RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2022
Roma Murphy
Roma has always wanted to make the world a better place, but as a comedy writer, she suspects she’ll probably make it worse. Years of existence as a quadruple-pronged diversity hire have left her fascinated by how systems of oppression leave marginalized people so desperate to prove themselves that they miss out on forming real connections with others, and often explores that through comedy in her work (and tragedy in her personal life). Since graduating USC with a BFA in Screenwriting in 2020, she’s worked in political market research, scripted TikTok serials for teens, and in writers rooms for several unannounced children’s shows, so she’s used to her family having no clue what she does for a living. In her spare time, she can be found eating oatmeal, arranging flowers for church, or anything else that helps her prepare for her granny era.
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After an extensive search and interview process, 20 individuals were invited to participate in the Los Angeles Cohort of RespectAbility’s 2022 Entertainment Lab taking place June 7 – July 14, 2022. This 6-week, 18-session Lab aims to further develop and elevate the talent pipeline of diverse professionals with disabilities working behind-the-scenes in television, film, and streaming. Participants include people with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and other disabilities ranging in age from people in their 20’s through their 50’s. The Lab is a recipient of The Roddenberry Foundation Impact Award.
The Los Angeles Cohort of the 2022 Entertainment Lab is made possible with support by:
- Platinum Sponsors: Murray/Reese Foundation and Netflix
- Gold Sponsors: The Harnisch Foundation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company
- Silver Sponsors: Hollywood Foreign Press Association Charitable Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and NBCUniversal
- Location Sponsors: Bunim-Murray Productions, DreamWorks Animation, Endeavor, Lionsgate, Nielsen, and ROSIES Foundation
