Michaela Coel on Turning Down a Million Dollar Deal with Netflix | Edinburgh TV Festival

I May Destroy You actress, writer and director Michaela Coel discusses Chewing Gum series 2, growing in the television industry and her decision to decline a million-dollar deal for I May Destroy You to keep the copyright.
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[@AnimeCatLady69]

'money is nice but I prefer transparency' - what a legend

[@iqqy86]

Chewing gum is where I first fell in love with her amazing talent.

[@anicalymus1805]

preach.....same!

[@dreacavea6103]

Facts !! I was so upset when another season didn’t come back but I’m glad she declined ❤️

[@tbuckner4905]

Hopefully you’ve seen I May Destroy You and Black Earth Rising

[@dreacavea6103]

@@tbuckner4905 oh I have ! I love everything have you seen black earth rising ?!

[@iqqy86]

@@tbuckner4905 i have coz I'm obsess with her! 😅😅😅

[@todrapayne]

I respect her so much. In a world where actors and creators are boxed in and bullied by the studio suits, she has a very powerful voice. She's said she doesn't care about fame or money, just storytelling. As such, she's not as easily manipulated.

[@NallahBrown]

Word!!!!

[@jc_80]

Integrity has stopped her selling out

[@dusk1234567890]

Then get a real job. Go work at McDonald’s.

[@Megapastor]

She has just lost a million dollars!!! I think she would have sent out a more powerful message if she accepted the million dollar deal, appeared on netflix which is wordwide and became a role model for other young black actors. You have to be in it to win it. However she has rejected one million dollars and done a video on youtube instead that may be viewed by only 2million people. Will Smith could have asked for more and rejected certain deals, claiming discrimination; but he has soldiered on and instead sent out a more powerful message to the world by saying: "Look at me, I am testimony that you can be black and successful in Hollywood" Do you agree with me? Rebels always feel that they are fighting a just cause but my experience tells me that they are not always correct.

[@davidasingleton8943]

@Joyce M exactly their comment was so stupid

[@21Something.]

I can only imagine how it could be to work with someone with this level of awareness and intelligence, someone that although has been told “NO” so many times, created her own “YES” and gives opportunities to others. I’m not even in the entertainment industry, but I do look up to her and see her as an inspiration and role model for how to navigate life.

[@zero-vi2uz]

Created her own yes...I love that so m7ch

[@christinewhitted9963]

Excuse Me no harm but she is not a he she is a real Woman

[@21Something.]

@@christinewhitted9963 as you might have noticed, the sentence didn’t actually make sense with a “he” it was a typo. But thanks for pointing it out, I corrected it.

[@sanettagipson2303]

1 21st

[@PeresD]

She is absolutely freaking amazing.

[@db60615]

Yet again we see how Netflix tries to take advantage of black female talent for cheap! Mo'nique should get a very handsome settlement in her lawsuit against them.

[@kawaiisis86]

Facts on facts!

[@roddo1955]

Mo'Nique is suing?

[@db60615]

@@roddo1955 oh yes indeed!

[@db60615]

@CreeWilly but in Mo'nique's case she wasn't relatively new talent! She had been in the business for 20 years, and won the highest honor in film as we know it. That makes her claim even more valid!

[@db60615]

@CreeWilly she most certainly was. I was just pointing out how much worse the situation is for Mo'nique considering her years in the industry. Not to mention all of her awards.

[@pidge78]

I could not LOVE this lady any more than I already do. Disciplined, real, approachable plus an aura that is so beautiful.

[@nievictoria7]

I used the only power I had and declined!! In a business where yes can mean selling the very and only soul you have she took hers back wrapped it up and carried her baby on her shoulders! I applaud you but most importantly I applaud what most people can’t and that is your integrity ! Bravo

[@LaviniaOsbourne]

Yes!

[@GratitudeGriot]

Michaela's work is amazing! She was super smart to fight for her copyrights. A great example of the power of creatives.

[@acharich]

💎💎💎

[@Rudilsa80]

This is why the writing of shows has declined to such a poor standard. When you watch older tv programming, yes they look old but the writing is amazing.

