Deaf professionals should be at the frontline when film, TV or theatre companies create BSL storylines

There seems to be a growing interest in film, television and theatre featuring deaf characters. At the time of writing this we have deaf storylines coming up in Coronation Street, Eastenders and Casualty. These are fantastic opportunities not only for deaf actors and the professionals involved but also for the deaf community to gain further recognition.

If deaf issues and British Sign Language are used in mainstream soaps this provides an invaluable platform to highlight deaf awareness in todays society. But with great opportunity comes great responsibility.

Like a lot of mainstream theatre companies I have worked with as BSL consultant, any production company has a duty to ensure deaf issues are portrayed fairly and realistically. Of course, we know that not all deaf people are the same and that we use varied communication methods and aids, but would a mainstream television producer know that?

This is why it is so important that whenever a mainstream production wants to deliver a play, episode or series with a deaf character or BSL, deaf professionals should always be on the frontline. Aside from there being a wealth of deaf writers, directors and filmmakers, there are numerous deaf creatives who can offer appropriate support to the production.

I’ve consulted with several deaf media professionals and with their input we have created this article to share with any mainstream company wishing to know how to go about working with deaf actors or deaf issues in a well-informed way.

So – you’ve got the idea for a deaf-related storyline or deaf character involving BSL. What’s next?

Your first point of call, before writing or casting should be with a BSL consultant. A BSL consultant will be a person who is deaf, a native BSL user, actively working in the deaf community and has experience in television, film, theatre or media in general.

A BSL consultant will be able to advise you in the writing process, casting, translation throughout rehearsals or before a shoot and will be available to offer feedback either on set/after performances. They will be able to inform you of all sorts of issues; deaf culture, the deaf world, various communication methods and so on.

A BSL consultant is not an interpreter – they are deaf people who are confident BSL users with skills in translating English to BSL and vice versa. They can work with the actors and director to make decisions around the BSL translation and presentation.

BSL consultants can also advise on aspects of the sign language and how it is applied, reflecting the variation of signs used by regional variables, schools, the use of Signed Supported English if a person grows up with hearing family, and even the use of BSL slang.

A BSL consultant is of huge importance to deaf actors when translating English to BSL, especially as English scripts are hardly ever translated to BSL beforehand and extra time for this is rarely considered. A BSL consultant can also provide valuable support for a deaf actor who isn’t a fluent BSL user.

They can also work with hearing actors, who might never have signed before, to translate their English dialogue and teach them how to use BSL in a way that is right for their character.

Another role to consider is that of a BSL monitor. This role is used especially in television and film, as the visual of BSL on a screen can look different and be affected by various angles. A BSL monitor will ensure the use of signs is consistent, clear on screens and also comprehensible.

A BSL monitor is not involved in the translation, devising or rehearsal work. They come into a film shoot or dress rehearsal to check the accuracy and clarity of signs, offering fresh eyes to the work.

To enable clear interaction between cast and crew, BSL interpreters should be booked at all times. Fully qualified and with experience in media, BSL interpreters are able to translate English to BSL and vice versa to enable hearing and deaf people to work together easily. Interpreters are not expected to work on script translation, devising or to offer artistic feedback unless specifically asked by the BSL consultant.

An interpreter has a very important role to play, but it doesn’t include giving advice or feedback for actors. Only a deaf person has the knowledge of deaf culture, identity and native language needed to make appropriate suggestions.

The role of a BSL interpreter is hugely significant and consultants or deaf actors may have preferences or suggestions regarding who to book. Due to the lengthy nature of rehearsals or film shoots, you would expect to book at least two interpreters for a days work. You can contact Access to Work in order to fund BSL interpreters for your production.

Another role I have noticed especially in theatre work is that of a BSL director. In this case, a hearing director or company may bring in a director who is deaf and uses BSL to only direct scenes that are visual or that which use BSL.

BSL directors are particularly used for scenes featuring signed song or physical theatre but are not required to direct the entire play. Naturally this role would require someone with directing or acting experience who is also a BSL user. If you have a production with a minimal amount of BSL that only features in certain scenes you may wish to employ a director who is deaf specifically for this work.

Once you delve into the world of deafness and BSL you will come to realise that it’s a very visual world which lends itself very well to the performance arts. If you wish to work alongside someone who can support your production to be especially visually and artistically appealing, you may wish to employ a Creative Assistant Director or Creative Assistant Producer.

These roles, used more often in theatre, will be filled by those who are deaf and proficient in producing or directing but may not necessarily be native BSL users. Instead, these individuals can assist you in making informed choices about the artistic vision you’re wishing to achieve whilst still maintaining accessibility.

Creative Assistant Directors/Producers will be able to advise on the art forms of Visual Vernacular, BSL poetry, signed song and how best to use these to enhance your production amongst other things. They aren’t involved in the writing, translating or monitoring but can ensure the appropriate individuals are employed in order to meet the vision and will be able to offer their own expertise subject to individual experience.

For a television/film company or theatre wishing to make a long-term commitment to becoming deaf friendly, you can also work with an Access Consultant. These individuals can deliver deaf awareness courses or basic sign language training to front of house or canteen staff, which makes for much easier experiences for deaf theatregoers or regular deaf actors.

An access consultant can also advise a theatre company on the appropriate use of captions, sound loops for amplification tools, advise on the placement of BSL interpreters on stage and feedback on the overall experience for deaf people attending a theatre.

It is best practice and always advisable to ensure deaf people are your first point of contact when enquiring about working with deaf characters in the media and performance arts. With so many options available as to who to work with, the mainstream media world are really spoilt for choice.

By portraying deafness and BSL on our screens and in our theatres on a regular basis, this can go a long way in beginning to normalise sign language and raise greater awareness of deaf issues.

I, for one, am very excited about all the developments in film, television and theatre. I sincerely hope that by consulting with the appropriate professionals and offering deaf actors all the support they need that I wont be disappointed by the outcome.

By Rebecca-Anne Withey.

If you require further support or clarification regarding the BSL roles within film, television or theatre, you can contact Rebecca here.

With thanks to Fifi Garfield, Emily Howlett, Julian Peedle-Calloo and Ramon Woolfe for their vital insight.