With the post-strike industry calling for greater inclusivity in Hollywood, IndieVisible Entertainment is expanding its production accessibility training program.
On Friday, QueerClip production company announced its Access Instigators initiative, which is currently recruiting 10 trainees who identify as multiple disabilities for its first class of an eight-month pilot program designed to equip participants with the skills and experience they need to quickly enter the workforce at a professional production company.
Supported by the Pop Culture Collaborative Fund, a sponsored project of Rockefeller Philanthropic Advisors, the training program will equip participants with the skills essential to accessibility in production, from the development stage to screening. The program includes one-on-one mentoring and hands-on, on-site experience, connecting participants with community and industry leaders and preparing them for successful careers in the media industry.
“Creators with disabilities have long been at the forefront of incorporating accessibility into the creative process,” IndieVisible said in a statement. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent union strikes, the industry as a whole is realizing that the need for change goes beyond just people with disabilities. Production accessibility benefits all cast, crew, and creators by fostering an environment where they can create groundbreaking content and have safe, sustainable careers. Hiring a production accessibility role is an important step toward a more compassionate and inclusive industry.”
Applications for the Access Instigators program are open online until September 10th.
Founded in 2018, IndieVisible recently helmed the Emmy-nominated Apple TV+ family series “Best Foot Forward” and “Patrice: The Movie,” a documentary romantic comedy about disability rights activist Patrice Jeter that will premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month.