A new documentary, Untold Stories: Hair On Set, has been acquired by Sky, and is set to explore the experiences of Black talent on TV and film sets, highlighting the disparities that Black people often deal with behind the scenes. 

This comes after Sky UK and Ireland announced a new commitment that all productions for Sky Original programming with Black talent will have make-up artists and hair stylists experienced in Afro-textured hair and darker skin tones.

What is Untold Stories: Hair On Set about?

Untold Stories: Hair On Set paints an intimate picture of the experiences of Black talent on TV and film sets. You might think that in 2023, Black talent would not have any issues when sitting in a hair and make-up chair but this documentary shows that this is not the case.

For the first time, Black British stars share their hidden struggles with hair on set. 

Who is in Untold Stories: Hair On Set?

The documentary is created by British actor and filmmaker Fola Evans-Akingbola (Ten Percent, The Night Agent). 

After getting her start in the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, Evans-Akingbola went straight into the industry, working on internationally acclaimed shows such as Black Mirror and Siren. Most recently she starred in Netflix’s The Night Agent and was named as one of The Guardian’s new TV stars to watch following her role as Zoe Spencer in Bafta-winner John Morton’s Prime Video show Ten Percent.

Evans-Akingbola launched Good Girl Productions in 2021 to focus on stories that centre Black and brown women in front of and behind the camera. Untold Stories: Hair On Set is the company’s debut project.

It features exclusive interviews from stars including Naomie Harris (Moonlight, Skyfall), Nathalie Emmanuel (Game Of Thrones), David Ajala (Star Trek: Discovery) and Verona Rose (Top Boy). 

What are people saying about Untold Stories: Hair On Set?

“We’re excited to bring this powerful, topical and compelling debut to a wide audience,” Zai Bennett, managing director of content at Sky UK and Ireland, says.

Bennett says that the documentary highlights the intimate and sometimes harrowing stories of Black talent behind the scenes. “Our commitment to Black talent builds on our ongoing work to ensure genuine inclusivity on all our productions,” he adds.

For Evans-Akingbola, this project has been a labour of love: “We are honoured that rising and established stars of the British entertainment industry have trusted us with their untold stories.

“Their struggles force us to reconsider how we think about race, identity and belonging. The documentary celebrates the beauty of Afro hair and our hope is that it will make a positive contribution towards change in the industry. We are delighted the film has found its home with Sky.” 

Andy Mundy-Castle, founder of production company Doc Hearts added: “As a father to a young girl who may be challenged by these issues, this project felt completely right for Doc Hearts to champion. In Fola and Jordan, there was a clear and distinct voice in approach and a unique spin on a familiar conversation.” 

When does Untold Stories: Hair On Set come out?

Untold Stories: Hair On Set will air on Sky Documentaries on Sunday 1 October and will be available on streaming service NOW.

Images: Sky