[@Auron710]

well hollywood and tv is all a business model and they have to profit, and if you think how stupid the average person is (if you worked in customer facing roles you no doubt know this), if thats average then ofc its gonna be bad when its aimed at masses. thats why when you get an indie film its often far better because studios didnt interfere for profit, and in those cases you also know any non white actors (as that seems so important to people nowadays) are chosen on merit or because they fit the character in the directors head etc, not forced in and used as a bargaining chip for free woke points to garner more profit, but instead chosen for the same reason any actor should be chosen for a role, you were the best for it.

[@madisilver460]

@@Auron710 when-for example has an actor of colour been used as a "woke bargaining chip?" Is that the same as being told one is the "token black?" Unnecessary diversity at the behest of white executives? Why do that when one can simply order a tv show or film that has non white writers telling stories that is synonymous to their voice and experiences, then cast actors suited for the roles. Oh, Ms. Michaela just explained that.

[@hzlkelly]

@@Auron710 hehe true

[@larapalma3744]

Well you're not America yet lol

[@rebeccahopkins9522]

Chewing Gum was one of the best shows to air in the past 20 years. It was an incredibly funny, quirky, extraordinarily brilliant written and acted, and hugely relatable show (I grew up with Pentecostal insanity as parents), at least to me. I mourned the end of it. But I don’t blame Ms. Cole for her decision at all. Because once we lose out integrity, we’ve truly lost the greatest thing we have.

[@VeeLondon1449]

Phoebe Waller-Bridge of 'Fleabag' inks Amazon deal reportedly worth $20 million. "Fleabag" Michaela Coen gets offered £1 Million!! From Netflix, Both incredibly talented. Yet not the same level of opportunities 🥺

[@rfield4308]

Black women are disrespected a lot

[@mercymusinguzi3375]

Phoeba has been in the business longer. Has a vaster body of work. This is an unfair comparison.

[@VeeLondon1449]

@@mercymusinguzi3375 Phoebe has been acting since 2009. Michaela since 2010. Less than a year apart. Fleabag and Chewing Gum brought them both critical success that neither had had before.. Though they where both consistently working prior. Phoebe has just 11 extra acting credits.. That's your point! She has worked more so is deserving of $20 million. Ok.

[@anika4692]

@@VeeLondon1449 Just 11... :D hah!

[@amandag7935]

That's the way of the world

[@buffyboyster]

She is spectacular in everything- even talking behind a podium

[@nurfuerverrueckte]

She's an actress. Talking in front of people should be the bare minimum.

[@PeresD]

@@nurfuerverrueckte trust me many actors are not as eloquent in the least, not by a long shot.

[@xmuta]

I thought she was a dude.

[@clarem1609]

Riight?!! I think a brief 30 second interaction with her would be memorable and worthwhile even!

[@buffyboyster]

@@nurfuerverrueckte Talking in front of people isn’t like bitc*ing about someone on the comments section of KZbin- it actually takes skill , talent and courage. But you wouldn’t know about that because nobody’s even interested to hear u one on one much less a large group of people 🤣

[@a.a.s.3799]

That one dislike is Netflix.

[@reign5426]

😂😂

[@tracymonroe6001]

Companies need to catch up to reality! This middle-aged white lady will watch ANYTHING Michaela Coel is in--OR has her hands on--because she is brilliant! I want to see well-written shows with intelligent, creative, talented actors and I'm not alone.

[@misshoneynevercame4832]

I agree.

[@zeynand4039]

exactly. we all want good tv.

[@sparksfly5877]

Yet instead of hiring the Michaela Coels or Jennifer Kents of the world, they’d rather lose millions just to have an attractive white lady as their director and writer. A travesty.

[@shamaurtherealist]

Ahh another tracy 😂

[@js2010ish]

👏🏼

[@JillStJohn-qj8gs]

Whenever I see Michaela Coel I’m reminded that the first image of a deity on the planet was the image of Black woman. She is beauty personified. I can barely look at her. Beyond stunning.

