James Corbin.

5 May

George Floyd’s death in 2020 marked a turning point in global awareness of racial injustice, sparking examinations of equality throughout society and culture. In many ways a painful education, the wake of social activism that followed marked a new wave of voices cutting through the noise to lay bare issues of representation set deep within many institutions. One such voice is James Corbin. Outspoken and with unwavering integrity, James’s voice has amplified his platform, shedding light on insufficient representation behind the scenes in the media. With first-hand experience working in television production across several networks while establishing himself as a model, here James opens the doors on the backstage world of broadcasting while drawing parallels with the fashion industry, offering us an insight into his fight for equal opportunities.

Black faces and stories have become far more commonplace on the front-end of the media, creating the assumption the same can be said behind the scenes. Is this a common misconception?

When the term ‘representation in media’ is mentioned, we think about the talent in front of our screens, magazines and the voices on the radio. Most people don’t think about content creators – camera operators, sound team, production team, producers – so it isn't discussed. Production companies are rarely asked to issue stats on the representation of their employees or even share public support. There aren’t many routes of opportunity for people of colour, unless you know someone or rub shoulders. There are BAME schemes like MAMA by Sky that help create a small percentage of PoC in TV, but why wouldn’t they be able to apply for a media role they’re equally qualified for?

And what of your own experience?

As a production runner, my experience has been challenging. I work in an industry that hasn’t fully evolved as there isn’t equal representation yet that represents this country's identity. I remember a situation when I was assigned to take care of a celebrity green room: the person in authority said, ‘Make sure you don’t play booty-popping music,’ as my other white colleagues chuckled and likely didn’t think much of it. Suddenly I felt singled out, uncomfortable, realising remarks like that are ‘normal’.

Do you feel a sense of responsibility to highlight your experiences, and has your outspokenness made your fight for equal opportunities harder?

As an activist for equal rights, it is my duty to help create a positive workspace for people from all communities trying to break into the industry. By speaking up and highlighting areas of improvement we bring awareness and opportunities for change. I don't know at this stage if it makes things harder as I am early into my career, but I do know it makes people aware and starts conversations in high places, which is what we need. I am advised sometimes that voicing my opinion can affect my opportunities. But if that means I will only be employed by brands, companies and businesses that want genuine representation, that’s amazing.

How has your experience in the fashion industry widened your perspective?

So far it’s been amazing. As a plus-sized, dark-skinned male, my image feels like representation in itself – I’ve never felt more embraced than in fashion. On set, I feel super comfortable voicing my views, and feel they’re valued. The two industries are so similar but distanced by the evolution of equality. There is still development in fashion’s representation, but the steps are being taken. Television still needs a push in the right direction, but I know my more positive experience in fashion has made me feel self-assured to shed light on issues with my managers.

Recognising these parallels and areas of improvement, what do we, and the execs in TV, need to do?

Highlight the fact that there isn’t currently equality and admit that the representation in the industry is not identical to the talent in the UK. Broadcasting networks need to review ways into the industry and why there is a struggle for the BAME community to progress within the industry. Personally, the next step is honest conversations, conversations that I’m fortunate enough to be having with the execs at a Channel 4 show. For BAME people and allies, we can't be afraid to use our voices to call out systematic racism and hold conversations about equality with our bosses.