Star Trek: Voyager actor talks about diversity in Star Trek: Discovery
Star Trek: Voyager actor and TV director/producer Robert Duncan McNeill talks about the possibility of directing a future episode of Star Trek: Discovery.
Robert Duncan McNeill, who played Tom Paris on Star Trek: Voyager has had a successful second career these last few years as a sought-after television director and series producer. When asked recently if he had any plans or desires in the future to direct an episode of Star Trek: Discovery, McNeill explained that there has been a recent paradigm shift in television from predominantly white male directors to a culture of inclusion and diversity.
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This means that in addition to white males, the prevailing priority – especially in the case of Star Trek: Discovery – is to provide opportunities for women and ethnic diversity in the director’s chair.
“The last few years, there’s been a seismic shift in terms of the priorities toward female and diverse directors,” explained McNeill. “That reality now has meant that what used to be normal, which was a lot of white guys, to be quite honest, has changed.” This might mean more competition for those white guys, but not fewer opportunities.
And while McNeill would love to direct an episode of Discovery, he’s not the director they need right now. “Discovery does a limited number of episodes and a priority there is to get female and diverse directors, so there are fewer opportunities for people like me, which is a great thing.”
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McNeill himself is very proud to have hired both female and diverse directors for shows in his capacity as producer and supports Discovery’s efforts to provide more work to more diverse voices. And if any series on television should be spearheading the effort to explore infinite variety in infinite combinations – particularly when it comes to leadership and creative roles – it should certainly be Star Trek.
Be sure to check back here for all news on Star Trek: Discovery and sound off in the comments below about McNeill’s comments!
Source: CinemaBlend