James Martin and Rachel Shenton discuss disability representation in TV and film, the impact of their award wins, and the need for inclusivity. They highlight the progress made in addressing accessibility, adaptations for access needs, and the importance of disabled voices in the industry.
The podcast highlights the importance of diverse representation in the TV and film industry, emphasizing the groundbreaking TV show with learning disabled leads and a physically disabled director as an example.
The podcast emphasizes the need to normalize asking about access needs and the importance of making appropriate adjustments to accommodate disabled individuals, with organizations like the TV Access Project working towards an inclusive industry.
Deep dives
Representation of Disabled Individuals in the TV and Film Industry
The podcast explores the lack of representation of disabled individuals in the TV and film industry. Despite one in six people having a disability, disability representation is severely lacking both on screen and behind the scenes. The podcast highlights a groundbreaking TV show with learning disabled leads and a physically disabled director, emphasizing the importance of diverse representation. The podcast also discusses the efforts of the TV Access Project in the UK, which aims to make the industry inclusive for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent creatives by implementing guidelines and encouraging collaboration. These initiatives aim to bring full inclusion to the industry by 2030.
The Role of Access Coordinators in Promoting Accessibility
The podcast features the role of Access Coordinators, who work to find accessible solutions and adjustments for cast and crew on TV productions. They ensure the inclusion of individuals with diverse access requirements, such as wheelchair ramps, sign language interpreters, and suitable costumes. The podcast highlights the importance of normalizing the practice of asking about access requirements and making appropriate adjustments to accommodate disabled individuals. The TV Access Project in the UK is mentioned as a positive example of streamers, broadcasters, and production companies working together to create an inclusive industry.
Efforts to Create Change and Inclusion in the Entertainment Industry
The podcast showcases various organizations and individuals working towards change and inclusion in the entertainment industry. Dank and Hero Art are highlighted as organizations that bring together disabled creatives and provide resources and opportunities. The podcast emphasizes the need to normalize asking about access needs and the importance of employers making accommodations. James Martin, an Oscar-winning actor with Down Syndrome, shares his journey and the positive impact his work has had. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of disabled writers and producers telling their own stories and highlights the need for industry-wide change to create a more inclusive and representative landscape.
In the 15 years that Jordan Hogg has been a TV director, he has never worked with another disabled director. Whilst 18% of the population has a disability, this is not represented in many industries, but Jordan is attempting to change this in TV and Film. Jordan, who has cerebral palsy, speaks to those who are challenging and changing the industry from within. Alongside him is TV Producer (and close friend) Jules Hussey. They speak to Academy award-winning actors James Martin and Rachel Shenton, hear the impact their award wins have had on the communities they were representing and discuss the changes that they believe have the biggest positive effects on inclusivity in Film and TV.
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