In a recent interview, Toby Jones highlighted the pressing challenges facing the UK drama sector, emphasizing the impact of AI and competition from global streaming services.
Toby Jones Discusses the UK Drama Sector’s Existential Crisis
Acting star Toby Jones has suggested that the UK drama sector is currently facing an existential crisis due to various developments, including the rise of AI, competition from global streamers, and increasing financial barriers to entry in the creative industries.
Challenges Facing the Industry
“There are various existential issues affecting the industry right now, particularly regarding how actors can copyright their work. Digital culture presents many seismic challenges to drama, especially filmed drama,” said Jones.
Support for the BBC
The Mr. Burton, Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny actor spoke to Deadline at the SCAD Lacoste Film Festival in France, where he received the Virtuoso Award. Jones, who famously took a pay cut for his role in the ITV hit Mr. Bates vs The Post Office, addressed the ongoing debate about the BBC and rival networks like ITV and Channel Four struggling to finance high-end UK drama amid fierce competition from wealthy streamers such as Netflix.
The Future of UK Drama
“Having traveled a bit with my job, I’m a staunch supporter of terrestrial, digital, and radio BBC. It has been my principal employer throughout my career,” he noted. “I believe the BBC has a vital role not just in news but also in drama. However, it’s hard to envision how it can collaborate with streamers or its historical rivals to overcome financial challenges.”
Impact on Feature Films
Jones recently starred in the BBC Wales-backed independent film Mr. Burton, portraying a Welsh village schoolteacher who recognized the talent of acting legend Richard Burton. He suggested that the pressures on TV dramas could benefit UK feature films. “The authentic theatrical experience could become more valuable, encouraging audiences to participate more actively,” he said.
Access to Creative Careers
When asked about access to creative careers for young people from low-income backgrounds, Jones acknowledged the increasing challenges. “It’s a massive problem, especially since music, art, and drama have been removed from the curriculum, although they are being reinstated. This is merely the minimum required,” he explained.
See More ...
Class Diversity in the Industry
“You need a certain income to be available for auditions. While our industry has improved in terms of ethnic and gender diversity, class diversity remains a significant issue,” he emphasized. “Most stories require a diverse population to resonate, and audiences do not want to see privileged actors portraying characters they cannot relate to.”
Upcoming Projects
Jones is preparing to return to the stage for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, playing Iago in a West End production of Othello, alongside David Harewood in the titular role. He will also appear in the upcoming ITVX show The Hack, written by Jack Thorne, about the News International phone-hacking scandal.
When asked about potential spin-offs related to the cult series Detectorists, Jones humorously remarked, “Once you’ve found the Holy Grail, there’s very little place to go. The idea of coming back after that would be challenging.”