[@Meriysi]

Who was the first image of a diety that you're referring to?

[@sparksfly5877]

She emulates grace and intelligence.

[@SKOLAH]

She is a better speaker and far more dignified than the outgoing US president. Keep talking, please. Good to hear more female voices throughout 2020.

[@moonbeeps]

She is a really good speaker, but any living being with a voice could speak better than that clown x'D a fucking rock give off more dignity than him.

[@KyleGravesLive]

Haha she is better than pelosi and donald

[@tamaraeverett4856]

He doesn't exactly set a high standard. A 5 year old could do better.

[@moonbeeps]

@Theo S What has that to do with anything?

[@bellablow4287]

Tangent. Wrong thread bro

[@shodekoibrahim4524]

I have never been more entertained by a speech . And she is talking serious and deep stuff as well.

[@james20288]

Searched google and the stone attack happened while she was in Bulgaria filming TV series "The Aliens". More specifically, filming was at Nu Boyana studios in Sofia, Bulgaria (capital city of the country). Shameful.

[@KyriaLovesApologetics]

Thanks for sharing. Shameful indeed

[@manantial773]

I am from Bulgaria and from Sofia, there are some dumb people here, but what she describes is not common. People here are passively racists, usually. And the think she told about the color´s hair is difficult to believe, there are a lot of fake blonds, yes, but women with dark hair are majority.

[@Iiuoypline]

@@manantial773 She’s not saying you’re racist or all of Bulgaria wants to lynch black people. She’s just saying racism is a problem that isn’t always considered by people who don’t experience it. I’m sure you’re aware of your own suffering and would like for people to properly acknowledge your experiences. Do the same for her.

[@lindas4562]

@@Iiuoypline Profound and mature response.

[@afrocommie4482]

@@lindas4562 the kind we need more of

[@escobarines]

A terrific speech. Clearly shows her talent is just above much of what we watch today in terms of quality and soundness. I admire her for taking this stand, many would have not

[@alexisatkinson7420]

“I used the only power I had. I said ‘no.’” A powerful reminder for my day.

[@namerankserialnumber4387]

"U don't always have the power of 'yes', but u do have the power of 'no'". I heard a great female actress said this a few years ago. This reminded me of that. 💯🔥

[@CoachDeBora]

This woman is incredibly brave . . . and brilliant. I May Destroy You was mesmerizing. I want to see anything she writes.

[@rkms5606]

💯

[@YoungBlaze]

She should play nina simone!

[@raymeeluna]

I felt it as I read it

[@Zanderthegrape]

She really should! I read somewhere that Michaela stated that she won’t play her unless the family specifically asks her to. Which probably won’t happen because of the whole Zoe Saldana fiasco

[@KeyKeyJournals]

Absolutely let’s speak it into existence 🙌🏾

[@YoungBlaze]

@@KeyKeyJournals or start a online petition

[@bosse1092]

Oooooh good idea!!!! I wud very much be into that

[@francescathie1]

This powerful lecture from such a beautiful soul and the amount of ads that popped up was beyond disrespectful. She is an angel. I pray to god that I get a chance to perform for her and be in one her movies one day.

[@LEXREY]

Yes you will! When you're with God no one is against you and your dreams 🙏🏾

[@controllerfreek8259]

She spoke with so much elegance, it is unreal the grace the delivery of her speech 5 stars.

[@oceaniamonarch5404]

She speaks so beautifully....

[@juliet.nebblet-cox]

I loved how she relayed her story. I enjoyed her ability to capture her audience with her excellent speech.

[@PHlophe]

they were quiet and focused , the story was captivating and very graphic . i didn't move an inch either. she is a real divine diamond.

[@Jonatron503]

I love MC so much. It’s one thing to appreciate her acting, but all of her interviews and speakings are so profound and “transparent” about subjects that either get swept under the rug or aren’t presented to the public. I truly appreciate her as a person.

[@selalewis9189]

Saying “No” in life is just as important as saying “Yes.” You set boundaries, standards, and make room for the opportunities that you deserve.

