Disabled representation in TV - How can we do better?

This session is part of ScreenSkills’ Connect & Inspire strand which offers a variety of sessions, from in-person networking and online roundtables to in-depth case studies, designed to promote the sharing of knowledge and the building of relationships across the industry.

Are we getting there with Disabled representation both onscreen and offscreen? What can companies do better? What are the top tips for being an inclusive employer? How can disabled talent raise adjustments or accommodations when recruitment systems are so informal? 

Join us for this joint ScreenSkills and RTS West of England event to find out more about reasonable adjustments and Access to Work. thinkBIGGER! will deliver the highlights of their ScreenSkills training course on Disability Awareness, and shortly after will be joined by a panel of those with lived experience to discuss how the industry can improve inclusion. Panellists include:

Ethan Blake-Brooks, Shooting AP

Jack Maddox, Production Co-ordinator, BBC Studios Natural History Unit

With thanks to BBC Studios Bristol for hosting. 

Who it's for

This event is for anyone working in TV wanting to learn more about how your team and production can become more inclusive. 

What it covers

thinkBIGGER! will deliver a one-hour session on Disability Awareness, followed by a panel discussion and an opportunity to network over drinks.

Agenda: 

15:45 - Arrival 

16:00 - thinkBigger! presentation 

17:00 - panel discussion 

17:30 - drinks and networking 

18:30 - Finish

About the trainer: 

thinkBIGGER! is a company specialising in training and consultancy for film and television. They have consulted on improving access for ScreenSkills, Bafta and Film London among others. They have managed a number of schemes aimed at increasing the number of disabled people in the industry including RE: Calibrate, a mentoring scheme for disabled talent sponsored by ScreenSkills, the Channel 4 Production Training Scheme, Class Act, Writers' Cramp and the £500k Talent Search which brought disabled reporters and presenters onscreen for the first time for Channel 4's coverage of the 2012 London Paralympics.

Edi Smockum is Managing Director of thinkBIGGER! She has always been passionate about getting talented people into the industry. After not getting a job running the first disabled Production Training Scheme with Alison Walsh at Channel 4, she got her act together, learned about Access to Work and now doesn't do such a rubbish job.

Accessibility:

ScreenSkills is committed to embedding inclusion in everything we do. If you have any accessibility requirements or further questions before booking, please contact events@screenskills.com.

Find out more about our venue and it's access here. 

On the day and during the event: 

• When booking a ticket, there is an option to bring along a companion. These are not automatically allocated so please try and let us know if you would like this upon checkout.
  If you decide after checkout, please email: events@screenskills.com 
• ScreenSkills will be providing BSL interpreters and live captioning for this event, please let our team know in advance to help us best accommodate your needs.
• Please let our team know in advance if you require audio description by emailing events@screenskills.com and we can discuss more in detail with you.
• If you have expressed access requirements ahead of the event, a mobile number will be given to you in advance should you have any issues.
• Please specify if you require larger handouts/ documents in advance by emailing events@screenskills.com and we will do our best to help.
• Dedicated point of contact – Anna Green - anna.green@screenskills.com
• If you require further assistance on the day, please look for ScreenSkills staff wearing a bright pink lanyard or ask for a member of the ScreenSkills or RTS team.

Travel:

Train: 

• Bristol Temple Meads: 11 minute walk (0.5 miles)

Car Parking: 

• Disabled parking parking is available at the venue. Please email events@screenskills.com to reserve a space. 
• Portwall Lane Car Park: 7 minute walk (0.3 miles)
• NCP Queen Charlotte Street: 6 minute walk (0.3 miles)
• Car Park Bristol Temple Meads Station: 8 minute walk (0.4 miles)

Bus numbers:

• 1, 2 or 2a (nearest stop Bristol Bridge)

Contact information

Name: Anna Green
Email: events@screenskills.com