Workshop Registration

Creating Inclusive and Accessible Productions (Online)

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!

READ BEFORE REGISTERING
Prior to the class, please create a profile on Zoom and download the free version of the application. You will receive an email from LIFT with an invitation link to join the workshop one hour before the class begins which will prompt you to open the application or web browser. Please ensure that you log in using a Zoom account with a profile name that appears as the same name registered for the class. If not, for security reasons, you may not be permitted to join. During the workshop, we advise that you keep your microphone on mute to minimize external noise and that you unmute when participating in class discussions. Please also arrive to the session on time for attendance and class participation. ONLINE workshops may be recorded for staff and facilitator assessment. Recorded material will not be made available to participants. Review all workshop policies before registering.

part 1: Mon 14 April 2025, 6 - 10 pm   
part 2: Wed 16 April 2025, 6 - 10 pm   
(Registration deadline is Mon 14 April 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, Toronto, Ontario M6H 2A3
Category: Producing
Maximum Capacity: 6
8 hours of instruction in 2 parts$125 /member$150 /nonmember