The ABC and Bus Stop Films will develop the careers of persons with disabilities under a new initiative to bring greater inclusion and opportunity to the Australian screen industry.
The inaugural Pathways Strategy will provide skills and experience for emerging Australian talent on both sides of the camera, ensuring more diverse faces, talents and stories are reflected and represented on Australian screens.
The ABC will fund two individuals with a disability to work with its Entertainment & Specialist content teams and with two production partners over a 12-month period, on the commissioning and development of programs across multiple genres.
The strategy will provide an opportunity for the selected production companies to work with people with a disability, increasing the diversity of perspectives in their content and broadening the talent pool for the Australian screen industry.
Participating production companies will also receive inclusive filmmaking training and support from Bus Stop Films, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on accessible film studies, education and employment pathways for people with disabilities.
“We are delighted to work with Bus Stop Films in helping Australian production companies open their doors wider, by building career opportunities, skills and experience for people with a disability.” said Michael Carrington, ABC Director Entertainment & Specialist.
“In line with the ABC’s new Diversity & Inclusion Commissioning Guidelines, the Pathways Strategy will enable people with a disability to share their creativity and talent with our audience, bringing greater diversity and inclusion and outstanding content to Australian screens.”
Applications from production companies wanting to participate in the Pathways Strategy are open now and close on 12 March 2021.
Applications from individuals with a disability are open from 5 to 30 April. For more information, go to https://www.abc.net.au
