Tātou Tātou.Nothing about us, without us
What we put on stage and screen matters. Yet, despite the wealth of talent available, identities are often misrepresented because roles are given to those without lived experience.
BEINGS is an online directory to represent, explore, discover, and cast Aotearoa’s POC, Rainbow, and Disabled talent. Founded in 2022 by Léon Bristow, BEINGS was sparked by a collection of media headlines addressing industry disparities.
Championing authenticity and representation while elevating accessibility and visibility, BEINGS aims to reclaim narratives and forge pathways for creatives, enabling them to progress and become the next wave of storytelling architects and decision makers.
There are so many pockets of talent within these communities and the industry has the platform to elevate them. But it has to be done right. We just need to be asking the right questions and doing our due diligence. BEINGS is uncomplicating systems to normalise authentic representation.
Being is to exist without influence – the raw, unfiltered essence of a person. It’s not about faking it, but simply being, in authentic glory. With all the complexities, nuances, instincts, and lived experiences. Human beings, not humans pretending.
Beings founderand Director
Going from the acting world to advertising, I saw more obvious support for historically underserved communities because a) there is more dosh to throw around, and b) there is more of an urgent need. So, I wanted to take the same opportunities of support and industry insights back to those directly affected – the talent. Which is how BEINGS came about. Since launching I’ve seen an industry hungry to diversify, and talent set to pour their rich authentic experiences into storytelling. There’s so much untapped potential and I hope this can minimise the industry gap, shifting culture with better systems and processes, better representation and consideration, better understanding and inclusion, and better media.
Unwaveringsupporters
I think everyone fucking needs to know about it // What you’re doing is really important and inspiring – it means a lot to see work uplifting underrepresented voices 🤎 keep at it. 🙏🏽 // We will defy be using this!! You are amazing!! X // beautiful mahi! // thanks for all your amazing mahi, BEINGS is beautiful, exciting and so so necessary 💫 // This platform is unlike any that currently exist in the market. It would be filling a much needed gap in our industry, and I support it wholeheartedly. // I can’t wait to see the website functioning! // You’re doing such cool things I’m so impressed // Massive massive alofa to you Léon and everyone involved in BEINGS. So so Fkn cool 🤎 🤎 🤎 // I’m super stoked and excited for this real niche alleyway to more inclusive and diverse work across different disciplines. So so so fking cool and definitely spreading the word! 🤎 🤎 // BEINGS is a new talent directory shaking up the industry in Aotearoa // Thank you Léon for your important mahi in this space, and including epic talent like Mamie // Léon! I went to your exhibition last week. It’s stunning. I was seriously moved. // love Beings congratulations! It’s the breath of fresh air this industry needs. // Love your work mate. // I came across your site while casting and I LOVE the concept and ethos of the agency and would really like to collaborate with you // Would love to work together (: // A new must-use platform for any talent or casting bookers // Joe showed me your ingenious initiative BEINGS. LOVE IT. I’m really excited to draw on this as a resource. // I came across BEINGS on Instagram recently, and am so happy to see a platform for POC, Rainbow and Disabled talent to be celebrated and discovered here in Aotearoa. // I BELIEVE IN IT // Also just wanted to reflect what an amazing job you’re doing with BEINGS // I looove this // I was so excited to hear about your directory. I’d love to share it with some of my acting contacts. // Léon this looks amazing! Would love to chat. // love the kaupapa of your mission and would be so honoured to work and support each other in the future 🤎 // This is a fantastic initiative and I’m so keen to see how it develops // On a personal note, I’d like to say I love the ambition and initiative you’ve created with this project and think it’s really awesome. // I feel what you’re doing is really unique and will be an excellent resource for the industry. // Yoooooo!! We went and saw the exhibition yesterday 🔥🔥🔥🔥 soooooo dope!! // Really looking forward to hearing more and exploring how we might be able to awhi/support.