[@vincentmoriarty4634]

Michaela is the best and very brave about always speaking her mind and fighting for what she deserves. Hopefully soon she won't have to fight so hard. Time for us to do better. Bless you Michaela

[@k.Newbbie]

So so eloquent 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 I really do hope the upper heads take heed! It's called evolving 👸🏾

[@jc_80]

Greed and Corruption is what stops things being fair

[@jaredm1162]

this. THIS is what i'm talking about. we have lost the heart of story telling--- we have sold out our souls for a dollar. it hurts. it enrages---but mostly hurts

[@DairangerSentai7]

3:57 they did the same thing with Aaron McGruder, and constrained his timelines, which is why there was never further production of the Boondocks under his supervision.

[@ginamcgill7054]

There's something...regal about Michaela Coel. She's special. This was riveting too.

[@alecicruz388]

Finding Chewing Gum recently was such a treat but I was also sad learning it has been "discontinued". Well, now at least I know why,

[@dohmapesa6271]

Talented, a believer in her own thing, hard worker and a courageous one. I absolutely love her. Not many can speak out as she has especially in entertainment industry.

[@any-fmradio7512]

Any single black person who never have experienced racism in any form is totally impossible i can confirm that

[@millevenon5853]

I live in Africa and I have never experienced racism. Racism is only for those who live outside Africa.

[@biellaspointofview2054]

It goes both ways sometimes too

[@millevenon5853]

@Mo Ishku nope. I don't see or interact with whites.

[@dorritaniuchi7671]

@@millevenon5853 same with my husband. He is nigerian. there is no racism because of colour. Just money issues.😂

[@nafisablog6408]

My first racist experience was from a black South African! I was so upset. I never experienced rasism before in my life until that moment. I was 21 years old.

[@katie_bruh]

I dream of working with Michaela, It seems like it's rare to come across such genuine people in the industry who create because they love it and want to educate and entertain. What a brilliant woman

[@Badchocobo]

Now I know and understand why we never got another season of the show that introduced me to one of my favorite Actresses I’ve had the pleasure of viewing💎

[@MarianaVillanova]

You’re too brilliant for this industry. Most of the times all they wanna sell to the viewers is shit, like Love Island. Love you by the way! Fell in love with you on Black Earth Rising. ❤️

[@QueenPea]

She is definitely a brilliant lady. I wish her all the best.

[@fionamayfield4762]

This woman is exceptional.

[@YoungBlaze]

Yes in deed

[@Aleakwe]

💛 “the money is nice but I prefer transparency” - this Queen, this

[@LOL99756]

Michaela Coel brings tears to my eyes, such integrity!

[@kholekangcobo22]

What a powerhouse of a woman.

[@QueenPea]

I agree with you!

[@azimazibuko6082]

I recently watched I May Destroy You and have been obssessed with Michaela ever since.The writing stuck with me and as a man I saw a perspective that was brutally honest. I have been looking for such creative content ever since. And it shows how much creatives are getting locked out because of men in suits only looking for profit. This has to change as talent is going unnoticed and its a crime as viewers to be deprived of not only great and HONEST television, but also witnessing how much exploitation occurs within the industry

[@alignmentsixtrading4200]

A point she made on money invested on screen rather than the writing : (IMO) never could a poorly written story with great visuals outperform the best stories with less visuals on honest reviews of quality from a holistic point of view of a show.

[@dalchemist1584]

She is brilliant , eloquent and beautiful.

[@lydiagrace178]

So proud of her, what a fiercely incredible person

[@corgeousgeorge]

OMG that was incredible. I saw her first on Chewing Gum when it came to the US on Netflix and fell in love with her and her writing and creativity, to see her as a business person just makes me respect her even more than I already did.

[@madisilver460]

I. LOVE.HER.FACE.😍 Michaela is so poised, so elegant, smart and inspiring! Brilliant writer and fantastic actress.

[@wesleynicholls]

I love her.... She has a very dramatic in a very truthful way. I held on to every word and I BELIEVE her.

[@hollaatthekid1796]

She is so amazingly beautiful and stunning inside and out. A beautifully respectable human being. I applaud her.

