Hollywood Webinars

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This event is part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

This was a discussion in partnership with Roadmap Writers surrounding the experience of disabled writers currently working in the writers room and beyond.

Roadmap Writers is a talent training and discovery platform for screenwriters ready for a guided path to success. Their programs are hosted by working industry executives and are designed to empower writers with actionable tools and insights to elevate your craft and cultivate relationships with industry professionals. Since 2016, they have helped more than 185 writers sign to representation and countless others get staffed, optioned, or sell their script.

Just as no disabled person has the same life experience as another, there is no singular path to the writers room. For many people in the disability community, that path can often feel even more difficult to navigate given the historical lack of inclusion and accessibility in the Entertainment industry. That said, the industry seems to be at a turning point as more and more disabled writers are making their way into the writers room, and more decision-makers are beginning to understand the importance of improving the representation of disabled people both in front of and behind the camera. This event was a conversation with Diana Romero (4400), Marc Muszynski (Dexter), and Shea Mirzai (Space Coyote Productions). They discussed their journeys and experiences as disabled writers currently working in the industry.

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Juliet Romeo

Film festivals can be a great place for filmmakers to share their work with live audiences and network with other industry members; however, many film festivals are not fully accessible. This session was led by Juliet Romeo, filmmaker and founder of the UNSTOPPABLE Films program promoting disability and diversity inclusion in film. The program made its debut for Slamdance Film Festival 2021 with record-breaking numbers, and many companies including Hulu, Google, YouTube and ARRAY showing their support. During this session, Juliet shared more about the process of creating UNSTOPPABLE Films, and how she hopes it will become a blueprint program for all festivals going forward to include, showcase and celebrate the brilliant works and stories of the disabled community. [continue reading…]

This event is part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

Securing a job as a TV writer can be an overwhelming and complicated process for anyone trying to break into the industry, and many disabled writers face additional barriers along the way. However, as the industry is gradually becoming more inclusive and accessible, more and more disabled writers are being hired in TV writers’ rooms and beyond. Two professional writers and RespectAbility Summer Lab alumni, Marc Muszynski (Dexter) and Diana Romero (4400) shared their experiences and insight on how to get a job in a writers’ room. [continue reading…]

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Learn about new research from UCLA Center for Scholars & Storytellers. Explore the results of a new nationwide survey. What do disabled U.S. audiences think of representation on screen?

Speakers

• Amanda Aguero, Production Assistant, 2nd Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, Stunt Woman and Actress; Alumna of 2021 RespectAbility Entertainment Lab
• Maira Karan, Report Author and Developmental Psychology Ph.D. Candidate at UCLA
• Tatiana Lee, RespectAbility’s Senior Associate for Entertainment Media and Actress/Model
• Diane J. Wright, Screenwriter and a DEI-certified Creative Content Consultant; Alumna of 2021 RespectAbility Entertainment Lab

Kurt Yaeger

Actor and RespectAbility Lab alumnus Kurt Yaeger  discussed how creators, showrunners, and industry executives can ensure inclusion and allyship for actors with disabilities, using his personal experiences working on season 2 of Netflix’s sci-fi space drama Another Life as an example of best practice. Yaeger played Dillon Conner, a military engineer who lost one of his legs to an IED. Prior to this conversation, we encouraged you to watch the second season of Another Life, which premiered on October 14th. [continue reading…]

Kiah Amara

As we push for more authentic representation for disabled people on-screen, it’s important to push for more accessible sets and working environments for everyone behind the camera, Disability education in production, and community connections that bring authenticity to the stories we tell. RespectAbility Fellow, 2020 Summer Lab alum, and media industry activist, Kiah Amara led a session all about the ins and outs of Production Accessibility, and how to get started doing this work and ensuring accessibility for all! [continue reading…]

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This event is part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

This panel was a conversation with actor, James Caverly and ASL consultant, Douglas Ridloff, of Hulu’s hit murder mystery series, Only Murders in the Building, moderated by Deaf producer, writer, and director, Jevon Whetter (Flash Before the Bang). Together the group unpacked James’ recent experience as a Deaf actor portraying a Deaf character in Only Murders in the Building, and Douglas’ experience as an ASL Consultant on this show and other productions, in a discussion that highlighted current best practices in producing TV and film content with ASL dialogue, Deaf performers, and navigating space with Deaf characters.

This panel also explored some of the behind-the-scenes work that went into shaping one of the series’ most recent episodes, which was shot almost entirely in silence utilizing ASL and other forms of visual communication, and discussed the overall importance of authentic and inclusive storytelling when it comes to on-screen representation.

Featuring:

• James Caverly, Actor, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building
• Douglas Ridloff, ASL Consultant, Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building
• Jevon Whetter, Producer, Writer and Director

Lesley Hennen

As disabled creatives, the process of balancing professional and personal goals while also keeping up with the many “to-do’s” of daily life can often feel overwhelming. Writer, producer, and RespectAbility’s Entertainment & News Media Associate Lesley Hennen led a workshop focused on intentional goal setting. Together we worked toward building a sustainable and achievable path towards our goals, while also sharing some tips and tricks to stay focused yet flexible when life inevitably gets in the way.

This event was part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

This event is part of a larger series of events. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit

The entertainment and media space is challenging to navigate, especially when your identities are intersectional. This session was designed to create and cultivate connections among fellow disabled Black women creatives to support and learn from one another how to shine unapologetically through our work. This session was particularly designed to create a safe space for disabled Black women.

Tatiana Lee

This session was hosted by RespectAbility’s own Tatiana Lee, Senior Associate of Entertainment Media, Actor, Model, and Inclusion Influencer.

Throughout the month of October 2021, join RespectAbility for a series of virtual celebrations, panel conversations and networking opportunities as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Through a combination of forward-facing panels and breakout networking rooms, participants will learn about writing, directing, producing, self-advocacy and more. Please note that some sessions are open only to entertainment industry creatives who identify as deaf or disabled, as we seek to continue to build community. Learn more: https://www.respectability.org/ndeam-entertainment-summit.