Finally, the British performers’ union, Equity, is lobbying against Spotlight – its high subscription fees and the laws that protect this money making casting monopoly.
“In the UK, the practice of charging work seekers to join a directory such as Spotlight is illegal in most sectors, but the performing arts and entertainment industries are expressly exempted from this law.”
Reckon we’re in for the usual corporate ploys – the old definition-dodge and semantic-swing. The question is: how far will our Equity fees take this little drama – to the moon 🚀?
I recently watched Nyad. Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans and the gang give wonderful performances in this astounding story about the marathon swimmer, Diana Nyad, who in her 60s decided to reattempt a 110 mile open-ocean swim she had failed to complete in her 20s.
A quick read about the actual Diana Nyad reveals a controversial character, particularly in regard to the legitimacy of some of her claims and achievements. I had to think about this before posting – I don’t want to promote exaggeration or dishonesty.
However, I decided to share this blog because, firstly, the film is genuinely enjoyable, well crafted and uplifting. Secondly, the story centres on a person who, well beyond her prime (though I wouldn’t dare suggest this to her) jumped back into an unforgiving ocean, the home of sharks and deadly box-jellyfish, believing she could swim for three days straight to achieve her goal. Whether all the ratifying technicalities were observed or not, the attempt, in and of itself, is simply awe-inspiring. Here is someone who backs her sentiments up with action:
“I just want to say three things. One, never, ever give up. Two, you’re never too old to chase your dreams. And three, it looks like a solitary sport, but it takes a team.”
U.S. swimmer Diana Nyad, 64, points towards Florida before her swim to Florida from Havana, Cuba
My efforts to forge a career as an actor come with challenges that often seem insurmountable. I’m grateful for people like Diana Nyad who charge into the unknown, shine their light brightly from way over there and beckon us forward.
“Whatever your Other Shore is, whatever you must do, whatever inspires you, you will find a way to get there.”
– Diana Nyad
Ps. The title of this post comes from the poem, The Summer Day by Mary Oliver, strongly referenced in the film and seemingly a source of inspiration to the actual Diana Nyad.
Death closes all: but something ere the end, Some work of noble note, may yet be done, Not unbecoming men that strove with Gods. The lights begin to twinkle from the rocks: The long day wanes: the slow moon climbs: the deep Moans round with many voices. Come, my friends, ‘T is not too late to seek a newer world. Push off, and sitting well in order smite The sounding furrows; for my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths Of all the western stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down: It may be we shall touch the Happy Isles, And see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Tho’ much is taken, much abides; and tho’ We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are; One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
Jeffrey Mundell 