As a lover of well-crafted dramas myself, I find myself utterly captivated by the heartwarming journey of “Reunion.” Listening to Mager, the show’s creator, speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for storytelling. His commitment to giving a platform to talented deaf actors who have been waiting for their big break is nothing short of inspiring.
In an office near the filming location of a contemporary thriller titled ‘Reunion,’ we find ourselves with William ‘Billy’ Mager. This production, reminiscent of the gripping thrillers from the 1970s, is being filmed for BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the U.K. The series, consisting of four episodes, is set to be distributed internationally by BBC Studios and introduced as a key title at MIPCOM in Cannes this week. Despite its setting in Sheffield, an old industrial city in Northern England, Mager believes it will resonate with audiences worldwide.
Because my sign language abilities are quite limited, I rely on a translator to help me communicate. Mager states that one of the strengths of the series is its blend of universal themes with specific details, since Sheffield plays an important role. He adds that the city offers a rich history and stunning landscapes, which haven’t been showcased much on television before.
The series not only explores unfamiliar territories geographically, being based around Sheffield and delving into parts of Britain beyond the limelight of London, but also pushes boundaries linguistically by incorporating both British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English. Remarkably, this production is a brainchild of deaf creator, writer, and executive producer Mager, who has set the story within the deaf community. Furthermore, it marks a significant milestone in British television as it stars Matthew Gurney, a leading BSL actor, making it the first high-end TV program in Britain to do so.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that this series represents an important step in the realm of diverse narratives. Notably, a large portion of the cast and several production team members are deaf or fluent in British Sign Language (BSL), as highlighted by the BBC at its initial announcement.
The importance of inclusivity was evident throughout pre-production and filming, beginning with deaf sensitivity training and strategic staffing and technology choices to ensure seamless communication between deaf and hearing team members. For instance, during production, a deaf “assistant” First Assistant Director (AD), Sam Arnold, worked alongside the First AD, Alex Szygowski. As Luke Snellin, the director, recounts, “Sam communicated many of the instructions to the deaf cast and crew, proving to be an invaluable team member as we progressed.” In addition, an interpreter was present, offering a ‘whisper track’ for hearing staff who couldn’t comprehend sign language. This real-time translation of signs into spoken words was transmitted via headphones on set. These decisions facilitated a smoother and more efficient production process.
A tour of Warp Films’ series set showcases an atmosphere brimming with inclusivity. The shooting environment is marked by friendliness and teamwork. At this location, you’ll find walkie-talkies in use among the hearing staff, accompanied by interpreters and crew members proficient in British Sign Language (BSL), ensuring seamless communication for deaf colleagues. A member of the production team recalls that a deaf actor was taken aback on their first day when they saw twelve interpreters on set – more than they had ever encountered before on any film set.
Snellin and his colleagues are known for their collaborative spirit and eagerness to learn, as many people have shared with me. Additionally, producer Helen Ostler (of “The Last Kingdom” and “Crime”) discusses the swift bonding that occurred among the team on set, humorously revealing how she earned the sign name “Diva” on her first day. This was due to her request for a taller chair with an attached side table – a luxury usually reserved for leading actors or divas in the industry. She and British Sign Language coach Duffy from Scotland chuckle at this shared memory.
Regardless of the tough labor, extended hours, and harsh conditions, it’s apparent that everyone is thoroughly enjoying themselves on set. I discover that Duffy has been sharing a British Sign Language word or phrase daily. Today’s term he humorously presents is “Duffy is handsome,” followed by demonstrating how to sign: “Reunion” – a production definitely worth watching.
The show centers around a deaf man who has just been released from prison and is on a quest for revenge. This unique thriller incorporates aspects of the deaf community’s culture, behaviors, and identity, as well as the use of sign language and specific locations to build layers of intrigue.
I, being a fervent admirer of the captivating world of entertainment, find myself drawn to the gripping tale that revolves around a man named Daniel Brennan. As a wrongfully imprisoned individual, he’s on a relentless journey to set things right and expose the truth behind his incarceration, as depicted in the synopsis. The talented Gurney brings Brennan to life in the productions Name Me Lawand, Theatre Ad Infinium, and Coffee Morning Club.
What initially drew me to Reunion was delving into the script and encountering Billy,” Snellin (One Day, Wanderlust) shares with THR. It soon became evident that Billy had a robust vision for the series, focusing on the representation of the deaf community and the portrayal of British Sign Language on television. I understood he was determined to create a show that felt dramatic and cinematic, featuring complex and multi-dimensional deaf characters who weren’t just portrayed as saviors or saints. This intriguing concept of developing something unique yet authentic to the deaf experience ignited my passion as a filmmaker.
Snellin admitted to harboring “a few doubts about directing the series” due to being hearing. However, these doubts were eased by Billy when he explained that it was a bilingual drama featuring both hearing and deaf characters. Once I understood that I could offer value to the project as a hearing individual, I felt confident that my participation in the show and collaboration with Billy on portraying the intricacies of the deaf community to a broader audience was the appropriate choice.
Repeatedly observing Gurney and Peake acting together on set, portraying a father-daughter duo, strongly suggests that their characters and dynamic will resonate with a wide range of viewers.
Duffy commends Peake for swiftly mastering British Sign Language (BSL). “Learning BSL is similar to learning any spoken language; just to reach a conversational level can take several months!” he tells THR. “It was an impressive accomplishment, but Lara managed it. When we presented her to a few members of the deaf community in Sheffield, they thought she had been studying for years, when it had actually only been a month.