[@p.w.7493]

It's a good thing that she's exposing the insensitivity/alienation she's endured!! Who knows, maybe this will give the 'insensitive ones' a chance to correct their mistakes. Just saying...💕💯

[@feminenby]

Thank you Michaela 💖 artists everywhere need to internalize this

[@tkloveshair]

So profound. Well done for never settling for less and speaking out about othering in the film industry

[@Sabirreboiii]

I admired her as an actress at season1 of chewing gum. Then i exceptionally admired her after finding iut she was the creator/exec of chewing gum. Then i fully respect her for this amazing speech. She understand being part of the minority. She deserves better. Nonetheless, i am glad her worth was conscious to her and i appreciate her for being transparent with her life stories. Such an amazing woman.

[@nicolesaintdenis]

Well damn! 1st I looove her! All of her more than ever! Standing up and against the industry! We need more of this every where. Transparency! When we all win, we all benefit.

[@beautyfultrini]

she is a woman in the fullest sense, no pandering after executives... she knows her worth. She is admirable

[@DavidPuckArtist]

Powerful stuff and so well articulated. There’s so much top down exploitation in TV (and every) industry. The top heads are the ones who need to change, they make the decisions. whilst everyone else is busy cancelling low down players, she’s going for the head. Amazingly brave and strong thing to do. Huge risk to her career and livelihood. Kudos to her and let’s hope more follow suit.

[@IgnoranceIsNotCute]

Great speech! Nothing but truths! But could KZbin calm down with the 4 ad breaks in just 10mins!!!

[@azaelia2000]

Look at her now. Emmy 2021. She is brilliant!

[@QueenQueenly]

I love chewing gum. She is so brilliant and talented. I am good she turned them down. She deserves much more than a million

[@LizzNjagah]

Thank you for removing the ads. Powerful lecture.

[@Mrs.Puddin]

Screw the telly write your stories.. I need my chewing gum back.

[@latriceking8887]

Wow. Powerful. I would have never known the depth of this young lady until I clicked on this video.

[@forthdimension686]

Who else knows her from Black Mirror???

[@RobynElms]

So much adoration for this girl!!! 💕❤️🌸🌈

[@BashiyrDouglas]

We are Global African Indigenous people!! Love and Unity is the best key for us all together!!💯 Also Giving thanks to the Great Mother's/Goddesses and Great Father's/Gods and the Ancestors and Guardians!! Saying from Snefer aka Bashiyr!!

[@juliejames8449]

funny I am watching this from Germany and I am at 7.05 mins and there have been 5 adverts to break the speech ...

[@thabisomavundla5511]

Its so hard to finish this awesome speech. I hate youtube for cutting in adds right mid word mid sentence.

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

oh gosh, it's dreadful

[@roddo1955]

@@jusletursoulglobaby scroll forwards, then back until you get rid of all the yellow marks and then watch it. I don't understand why they just don't stick to ads in the beginning and the end if they are so desperate for revenue.

[@jusletursoulglobaby]

@@roddo1955 if I was pressed I'd consider that. but I'm not so I watch what I can then stop. they probably dont put them at the beginning bc it would make ppl try something else. same for the end. I'm sure there is a specified amount of time that it needs to be "seen" in order for the ad to be considered valid. either way, with randomly suggested videos it's not that important. I dont experience fomo

[@ella9335]

Amazing talk! So well-structured and beautifully delivered.

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

TRUTH !!! Time for change & voices like Michael’s is imperative.

[@MO-ss5mj]

Only a $1 million. CHICKEN CHANGE. Should be $3+ million

[@rfield4308]

Because she owns it she will get more than 3 million pounds when all is said and done. Phoebe Gets $20 million from nextflix and the black women gets offered $1 million how is that fair and d I’m sure she still get the rights to her stufff unlike the e black womenn

[@mlev8223]

She a creative powerhouse being lowballed! Yet, Netflix is giving Megan Markle 75 million to create content. I prefer Michaela's content.

