Actors Bethany Asher and George Webster are soon to star in a new Science Fiction film together. BEBE A.I. follows the journey of a young couple who have Down’s syndrome – Michaela and Jonny – as they overcome prejudice in order to save the baby android they want to adopt to start their family.
The cast hopes to start filming soon but in the meantime, we caught up with Bethany and George to find out more…
Bethany Asher
Bethany started acting professionally in 2018 when she landed a featured role in BBC’s Doctors. After being bitten by the acting bug she went on to successfully audition for a semi regular role in CBBC’s The Dumping Ground. This was her dream come true as she’d watched the show regularly. Bethany then went on to appear in ITV’s Wild Bill with Rob Lowe and a second stint in BBC’s Doctors.
Bethany has also worked in short films, her first being a featured role of Sarah in the ground-breaking film Innocence by Ben Reid. She will be busy this year working on more films in leading roles.
Tell us about the character you play BEBE A.I.
My character Michaela wants the best in life. A loving home, husband and a baby she can call her own. Everything that all humans need really. She is a fighter just like me. We have that in common.
Why are you excited to take on this role?
I’m so excited by this film. I want to show everyone the struggle that people who have Down’s syndrome go through to be accepted. I recently learnt about how the Nazi’s treated people like me in the Second World War. It breaks my heart. We were seen as freaks of nature. I think we still are to be honest. If you don’t look perfect, then you are tossed away like rubbish. This really has to change. I think the film highlights this well. It has come at just the right time.
Can you tell us something people don’t know about you?
When I was five months old I had open heart surgery and mum was told I had less than a 50% chance of living, but I never give up without a fight. Never have and never will. I’m a very positive thinking person. I love positive quotes.
What is your favourite film?
My favourite film is Harry Potter because it’s all about magic. Life is full of magic if you look for it.
What has been your proudest achievement so far in life?
My proudest moment is when we won awards for Innocence film at the ‘Lift Off’ film awards. I felt proud and it was at Pinewood Studios so I felt like a film star! Also I shared a dressing room with Hollywood heartthrob Rob Lowe. He was so cool and funny. We got on well and he told me he thought I’d go far. Which was nice.
What would you say to someone who has Down’s syndrome who wants to become an actor or actress?
I would say GO FOR IT! You never know what’s round the corner. Doing nothing gets you nowhere. My dreams came true and so can yours!
George Webster
George started acting at a theatre school called Stage Door when he was eight years old and has acted in their annual shows for 11 years. He has been an extra twice in Emmerdale, and his first leading role was playing a character called Sam in an award-winning short film called S.A.M, which has been shown at many film festivals.
Tell us about the character you play in BEBE A.I.
In the film BEBE A.I. my character is called Jonny and he has Down’s syndrome. He has a girlfriend called Michaela and they are both desperate to have a baby. Jonny is very supportive of Michaela. They live together in a flat and Jonny has a job in a farm shop.
Why are you so excited to take on this role?
I’m very excited to take on the role of Jonny because the story sounds really interesting and engaging. I am a fan of Science Fiction. I want to change the perceptions of the audience that people with a learning disability do exist and we can shine when we are given the opportunity to do something exciting like me starring in this film.
Can you tell us something that people don’t know about you?
Something that people don’t know about me is that I’m a fan of very spicy curries.
What is your favourite film?
That is a hard decision because I love films that include Science Fiction and Horror. If I would pick one today it would be Avengers: Endgame for sci-fi due to being a massive fan of Marvel. My favourite Horror movie is the 2017 remake of Stephen King’s It.
What has been your proudest achievement so far in life?
I have achieved lots of things in my life including dancing at the U. Dance National Finals with my dance group Me2/Meshdance in Birmingham. I’m part of a dance group called the Talent Hub which have toured nationally in a dance piece called Helm. One other proudest achievement is being in S.A.M as my first film role. A couple of other achievements are being an ambassador for a charity called Mencap and an ambassador for parkrun which I spoke about my parkrun journey at the annual parkrun conference at Ashridge House in Tring (Hertfordshire).
What would you say to someone that has Down’s Syndrome who wants to become an actor or actress?
What I would like to say is that don’t be afraid as it’s not scary. It’s loads of massive fun and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t get given brilliant opportunities because you can. I would go to an acting school or class first so then you can meet lots of lovely people and make friends.
Director Rebekah Fortune tells us more about BEBE A.I.
As advocates for disability inclusion, we believe a great way of changing people’s attitudes is through film and media. By showcasing two very talented actors with Down’s syndrome and bringing them centre stage, we are also making a point that having a disability doesn’t mean you cannot reach for the stars and be successful.
It is important for us to ensure disability is visible and inclusive. Dialogues regarding diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry are continuing and for there to be true inclusion, that must include representation of disabled and neurodiverse artists behind and in front of the camera. Disabled people have virtually no influence in cinema and the enduring myths that are being created about them. The industry is not giving a voice to a huge section of our society and that needs to change. Yet how these performers appear and what roles they receive remain decisions made almost totally by non-disabled, neurotypical directors. BEBE A.I. is a great example of a film that reflects this, whilst at the same time being an exciting and thought-provoking Sci-Fi action/drama, told using disabled and neurodiverse talent on both sides of the camera.
Tell us where you are at with the film in terms of production
We are in a great position to start filming, currently in pre-production where we do all of the preparation for the film, finding locations, filming crew and work with the Cinematographer and Production Designer to design the world the film is set in. We have already cast our two brilliant main actors, Bethany and George, and are currently casting the other roles.
We have put some of our own money into the film but need to raise some additional funds to make the film the best that it can possibly be. We want this film to reach audiences globally through film festivals and an online release. Hopefully inspiring and encouraging more filmmakers and TV producers to be more inclusive and the untold stories of people with disabilities.
If you would like to support our film, you can find more information and donate to the project on our crowdfunding page