NHK casting for foreigners for drama

Friday 21st November, 06:30 AM JST

TOKYO —

NHK is looking for the following ethnic groups to audition for a Saturday drama to be shot between February and April 2009.

The roles are: Linda - (Female) Chief of the U.N. refugee agency (acting ability required) of African-American, Middle-Eastern or Asian ethnicity (non white). A large physique is preferable.

—A girl - Aged between 10-13 of Middle Eastern ethnicity.

—A girl and a boy (good singing ability & experience required) of Middle Eastern ethnicity.

The 5-episode drama will be shown May 30-July 4, 2009 each Saturday at 9 p.m. The story is based on the famous novel “Kaze Ni Maiagaru Blue Sheet” written by Mori Eto.

NHK said filming will take place between February and April. Payment is 45,000 yen per episode, which includes 1 day X rehearsal (half day) + 2 days for final production (whole day).

Applications close on Wednesday, Nov 26. To apply, visit http://www.dagmusic.com/English/whats_new/whats_new.html

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Latest 15 of 37 Total Comments Show All

GW at 09:47 PM JST - 21st November

Y45,000/episode....... this makes the whole freeter thing look real damned good.

NHK how about spilling the beans on how much J-people are getting paid, better be the same or I will stop paying you........oh wait stopped paying you many years ago.

But hey you better not discriminate by paying gaijin less, yeah right
whitepocky at 10:26 PM JST - 21st November

It would be nice if they couldn't find any poor sod to play the part and their whole production went tits up!! Tight fisted w*nkers........
superesonator at 01:34 AM JST - 22nd November

They are definitely underpaying. This getting into the news was an unintentional slip, lets hope it has repercussions.
borscht at 08:33 AM JST - 22nd November

That requirement for 'acting ability' makes me wonder why NHK didn't go to one of the many talent agencies rather than advertise online. Plus, as someone pointed out, this doesn't seem to be a requirement for natives of this island nation, especially when it comes to TV dramas.
Athletes at 08:45 AM JST - 22nd November

Selecting African American may be better suited to the character. Communiation skills & physical apperance is better too. It is rare for Japanese TV to audition the other ethnics.

The pay is not very great however someone who is serious about the acting career can not whinge. It is a stepping stone. I do not mind about acting for free if I am allowed. However I am not fit for their selection criteria. Some actors got multi millions for TV series. Once they acted for free.

Thousands of miles of trip started from one step. Some models posted for free. When they are getting popular, they can demand the pay what they wish to get. Some even become movie actors & actresses. Acting needs experience & development. Some are very talented they become sensation overnight. Mostly are not! They needed to start from scratch.
realist at 12:45 PM JST - 22nd November

NHK? No thanks! I dont pay the fees and never watch NHK garbage. The fact that they are only offering 45,000 yen shows that they are treating gaijin as a joke. Racists.
cow76 at 02:00 PM JST - 22nd November

I haven't paid my NHK for 8 years. My TV is strictly for Nintendo purposes.
mojibake at 05:50 PM JST - 22nd November

Actually they're not being racists -- the article specifically mentioned "ethnicity." Presumably, you could be racially white and ethnically middle eastern and still apply for the role.

Or is this just another instance of somebody throwing around the word "ethnicity" because they're afraid to use the "race" word?
BlackFlag at 06:41 PM JST - 22nd November

agree with cow76. 10 years in Japan have never paid NHK because I NEVER watch TV, its basically a monitor for movies and games
elbudamexicano at 10:08 PM JST - 22nd November

I used to hate NHK but now I see all of my friends working there so it is "fun" to see them "acting" and when we get together and have beers etc..we just laugh! Dude! those wacky voices are awesome! If you are a gaijin, should not leave this country without being on tv, etc..at least once. Long live NHK!
gogogo at 10:09 PM JST - 22nd November

Talk about low payment and no residuals for the actors?
rurika at 11:19 PM JST - 22nd November

At three days per episode, it works out at 15,000 yen per day. You can make more than that working as an extra with no speaking parts. Since singing and acting are required, the pay is very poor.
nikoniko at 11:55 PM JST - 22nd November

El Bud - ahha Yah my aspiring dream for YEARS now but dont have a clue on how to apply ... altho ive often thought about sending an audition "tape" and see what happens ^-^v viva la difference!!!!!!!
seggahme at 07:17 PM JST - 24th November

good money for just appearing without any words
codedtwo at 02:36 PM JST - 5th December

But, payment is like 45, 000 yen per ep. So i doubt that everyone acting is gonna get only one or two episodes. So it might actually be worth it.