“Lost” was a phenomenon: the series, which premiered in the United States in 2004, dominated internet conversations during its 6 seasons, until its conclusion in 2010. A book that is about to be published tells a bit of another side of this story: how the internal environment of the production was toxic, with cases of sexism and racism directed at the actors and others involved in the series.
The book in question, titled “Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood,” by journalist Maureen Ryan, will address cases involving various productions for both TV and film. Before the launch, however, an excerpt referring to the “Lost” series was released by Vanity Fair.
According to the text, actor Harold Perrineau, who played Michael Dawson during the six seasons of the series, says he was overlooked by producers while white actors – such as Josh Holloway (Sawyer), Matthe Fox (Jack Shephard) and Evangeline Lily ( Kate Austen) were more prominent in the plot. Therefore, Perrineau claims that he and Daniel Dae Kim were just “the black guy” and “the Asian guy,” respectively, to the producers.
An anonymous writer confirmed Perrineau’s allegations, saying the producers consistently claimed that the important characters were whites: the three named as well as John Locke, played by Terry O’Quinn. The rest, according to the screenwriter, did not need to be highlighted: “no one cared about them.”
Perrineau was reportedly fired by series executive producer Damon Lindelof after he alleged racism. «He called me that [racista]so I fired him,” Lindelof reportedly said, which reportedly drew laughter from others involved.
Writer Monica Owusu-Breen, who worked on the series during the third season, says that the internal environment was hostile and cruel, and that the only Asian writer was called “Korean”, not by his first name, and that other writers even called Asian children “slant eyes”.
In one sexist episode, a woman walked into the writers’ room carrying a briefcase. One of the male writers asked what the material was. He said it was material referred to the studio’s human resources, to hear back “Why don’t you take off your shirt and explain it to us?”
The producers of “Lost” comment on the allegations
In an interview with EW’s website, Lindelof said he has no recollection of the alleged firing or the comment he made to Perrineau, and he regrets that “Harold’s experience” was that. “I admit that the events you’re describing happened 17 years ago, and I don’t know why anyone would make anything up about me.”
The producer also regretted that he was inexperienced at the time and that this may have contributed to a less than ideal environment for those involved in the production. “I failed in this endeavor,” he said, repeating that he did not remember the episodes described.
“Every actor expressed some disappointment that they weren’t being used enough. It was part of a show with a big cast, but obviously there was a disproportionate focus on Jack and Kate and Sawyer and Locke, the white characters,” Lindelof continued. He says he regrets it and that actors like Perrineau are right about those criticisms.
Already Carlton Cuse, another producer of the series, has complained about the situation. “I didn’t know people felt this way. No one has ever complained to me and I am not aware of any complaints against ABC Studios. I wish I had known. I would have done everything possible to change it ”.
‘Lost’ Backstage post: The series’ production environment was toxic, says the book first appeared on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
