Director fights for Deaf actors casting from @pbs

Name: Director fights for Deaf actors casting from @pbs
Uploaded: 2025-10-06T17:02:14.000Z
Channel: pbs
Description: Director Sian Heder recounts the challenge of casting Deaf actors for the movie CODA during her first studio film experience. She explains the studio's initial pressure to hire hearing A-list actors and how Marlee Matlin's refusal to participate under those conditions forced the studio to accept authentic casting.

Director Sian Heder recounts the challenge of casting Deaf actors for the movie CODA during her first studio film experience. She explains the studio's initial pressure to hire hearing A-list actors and how Marlee Matlin's refusal to participate under those conditions forced the studio to accept authentic casting.

Creator: @pbs on Instagram

Transcript

When we restarted the casting conversations for CODA, it was really important for me to cast deaf actors in those roles. At the same time, I was it was my first studio film. I had made one other movie. I was a young woman, and I felt like I didn't have a lot of power. Tier was kind of a question I remember from the studio of like, well, you know, are there deaf actors out there? Like, isn't Marley the only one? Which was really a vibe that was present.

Topics: Entertainment, Career Advice

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