1D

S1E10 - My Arts Award Debate

For my debate, I latched onto the question 'Is acting easy?', not just because it annoyed me and I knew I could therefore make a passionate argument, but because it was a stance I'd seen taken many times by people who quite literally thought drama was a bit of a cheat subject to take, and that indeed, 'acting was easy'.

I compiled my debate into Episode 10 - here's a summary in text form (with time codes!):

I read a strongly worded argument written by online user 'Bella' as to why actors shouldn't be paid the astronomical amounts they are: (S1E10 - 1:07 or read it yourself here), which got me asking some questions based on what she said. Whilst there were obvious flaws to the argument, like assuming all actors were paid the same 'across the board', culminating her opinion of the profession on solely celebrity figures, I decided to debate her point of view on the skill itself - 'reciting lines'. Was that all acting was and if so, was it easy?

Members of the interview cast
answering the question
'Is acting easy?'

I asked my interview cast for their opinion (S1E10 - 4:57), who wholly argued that acting wasn't easy at all.

Research I found backing their side included Carrie Hope Fletcher's vlogs, in which she shows how much work goes into working in a West End Musical (1,2) and this video on 'what being an actor is really like'.

Based on Bella's misinterpretation of pay in the industry, I also linked to this video showing the truth behind that very misconception, but in the world of online stardom. (Tomska - SELL OUT)

Researching testimonies on
industry misconceptions.

Furthermore, I read about Michael Gambon's stage fright, proving the profession doesn't necessarily get easier even with experience and age.

Finally, I asked my interview cast if they thought actors deserved respect (S1E10 - 15:10).

I would've handled the debate differently if I was to do it again, perhaps taking more of a neutral stance (or changing to a topic I could do that on) and letting myself be influenced by the opposing point of view. Here though, it was clear what side I was taking - but I wasn't done looking for opinions yet!

What was a debate without a little arguing and feedback?

Taking advantage of the social media platform I was using, I asked the YouTube commenters to answer the following questions:

• Is acting easy?
• Is acting a real job?
• Are all actors the same?
• Does pay really matter?
• Does acting make life… worth it?
• Where would YOU be without acting?
• Do actors deserve respect?

And boy, did people deliver!

In Episode 12, I explored the replies, comments and feedback, reading out and evaluating the comments left on my debate (S1E12 - 0:45), in which some people focused on the idea of a 'normal job' and others talked about the importance of actors in society.

Comment on my debate answering the question: 'Is acting easy?'

Comment on my debate answering the question: 'Is acting easy?'

This variety of viewpoint, even when arguing the same side, not only helped me to formulate a greater opinion but taught me debating skills from those who might have had more experience in the subject.

I then re-enacted a mass Facebook discussion I had on my personal wall when I asked my friends the question 'Is acting easy?' (S1E12 - 4:09)

The segment lasted over ten minutes, but only because I received such a huge multitude of comments (almost one hundred and fifty!). Here, people were arguing for and against the notion, and it was brilliant to see such healthy debate in action!