Explore the guidance below or, alternatively, watch the video with BSL interpretation.
Networking is an important part of developing a career in the TV and film industry. It helps Disabled workers make friendships and connections that can lead to jobs.
Joining industry and disability-in-the-industry groups including Deaf & Disabled People in TV, DANC/Triple C, and Equal Access Network is a great place to start.
Disabled workers can develop in their own dedicated field or role by joining more general industry groups, including those related to their job (such as editors’ groups, or writers’ groups, or producers’ groups).
There are many opportunities to meet and connect with people in person, including attending:
- Industry events
- Conferences and film festivals
- Inclusion and disability-focused events
- Local industry events
- Local general arts hubs
There are also plenty of online opportunities to network including:
- Online forums and social media groups
- Events like virtual meetups, webinars and training
- Work-related platforms like LinkedIn
- More informal platforms like Instagram, Threads and Pinterest
- Eventbrite and Meetup for both work and hobby-related events.
While networking is a great way for Disabled people to expand their circle, there can be barriers to these events.
Organisations and companies who host networking events can make events more accessible by doing things like:
- Providing a dedicated contact about accessibility prior to the event, or employing an access coordinator
- Providing multiple accessibility options, including a BSL interpreters and live captioning
- Ensure physical accessibility by choosing venues with step-free or ramped entry, accessible toilets and seating that accommodates mobility devices - include a quiet or sensory-friendly zone for those with sensory issues
- Share event materials in advance including agendas, instructions, information on activities, etc. in accessible formats
- Create multiple networking formats, like virtual attendance and post-event digital meetups.
There are things that Disabled workers can do to make networking more accessible for themselves, besides the usual event preparation. For example:
- Plan accommodations by reaching out to organisers in advance to find out about reserved accessible seating, interpreters, digital materials, etc.
- Pre-network by reaching out to people on the attendee list, asking for meetings or mentioning having a chat
- Set personal boundaries and honour the need for breaks, headphones, etc.
- Bring a networking buddy, who could be a friend, a trusted colleague, or another attendee who can help navigate the event and provide introductions
Networks help Disabled people meet others in the industry, build long-term relationships, get and give support and find jobs and advice.
It’s important to remember that networking doesn’t have to just be industry related. Sometimes amazing opportunities come from connecting with people in groups related to hobbies and interests.
Mentoring can give career development a huge boost by providing opportunities and introductions.
The right mentor can also give a mentee support and advice that helps them avoid years of mistakes or obstacles.
But not all mentoring experiences are the same. There are formal and informal mentorships, ongoing and time-limited, single and multiple mentorships, and in-person and online mentorships.
Before asking around for a mentor, it’s important to first figure out what type of mentoring would help most. What is the goal of the mentorship experience?
- Introductions to people in the industry?
- Confidence building?
- Useful advice?
- Improving their own skills or learning new ones?
- All-around guidance?
There are different types of mentor/mentee arrangements. Though some mentors prefer a formal arrangement, there are others who prefer an occasional check-in or a one-off situation.
Potential mentors can be found in different places:
- A personal, individual approach
- Through a professional organisation
- Through a talent scheme
- Through word-of-mouth / connection.
Though a mentor doesn’t have be Disabled, finding a mentor who understands the barriers that Disabled people face personally and professionally may improve the overall experience.
Because mentors donate their time and knowledge, it’s important that they have a positive experience too. What makes a good mentee?
- Listening and being open to feedback
- Being motivated and proactive
- Showing growth
- Being clear about your needs, goals and desired results
- Respecting the mentor’s boundaries and time
Sometimes it takes a few tries before finding a mentor who fits. But when the right combination is found, it can make all the difference for a Disabled worker.
For more information, ScreenSkills has a range of Mentoring Resources
There are different types of training for Disabled workers in the screen industries.
Training for Disabled workers
The screen industries are very competitive and change all the time. That’s why it’s important to train to develop skills deeply and broadly.