The minor disadvantage of Duffy’s swift mastery of the skill: In the Reunion scene, her character was still getting accustomed to signing fluently, so Duffy had to ask her to sign less confidently.
Apart from his usual directorial approach, Snellin emphasized learning British Sign Language (BSL) thoroughly. As he shared with THR, “My top priority was to grasp as much BSL as possible. I wanted to bridge the gap with the deaf cast and crew, and truly comprehend how sign language functions as a means of communication,” he said. By the end of the shoot, he could converse in sign language with his deaf colleagues, which he found incredibly fulfilling. He aimed to honor the language and the deaf community by making an effort to learn as much BSL as a hearing person could. Otherwise, my directing style remained consistent with any other project.
Occasionally, the struggles of beginners mastering BSL would bring laughter to the set. In one particular scene, an actress accidentally misspoke: instead of signing “forgot,” she signed “Lithuania” amidst intense emotion, Duffy recounts, pointing out that it was a “minor mistake in handshape resulting in a completely different meaning!
It’s interesting to ponder how unique each country’s sign language is, such as British Sign Language (BSL), American Sign Language (ASL), Australian Sign Language (Auslan), and New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL). These languages have developed differently due to geographical, cultural, and social factors, which may impact the way a show or communication is conveyed in each language. Mager points out that ASL and BSL are quite distinct, while Auslan and NZSL share around 80% of the same signs because they were influenced by British colonization in the 19th century.
As a passionate admirer, I can confidently say that “Reunion” is poised to resonate profoundly with audiences in Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K., but it’s not just limited there. I firmly believe this captivating production will strike a chord with deaf communities worldwide. Why? Because mainstream drama seldom showcases sign language, making “Reunion” a rare gem that authentically portrays sign language in its most expressive form – the dynamic visual narrative on screen. It’s a powerful connection that transcends geographical boundaries and speaks to every signing audience globally.
Furthermore, the creator underscores that “Sign language is not the sole shared cultural nuance in Reunion. This play also delves into the universal aspects of the deaf experience – in education, within institutions, and in daily living.
Duffy felt thrilled to take part in such a pioneering venture. “It was awesome to contribute to history; the first premium TV show featuring a principal BSL actor. I feel incredibly privileged to have been involved. I’m not sure if something similar will occur again, so I relished every second of it.
During the production of the movie “CODA,” Mager was writing “Reunion.” He mentioned that the release of “CODA” might have alleviated any doubts about the allure of skillfully crafted dramas on screen. I can’t help but ponder if he has ever fretted over whether “Reunion” would be perceived as a project done merely for tokenism. However, he assures us that it is not a token project. What makes it special, he says, is the genuine enthusiasm of the deaf individuals involved and the deaf community for it. They are excited to see the authentic portrayal of their fellow deaf actors in the film, creating a palpable excitement around it.
The creator is equally thrilled to display a wealth of creative talent from the deaf community. “One aspect I’m incredibly proud of,” he expresses, “is that in the U.K., we have an entire generation of dedicated deaf actors who’ve honed their craft for decades.” These individuals have graced theater stages, television screens, and film sets, yet they haven’t received the recognition they truly deserve. They’ve been waiting for a major breakthrough like this TV production. It seems tailor-made for talented individuals such as Matty and Rose, who we know possess extraordinary skills. Watching deaf actors in action promises to be an exhilarating experience for the audience, showcasing their true potential.
Furthermore, the program drew in renowned artists like Duff and Marsab. ” frankly, I hadn’t anticipated we would secure such exceptional talent,” Mager reminisces. “Interacting with them and witnessing their excitement towards my script was incredible – truly, it was a breathtaking experience for me!
The show’s common themes, including a father-daughter reconnection and healing from past traumas, have the creative team looking forward to its potential worldwide. As Snellin shared with THR, “At its core, Reunion explores a man’s quest to reconnect with his daughter.” It delves into the importance of addressing past hurts and making valuable choices in life that prioritize what truly matters to us. These ideas are universally relatable.
To determine if Reunion has been successful, Mager suggests we’ll notice an increase in Google searches for sign language. He believes this will indicate that the film has captured people’s attention and made sign language intriguing, accessible, even appealing. He’s always thought of sign language as the “sexy disability” due to its visual nature. The artistry of sign language is poetic, and the way Luke filmed it adds to its allure.
The director personally expresses that the filming of Reunion has already transformed him and those close to him. He shares with THR, “I consider myself fortunate to have been given the chance to know members of the deaf cast and crew as friends.” He continues, “I am committed to improving my British Sign Language skills and my family is also learning it now. I’ve come to understand that not many hearing people truly comprehend what it means to be deaf or be exposed to British Sign Language. I would love to see more hearing individuals taking the initiative to learn BSL, but also for more opportunities in schools and society at large for hearing people to learn signing and bridge the gap with the deaf community.
According to Mager, his intention was to create a show that would appeal to everyone, regardless of whether they can hear or not, without it appearing as a compulsory learning experience. He explains, “It’s not about delivering sermons. It’s more than that, subtler.” He continues, “On the surface, it is entertainment, it is a mystery. But if you dig a little deeper, there are hidden messages beneath it.
The originator aspires that triumph will pave the way for additional productions specifically designed by and in collaboration with deaf creatives, and intended for deaf audiences. According to Mager, “What truly matters is that I want a deaf audience to appreciate it.” Mager continued, “They understand. However, I also wanted it to reveal a hidden world to the audience. We’ll open the door slightly and offer a peek. And I hope there will be more of this in the future.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-21 11:56