New Disabled Producers Lab launches

Disabled Producers Lab program graphic
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Communications

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Note: Deadline has been extended from the date in the video to July 22, 2024 at 12 p.m. CT.

 

The National Screen Institute, Women in View and the Disability Screen Office have partnered to create the Disabled Producers Lab, a new program aimed at challenging and reshaping industry norms, promoting accessibility and building producing skills. Applications are accepted until July 22, 2024.

“There are so many gender-marginalized Disabled creatives with incredible producing insights and skillsets who have been systematically excluded from the entertainment industry,” said program co-lead Ophira Calof. “This program aims to explore and interrogate conventional practices, supporting Disabled creatives to develop their own accessible processes.”

Developed with Disabled filmmakers Ophira Calof and Michelle Asgarali, the lab is designed for Disabled producers across Canada aged 18+ marginalized by gender including transgender women, cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary people and many other gender identities.

“Women in View is honoured to have been involved in the inception and design of this program. Working with the remarkable talents of Ophira and Michelle to create this first of its kind program, giving voice to the Disabled community, has been truly rewarding,” said Women in View’s Jan Miller, a Disabled Producers Lab co-creator. “And then, to have the National Screen Institute pick it up and run with it! Women in View confidently steps back knowing the Disabled Producers Lab will flourish!”

“This program is a game-changer for our industry,” said Winnie Luk, Executive Director at the Disability Screen Office. “I couldn’t be happier to see Michelle and Ophira at the helm of the Disabled Producers Lab. Their leadership is exactly what we need right now. This initiative is perfectly timed and marks the start of an exciting journey of collaboration and innovation.”

Up to five participants with a completed short film script ready to develop will be paired with industry mentors to create a comprehensive production binder featuring a realistic schedule, budget, accessibility plan and pitch package.

Over 12 weeks, participants will join virtual sessions once or twice a week to learn the essentials of producing from industry experts. Topics covered will include:

A public case study report will be created from the program findings to help develop industry best practices.

Michelle Asgarali, program co-lead, added, “Ophira and I joke that trying to make it in the industry as a disabled storyteller can sometimes feel like trying to turn a power chair in a narrow hallway. You scrape by, leaving dents, until you’ve done it enough times to carve out the wall. We thought it was time to add to the number of dent-makers.”

Participants will each receive a $3,250 stipend in acknowledgement of their time and contribution to the case study report.

Candidates of all experience levels in media production and those with accessible planning experience in art exhibits, theatre performances and community events are invited to apply. Multiple application formats are accepted (online form, audio recording or ASL video in English). All formats will be considered equally. Assistance to apply is available from Dennie Park, peer support coordinator at dpl[at]nsi-canada[dot]ca


Learn more and apply by July 22 at 12 p.m. CT.

You can also register now for an info session about the program on June 19 at 11 a.m. CT.


The Disabled Producers Lab embraces the Accessible Canada Act‘s inclusive definition of disability, inclusive of visible, invisible, permanent, temporary and episodic disabilities. The language participants use to self-identify will be respected, recognizing that ableism, audism and sanism can be experienced regardless of the relationship with the word ‘Disability’.

Program manager Amy Reitsma joins co-leads Ophira and Michelle to coordinate and deliver the program with Jan Miller serving as industry advisor. Peer support coordinator Dennie Park will be available to provide support throughout the application process and the program.

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Disabled Producers Lab is presented by the National Screen Institute, Women in View and the Disability Screen Office, with program partners Canada Media Fund and Telefilm and strategic sponsor Warner Bros. Access Discovery Canada. National Screen Institute core funders are Manitoba Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism and the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council. More sponsors will be added as confirmed.

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About Women in View

Women in View is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to strengthening gender representation and diversity in Canadian media both on screen and behind the scenes. They do this through a range of initiatives that seek to generate awareness, promote talent and spark dialogue across the full spectrum of production, policy and artistic arenas.

About Disability Screen Office

The Disability Screen Office is a national, disability-led, not-for-profit organization that works with the Canadian screen industry to eliminate accessibility barriers and foster authentic and meaningful disability representation throughout the sector. Our vision is to realize a Canadian screen sector that is fully inclusive and accessible, amplifying the voices of people with disabilities across the Canadian media landscape.

To stay updated, join the Disability Screen Office e-list at https://www.dso-orphe.ca/.

About National Screen Institute

Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film and television, students and alumni find their voices and places on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

The National Screen Institute is committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those in regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

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About the National Screen Institute – Canada (NSI)

Propelled by a visionary network of donors, private and public organizations, board members and staff, the National Screen Institute supports creators from across Canada to tell unforgettable stories. Through industry-informed training and mentoring in film, television and digital media, students and alumni find their voice and place on the global stage, inspiring us to shape a better world.

We are committed to training participants from a diverse community of voices including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning and two-spirit (LGBTQ2S+), people with disabilities, those outside large urban centres, those in regional and remote areas and various religious groups.

Media enquiries

ab*************@ns********.ca


The National Screen Institute is supported by: Core Funders: Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage, the City of Winnipeg through the Winnipeg Arts Council; Benefactors: TELUS, Telefilm Canada, Canada Media Fund (CMF), Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE); Patrons: CBC, Paramount+, Creative Saskatchewan; Builders: APTN, TikTok Canada, Indigenous Screen Office (ISO), The Winnipeg Foundation; Strategic Sponsors: Manitoba Film & Music, Bell Media, RBC Emerging Artists, documentary Channel, CBC Gem, Centre for Aboriginal Human Resource Development (CAHRD), Alberta Film Commission, Creative BC, Manitoba Arts Council; Industry Partner: National Film Board of Canada; Friends: Ontario Creates, Société de développement des entreprises culturelles (SODEC), Bell FundWilliam F. White International, Company 3.