Young, black females 'not being written for' in UK film and TV

"There aren't enough black actresses securing leading roles in the UK, just look at your screens," says Mickey Shaw.

A recent drama school graduate, she is now trying to break into film.

Research from the British Film Institute (BFI) found that just 15 black actors had played more than two leading roles in the past decade.

"Those figures don't surprise me," the 22-year-old tells Newsbeat.

British actor David Oyelowo revealed this week that he moved to the US because of the lack of opportunity for black actors in the UK. Mickey has similar frustrations.

"We just aren't being written for."

She thinks there are increasingly more roles in TV and films being made in the US but "black people, especially black females, in the UK just aren't being written for".

"And when the roles are there, they're limited," she adds.

"You go to these auditions and you start to see the same girls over and over again and you realise that competition is so tough because you're all auditioning for the few existing roles that are available."

So what kind of roles does Mickey get?

"I have a very distinctive look. I've got hair on the top of my head and shaven sides and I dress quite masculine. I can definitely be typecast as a thug girl from the hood.

"I went to an open audition once, there were many roles available but the director cast me as the lead in a female youth detention centre. My character was a very angry black girl who had issues with her family."

Actor Doc Brown plays Dom Johnson alongside Ricky Gervais, in David Brent: Life on the Road.

"I do believe there are less opportunities for black actors in this country... I mean that's obvious," he tells Newsbeat.

"We don't feel that we're represented as we are in real life. But in real life there are less of us.

"It's whether or not it's disproportionate."

He adds: "This report is not the first time we're hearing about [the problem with] diversity in TV and film.

"Casting directors are looking for a specific 'look'," he explains.

Not having the "look" happens to many audition hopefuls.

"Unfortunately that happens to us [black actors] more.

"Who are you supposed to blame? It's a faceless enemy."

There is an area where there are increasingly more diverse roles.

"In the theatre there's a lot more freedom and fun," says Mickey, who is pretty proud of playing Lady Macbeth on the stage in London.

"Just look at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the West End - Hermione's black! A lot of people were shocked by this but the fact that it happened is amazing and we need the same thing to happen more in film.

"We don't always have to look to America as an example for what to do it's already happening here at home," she explains.

Unlike David Oyelowo, Mickey is determined to stick it out in the UK.

"I'm optimistic about the future of British film.

"There's so much to talk about... as long as these stories [positive black narratives] exist I'll continue to be optimistic. I want British filmmakers to start writing roles for black British people."

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