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Counterpoints Arts
‘Based on a true story’: authentic representations in Film and TV
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Counterpoints Arts’(opens in new window) consultancy bridges the gap between the TV/Film industry and authentic portrayals of diverse communities. They successfully sell this service to producers with limited budgets by proving that accurate representation leads to commercial success.
Who should read this?
If you’re involved in the TV/Film industry looking to enhance the authenticity of diverse community portrayals on screen, or a charity leader looking for innovative ways to drive social change in partnership with the creative and corporate sectors, this is for you.
Why should you read this?
Accurate and diverse portrayals in media not only drive commercial success but also foster social change. Learning from this approach can help you understand the value of investing in partnerships with creative industries and the impact it can have.
What’s the take-away?
Authentic representation requires investments of time and money from the client and consultancy team, but there is market demand and social impact through job creation and greater accuracy in artistic representation of seeking asylum that pays off. Successful consultancy hinges on having a trusted network which is built up over years and engaging consultants who can bring informed perspectives to projects.
What’s the story?
Counterpoints Arts’ PopChange Consultancy faced significant challenges since consultancy services were not typically included in Film and TV budgets. They worked hard to convince an already cash-strapped industry to spend more money by demonstrating that authentic portrayals of diverse communities often lead to greater commercial success. As such, spending on consulting is a profitable investment.
The consultancy has been involved in major projects like Riz Ahmed's Exit West for Netflix and Hasan Akkad's Matar. By working in such projects, Counterpoints Arts has brought creatives with lived experience into production roles on films, giving valuable professional work and credits. By bringing in consultants during script development, they’ve helped ensure an accurate and impactful portrayal of asylum seekers who have been refused all government assistance. Looking forward, Counterpoints Arts has several upcoming projects with A-list stars. Their efforts have also helped Counterpoints Arts grow its support base, as clients and production teams often attend events and get involved with the wider work of the organisation.
How to get started?
You cannot start from scratch: just as Counterpoints Arts has 11 years of success in the field, having a pre-established network of people that trust and respect your work in the particular field is critical. In doing so, you will ensure that you're always able to maintain a positive relationship with consultants and they feel comfortable disclosing anything they may find troubling about a project they've been working on.
What should you do next?
You can read further stories of good practice here. You can also follow and get in touch with the consultancy to learn more here(opens in new window). As a professional in the TV/Film industry, consider how you can integrate authentic portrayals of diverse communities into your projects and explore the benefits of consulting services. As a charity, consider what social impact you can drive in the creative arts or corporate sector building on your community’s areas of expertise.