Training increases employability and options. And it’s available in a variety of formats including:
- Attending masterclasses and workshops
- Taking online courses
- Collaborative projects with other industry people
- Skill-swapping
- Industry conferences and festivals
- On-the-job training and apprenticeships
- Joining industry unions, associations, and guilds who provide sessions
Disabled people should be able to find accessible training opportunities. There are things trainers can do to make opportunities more accessible:
- Equip instructors with knowledge best practices for teaching disabled learners
- Make online platforms as accessible as possible with captioning, keyboard navigation, etc.
- Give options for learning formats that accommodate different learning speeds including live sessions, videos, written transcripts, and downloadable resources
- Create alternative assessments including oral exams, extra time, or evaluations that are project-based instead of test-based
- Ensure physical accessibility for in-person sessions including step-free or ramped entry, accessible toilets, quiet areas, and suitable seating
ScreenSkills bursaries can support the costs of access requirements for training opportunities.
Not all training sessions and programmes are fully comprehensive. There will be times when TV and film people have to learn bit-by-bit from different people and groups.
It’s important to stay flexible and take advantage of training opportunities wherever possible.
For example, an aspiring camera operator might learn about theory (framing, types of cameras, white balance, etc.) from one person. Then they might work with different types of cameras through a production camera rental business. They might learn about how camera operators and directors collaborate through shadowing a director. Then they might need to go to a production to get the feel of a set.
Staying open about what jobs to train in is another advantage. Sometimes getting some training on a different job can help a worker do their own job more effectively.
For example, if a writer were to take an acting class, that could give them a better idea of how to write better characters, and learn what attracts actors to parts making them a stronger writer.
Overall, keeping skills up-to-date and learning as much as possible will make a worker more marketable and open up new career opportunities.
ScreenSkills is a great starting point for industry skills training. They offer specialised courses and training programmes. Some training is free via their e-learning portal.
Some courses are paid, but ScreenSkills have funding available for people who qualify.
There are other organisations that provide training including Triple C/DANC’s free high-end TV production training videos.
For further information about training, consult the Resources page.
Training about disability in the TV and film industry
There are also plenty of training resources available for workers, advocates and employers to learn about disability-focused issues.
A good place to start is ScreenSkills’ HR Toolkit.
ScreenSkills also has a large variety of courses on their hub. These include:
- The 5As: Guidelines for Disability Inclusion - Developed by the TV Access Project (TAP), this course teaches guidelines that improve disability inclusion in the UK
- Working with Learning Disabled Cast and Crew in High-end TV: This gives practical and creative access solutions when working with learning Disabled cast and crew
- High-end TV Access, Approaches, and Actions Foundations Training: Lead by Triple C and DDN creatives, this is the blueprint for access across the screen industry
ScreenSkills also has e-learning courses that you can take at any time that are applicable for film, TV, animation, VFX, and the games industries. They are immediately available and include:
- Introduction to Disability, Access and Inclusion: Which teaches how to break down accessibility barriers
- Tackling Harassment and Bullying at Work: Explains how to recognise and address these problems
- Diversity, equity and inclusion for the screen industries: This basic introductory course gives a broad overview
- Addressing Unconscious Bias: Explains unconscious bias and how it manifests in the workplace
- Inclusive Hiring for the Screen Industries: Talks through the benefits and how-tos of inclusive hiring
There are other disability-focused organisations that offer courses and training including:
Access All Areas delivers a range of training packages including Easy Read, Accessible Casting and Accessible Production Environments
Creative Diversity Network CDN offers 1-2 hour workshops taking you through each stage of disability inclusion from Foundation Sessions to Deep Dives
MIND’s Mental Health in the Workplace Training and e-learning: Providing zoom and in-person training, as well as online learning.
Signpost Productions offers bespoke Deaf Awareness Training, delivered by Deaf trainers
TripleC’s Foundation Training: A private, bookable course that provides comprehensive groundwork for an employer.