Advisor for Films & Television: Disability & Aging Issues

Skills:

Story/Script Development – Will Work with writer/director/producer to provide accuracy & present a sense of realism to the nuances of the spectrum of disability/and or aging as it pertains to the narrative the film is trying to tell

Acting Coach:  

As a trained therapist (with specific training in expressive therapies, i.e. drama, art, play therapies) will work with actors to understand the specific characteristics of the disability and/or aging experience in order to express a wide range of emotions on film. The goal is to provide actors with the toolkit they need to find the balance, intentions & impact of the disability on character to incorporate into the performance.

Technical Advisor:

As a technical advisor will serve the producer/writer/director on the film pertaining to disability/and or aging issues. Starting from pre production in area of casting ( see below) will make sure of the accuracy of every facet of production as it pertains to disability /and or aging issues. Will work with producers, marketing staff and executives to develop and create PR/marketing strategies that impact the exposure of a particular project. Will develop these strategies by connecting to the disability/and or aging communities through association marketing and other techniques. 

Casting:

Will work with casting directors to assist them in finding elements that the actor will need to play a particular role that requires a disability/and or aging component. Will use training as both an anthropologist and therapist to provide a greater awareness of human behavior that will maximize casting process. Work with casting directors in casting actors with disabilities and provide guidance in areas of specific needs such as accommodations, accessibility to how to work with them during the course of a shoot. 

Areas of Expertise: Types of Disabilities

Physical Disabilities (some examples below – but not limited to)   

Cerebral Palsy
Parkinson’s
Spina Bifida
Spinal Cord Injury
MS
Muscular Dystrophy
Visual Impairment
Stroke
Amputation

Cognitive Disabilities (examples below – but not limited to)

Autism/Asperger’s
Developmental Disabilities/Down Syndrome
Rhett’s Syndrome
Fragile X
Traumatic Brain Injury
Learning Disabilities
Aphasia
Alzheimer’s
Dementia
Traumatic Brain Injury
Mental Illness (Depression, Schizophrenia, Bipolar disorder, etc.)