[@AV-tn1ro]

One: she is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful, brilliant. Two: she’s so so bright and creative. Netflix did not deserve her.

[@SL-lz9jr]

I am so pleased to hear about more creatives pushing back against the likes of Netflix. No more scraps for talent. Just say no! Meanwhile, I'm still watching Netflix... does that make me a bad person?

[@MrSayNoMore1]

And to think people laughed at Monique for the same thing, shiiit people need to know their worth & stop selling out to these money hungry deviants in the industry, follow the examples of such women like Michaela ✌🏾🖤

[@elsyvalerio5927]

🥰🥰🥰Love her its an honor to have painted a portrait of her💕💕💕

[@andrimemini1805]

She is such a blessing!

[@spreston5230]

Beautifully said and well done.

[@ariellions2538]

You go girl! Speak truth to power and let the world know you are not here to deal with the BS!

[@T.image79]

I had no idea she was a true proper leader. I thought she was just an "actress" until I heard this speech.

[@MakaykayLAMB]

She's so damn smart.

[@rachelfrancis973]

Her writing is amazing, acting not so much. But it’s so refreshing to see a black woman makes waves in this industry

[@gradualuprisintheory]

Keep doing what youre doing. Your bravery is heroic. Now I'm going to go watch one of your shows. 😍

[@moeezS]

This is empowering for new writers and holding onto their babies, respect yourself and your work. Transparency is paramount.

[@deerheart87]

I’ve never really seen anything like may I destroy you , I can’t even put into words how I felt , I’ve never seen anything like it before . Masterpiece .

[@Shew28]

Who are the dislikes? Those who hate to hear the truth? I don’t know what it’s like to be black... I can only dream of making that speech as a gay actor... she is talented, elegant, and eloquent In her talk , it’s a shame we still have to hear it in 2020... one day I hope we can see we are humans... regardless of colour, gender and sexuality... one day the human race must look beyond Instagram and Facebook selfishness and self love and look to others to understand the bigger picture... well one can dream 😴

[@Trendithings]

Hope people like jay z and beyonce can watch this.Its not all about money.

[@TheEmmakathryn]

For some reason "I used the only power I had, and declined" speaks to me..

[@sarahpalmer8100]

She is such a powerful speaker.

[@TC-xh5wp]

Man, I saw this force of nature and fell in love. Chewing gum is RAW. I really hope she is in my future.

[@bbybxnmi]

What an inspirational individual ❤️

[@gaillewis5472]

She looks like a carving of a goddess came to life.

[@mariasermeno1208]

Wow she is so eloquent. I love the way she speaks. I envy her. So talented. So smart. I just have one word WOW!!!

[@theonick2]

She is stunning !

[@KayLats88]

I worked on tv shows for Netflix and I agree they are skimming money in any way possible. It does not only effect writers but the whole crew except the ones on very top like directors, a-list actors etc. Whenever we would prep a location for a shoot I would be sent to get breakfast ( true it is not mandatory) for the crew of people who build, paint, lift and move. I was only allowed to go to Dunkin’ Donuts and get coffee and donuts. Most of the time I would have to throw it away because people do care what they put in their bodies 5 days a week. I would feel bad for the crew and for throwing food away. I started breaking the rules and getting people yogurts, fruits, egg sandwiches or power bars. I would get in trouble many times but I just couldn’t feed them with sugar and no nutrients. These people work very hard and very long hours. Even the unions are not taking care of them the way they used to.

[@SE-ZESS]

What a G. Big respect.

[@rebootresetrevolution7904]

Great video but it’s less than 11 mins so why were no less than 4 commercials necessary??

[@alpha-yw1mw]

I didn't get any ads so....

[@yepitsthatguy5278]

Get AdBlock lol

[@teklyfe2013]

Thanks for the education Michaela!

[@patienceaurelien6341]

Loved every part of this segment. such a powerful message ,honoured that you shared this with us. There are some great insights. ✅😌

[@bbsteele671]

What an amazing person. I wish more humans were like this!!

[@after-lifeadvice7067]

damn i actually couldn't stop watching and listening