Workshop Registration

Creating Inclusive and Accessible Productions (In Person)

NOTE: Masks are mandatory for this in-person workshop at the request of the instructor. If you are not comfortable wearing a mask please consider registering for the online delivery of this workshop. https://lift.ca/workshop-registration/?event=1492&workshopcat=3

As filmmakers, we have the power to affect narratives, with real-life effects and repercussions. How can we use that power responsibly? What we see on our screens can alter or reinforce the way we perceive disability and neurodivergence in daily life. Does the increase of disability and neurodivergent narratives on our screens in recent years mean a production was inclusive, or even accessible? So what IS Inclusion and Access in a television or film production? Is it limited to or only about Disability and Neurodivergence?

In this hybrid two-evening workshop, we consider the definitions of Inclusion and Access, and explore the importance of including the input of disabled and neurodivergent people / people with disabilities at every stage of production. We’ll identify familiar disability and neurodivergent representations in film and television shows, and examine whether they are or aren’t inclusive. And why. And how we can do better!

We’ll reflect on how to create accessible and inclusive processes throughout pre-production, development, writing, casting and in key creative roles. We’ll also highlight some of the practical aspects of accessibility and inclusion in pre-production, on-set and in post-production, such as communication supports and other accommodations, and touch on what makes workspaces and locations accessible and inclusive, because that's everyone's business.

There’s no accurate representation without Inclusion, and no Inclusion without Access. It starts with us!

part 1: Mon 29 July 2024, 6 - 10 pm   
part 2: Wed 31 July 2024, 6 - 10 pm   
(Registration deadline is Mon 29 July 5:00 pm)

Instructor: Christine Bélanger

Christine Bélanger is a Disabled and Neurodivergent creator, an alumni of Toronto's Second City Conservatory Program circa 2000, and co-recipient of the Netflix Award for Best Writing at the 2022 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge for their animated short Superhero, Inc. (with Elizabeth Whitmere). Their recent work includes writing and Associate Producing Dream It To Be It for TVOkids, and #Couleurs Du Nord on TFO.

Christine is especially focused on furthering access and inclusion for Disabled and Neurodivergent talent behind the scenes and on-screen, while challenging ableist narratives through advocacy and storytelling.



Location: 1137 Dupont Street
Category: Producing
Maximum Capacity: 12
8 hours of instruction in 2 parts$125 /member$150 /nonmember