Equity anger over BBC film plan

Equity fear the film will send out the wrong message about acting

Actors' union Equity is calling on the BBC to scrap plans for a film using members of the public as cast and crew.

Home Movie is looking for 100 people - none of whom have worked in film or television before - to take part.

But Equity said the move "seriously undermines" the acting profession and is seeking talks with the BBC.

A spokeswoman for BBC Talent denied the film would provide a "shortcut" into acting, and said they were working closely with the union.

Audience respect

Martin Brown, from Equity, told BBC News Online the union's council had expressed strong views against the film.

He said they were hoping to hold a further meetings with the controller of BBC Two, Jane Root.

Mr Brown said: "Our council met last week to receive a report from Equity officials who were appalled that the BBC should be thinking of filling many hours of airtime using, specifically, amateurs.

"They will not consider anyone who already has experience in TV, film or theatre.

"We think if they are making drama they should be using people who do have that experience out of respect for the audience and to provide paid work for our members.

"We think this process will seriously undermine the public's confidence in acting: the BBC are effectively saying that anyone can do it."

Regional auditions

The film-making progress in Home Movie will be documented on BBC Two and the process will be overseen by a professional producer and director.

In addition to appearing on the BBC, the completed film will be shown in special cinema screenings.

Applicants will be sought via the BBC Talent website and will be open to people from all ages, skills and backgrounds.

Crew applicants will be short listed via an online questionnaire, with interviews and auditions taking place in seven locations around the country.

A spokeswoman for BBC Talent said: "The production team is working really closely with Equity, we are not bypassing the unions.

"It [the film] is not a shortcut to acting, it is bringing the mechanics of film-making to the average person who may have never considered the possibility of an acting career."