people (self.Blind)
submitted by vagrant-tourist
The American Foundation for the Blind let me write for them about why it's important to cast actors who are truly blind instead of letting sighted people fake it. To me, it's the modern day version of "blackface".
http://www.afb.org/blog/afb-blog/a-director%E2%80%99s-experience-creating-employment-opportunities-for-individuals-who-are-blind/12
http://www.afb.org/blog/afb-blog/a-director%E2%80%99s-experience-creating-employment-opportunities-for-individuals-who-are-blind/12
fastfinge 5 points 6y ago
I can understand where this is coming from. At the same time, though, I was born blind, and I can't even manage to force a smile during family photos. I just wind up thinking about what my face is doing and feeling, and probably looking, stupid. I wonder if people born blind have trouble acting, because they're having to simulate body language they don't see? I know I did, when I tried it once! So I wonder if blind actors look wooden on-screen, and that's why they don't get cast. Does anyone have experience being, or casting, blind actors to speak to this?
stupidpoopoohead 1 points 6y ago
There's a Comcast commercial that was cast with a blind child. The little girl looks like she's having a great time. She doesn't seem wooden at all, she looks like a blind kid though not like an actor playing a blind kid. I'm sure that makes some casting directors uncomfortable.
fastfinge 2 points 6y ago
I guess I wonder what the method is? Do they say to her, "Look cheerful!" and she does, or do they just film her until they get the facial expressions and body language they need? I do want to clarify that I'm not saying blind people can't act. I'm sure they can, if it's what they love doing. I'm just saying as a blind person myself, I have no idea how the thing can be done. My questions are from curiosity, not doubt.
ishkenread 1 points 6y ago
I am leagally blind, I have a juvinille form of macular degeneration. My sight is 20/400 I have a B.F.A. in acting. I was turned off from the buisness because I struggled with cold readings. In college my professors were amazed how quick I could memorize to compensate. I was always self conscious auditioning after college because most directors were not understanding. Not sure if your interested in a partially sighted actor playing a blind role but figured I would reach out and say thanks for considering blind actors.
johnnytai 1 points 6y ago
With regarding to body language and expressions, alot of sighted people need to be schooled in acting too, so there's no reason why a blind person can't be trained and schooled in the same fashion to learn how to put on expressions or to move a certain way.
rkingett 1 points 6y ago
sweet! I am in Chicago, so, if you need a side blind character with a stutter, toss me in :) LOL.
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.