The inaugural Driving Change Summit, held from November 17 to 19, 2024, at Sydney’s Bondi Pavilion, marked a pivotal moment in advancing disability employment within the film, television, and commercial production industries. This event brought together industry leaders, advocates, and creatives to explore, elevate, and celebrate the inclusion of people with disabilities both in front of and behind the camera. Over the following two days, attendees engaged in a series of insightful sessions, each addressing critical aspects of disability inclusion in the screen industry.
Day One Highlights
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First Nations & Disability: This session, presented by the First Peoples Disability Network Australia, shed light on the unique experiences of Indigenous individuals with disabilities. Moderated by Kerri-Lee Harding of SBS, the panel featured Damian Griffis, CEO of the First Peoples Disability Network Australia, Brandon Fairley, a Bus Stop Films Student Ambassador, and Joanna Agius OAM, founder of Deaf Aboriginal Services.
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Hollywood and Inclusion: Keely Cat-Wells delivered a keynote address focusing on the imperative of creating space for disability on the red carpet and beyond, emphasizing the transformative power of authentic representation in mainstream media.
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Who Pays for Access?: A critical discussion on budgeting for disability in productions, this session was hosted by Glenn Hamilton of Screen Producers Australia. Panelists included Dana Cadden from Unilever, producer Pip Smart, writer and producer Meret Hassanen, and Dianna La Grassa of Bus Stop Films, who collectively underscored the importance of financial planning in facilitating inclusive practices.
Day Two Highlights
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Disability & Streaming: This session explored the role of streaming platforms in promoting disability inclusion. Moderated by Liana Dubois of Nine, the panel featured Nas Campanella of ABC, Joshua Griffin from SBS, Debra Richards of Netflix, and Paralympian Ellie Cole, who discussed strategies for enhancing representation and accessibility in digital content.
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Access & Inclusion on Set: Focusing on the practicalities of creating inclusive production environments, this discussion was led by Diana Fisk of Bus Stop Films. Contributors included screenwriter and access coordinator Sofya Gollan, employment trainer Seema Dudley, filmmaker and actor Emily Dash, and access coordinator Chanel Bowen, who shared best practices for supporting diverse talent on set.
A Showcase of Inclusive Storytelling
An undeniable highlight of the summit was the screening of the feature film “Audrey,” starring Hannah Diviney. The film’s presentation, followed by an engaging Q&A session, exemplified the summit’s commitment to showcasing authentic narratives that resonate with a broad audience.
Reflections and the Path Forward
The Driving Change Summit illuminated the profound impact of collaborative efforts in reshaping industry standards. By addressing topics ranging from casting practices to the responsibilities of government and broadcasters, the summit fostered a comprehensive dialogue on dismantling barriers to inclusion. The event underscored the necessity of intersectional approaches in advocating for equitable representation. The Driving Change Summit is a movement towards a more inclusive and representative screen industry. As we reflect on the discussions and stories shared, we are reminded of the collective responsibility to drive systemic change, ensuring that the tapestry of global storytelling authentically reflects the richness of human experience.
For more information, please visit the summit website.