Hi everyone!
I’m an AC, disabled actress, and now a new writer too; based in the UK/London.
As an access coordinator I work on everything from Film, to TV, to Theatre including the West End. I am there to support disabled cast, crew, and production members to make sure they can access their jobs, and I support production in disability representation. I’m represented by the only Access Team in the industry, and recently spoke at a panel by the TV Access Project hosted by UKTV with attendees from 9 other broadcasters and streaming services, and many more.
I’m also a new writer. My first pilot script hit the festival circuit earlier this year, and within a month and a half it was awarded its first 3 laurels - including as semifinalist in the London International Screenwriting Competition. I began writing to help bridge the gap in true authentic disability representation in our industry.
Knowing how much of a need there is for a strong, female lead with a prominent disability: I began writing these authentic roles for myself and other disabled actors. As a show, it would also create many opportunities for disabled crew and production members, too.
Disabled adults deserve to see themselves in characters and stories; disabled children deserve to have characters they can look up to; and abled viewers deserve to watch the authentic stories of disability in the way we want them to be told.
Strong, female, disabled protagonists who kick ass and teach the world about disability aren't out there - but absolutely deserve to be! I hope (am working extremely hard to try and make happen) my show will be one of them!
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Leah Rachel a friend of mine is directing a show in London opening in September regarding ADHD- DM me if you want the details, I think you might make a good connection with her.
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HI Leah and congrats on your accomplishments and I wish you many more.
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Parabéns querida amiga
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Welcome to Stage 32 and screenwriting, Leah Rachel! Congratulations on your first pilot script being awarded 3 laurels within a month and a half! That's impressive!
I suggest adding more information to your profile bio. A detailed bio will help you build relationships/network on here. You could add things to your bio like why you became an actor/screenwriter, what movies/shows/plays you like, and things from your introduction post.
I hope the resources on Stage 32 help you bridge the gap with authentic disability representation in our industry!
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That’s so cool! I am an aspiring disabled actress and writer
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Leah Rachel Remy Zerber Nice to meet you both. I am a screenwriter with cerebral palsy. I have written a dramedy and currently rewriting a pilot for a crime drama. Both have protagonists with disabilities. Although I am in the United States, I would love to connect with you both.
https://www.stage32.com/profile/1051127/about - This is my profile. Feel free to peruse. The two scripts I mentioned are An Inkling of Hope - a holiday feature film and Old Town - a TV pilot I am currently rewriting. Would love to keep in touch.
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Hi Leah Rachel - it’s awesome to meet you here in the community! I’m the Director of Certification here at Stage 32. If I can ever be of any help on your Stage 32 career journey never hesitate to email me at edustage32.com. Wishing you huge success on all of your projects!
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Sam Sokolow hi Sam! Actually there may be something you can do to help - on the listed careers there’s intimacy coordinators, production coordinators etc. but access coordinators aren’t listed as a profession. I know there aren’t many of us out there, but Is there any way we can change that?