About

The Disabled Producers Lab is a part-time, online program designed as a space for disabled producers marginalized by gender across Canada including, but not limited to, transgender women, cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary people and many other gender identities.

Up to five participants will enter the lab with a completed short film script (up to 10 minutes or 10 to 11 pages) and be paired with an industry mentor to support them in developing a comprehensive production binder for the film featuring a realistic schedule, budget, accessibility plan and pitch package.

This lab aims to strengthen the skills and knowledge required to be a successful producer and create systemic change within the production industry by fostering an environment where accessibility is at the forefront of production practices, challenging and reshaping industry norms.

Through a series of virtual sessions (approximately two sessions per week for 12 weeks), participants will learn the essential elements of producing from key industry experts covering topics such as:

• Pitching and packaging
• Going from script to schedule
• Hiring cast and crew
• Understanding the business side of film including funding and development for creative projects
• Distribution and marketing

Participants will also:

• Engage with national industry experts and professional organizations to explore career opportunities.
• Discuss accessibility considerations and possibilities, learning from international case studies of disability-forward productions and sharing their experiences and perspectives.
• Discussions will be documented in a public case study report at the end of the program, contributing to the development of film accessibility best practices industry-wide.

This training is for you if:

• You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada
• You’re a Disabled, d/Deaf, chronically ill, neurodivergent, Mad, sick and/or spoonie* gender-marginalized** producer aspiring to work in film, television and digital media
• You have some production experience, even if it’s in another field or art form
• You’re excited about collective accessibility and exploring accessible production perspectives
• You have the rights to a completed short film script (under 10 minutes or 10 to 11 pages) to develop through the program. This can be a script written by you or by someone you have a written agreement with
• You’re willing to engage actively in this part-time program including participating in online classes, completing assignments and connecting with your mentor.

We understand that unexpected absences can occur and will provide recorded sessions and asynchronous engagement opportunities to accommodate diverse needs and schedules.

*This program’s understanding of disability embraces The Accessible Canada Act definition which is inclusive of visible and invisible disabilities, permanent, temporary or episodic. We will honour the language participants use to self-identify, acknowledging that ableism, audism and sanism can be experienced regardless of your relationship with the word ‘Disability.’

**We’re using the term ‘gender-marginalized’ to refer to individuals who experience marginalization due to their gender. This includes transgender women, cisgender women, transgender men and non-binary people, among many other marginalized gender identities.

How to apply

You’re encouraged to apply in the way that works best for you. All formats will be considered equally.

A key goal of this program is to support Disabled, d/Deaf, chronically ill, neurodiverse, Mad, sick and/or spoonie producers marginalized by gender in developing their own accessible practice and furthering accessibility throughout the industry.

We aim to prioritize not only what you can manage but also what allows you to thrive. In your application, please let us know what we can do to make this process and program accessible to you (e.g. closed captioning, ASL interpretation, alt formats, reminder emails, note-taking, project support and more).

We understand that access needs can change, and you will have more opportunities to share access needs in the future.

Please submit your application using one of the following methods:

1. Enter your answers in the online form
2. Enter your answers in the accessible PDF and email it to dp*@ns********.ca
3. Meet with a peer support coordinator who will record your answers. Email dp*@ns********.ca to arrange an interview*
4. Email dp*@ns********.ca for a Dropbox link so you can upload a video or audio file with your recorded answers.

*Please note that the peer support coordinator is not part of the selection committee. The interview is purely to gather information and not to make any assessments about your suitability for the program.

Have any other questions about applying to this program? No problem! Just email us at dp*@ns********.ca and a member of our team will be more than happy to help you fill out and submit your application.