The road to becoming a filmmaker is becoming much more inclusive and accessible thanks to organisations like Bus Stop Films.
Bus Stop Films is not just any production company. They provide space for people with disability to learn and express themselves both on and off screen. It’s a community full of creative people with disabilities writing, directing and editing a wide range of productions.
Bus Stops Films is not a related organisation to Mable, but this Guide shines a spotlight on the great work they do to make filmmaking more accessible.
Bus Stop Employment, a service of Bus Stop Films, helps people with disability find jobs in the screen industry across TV, film and advertising. They also help support production companies to hire crew members with disability.
So how can the rest of the screen industry become more accessible?
“Firsty, it is really important for people with disabilities to be involved in filmmaking to allow the disability community to tell their stories their way,” says Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, CEO from Bus Stop Films.
Who’s behind the camera impacts what we see onscreen. As the disability community says, “Nothing about us, without us”, so having the perspective of people with disability becomes important. Without this perspective, you may lose the authenticity of the production.
The key to inclusivity is opportunity. Through providing opportunities for people with disability to gain meaningful experience in film & TV, Bus Stop Films is actively working to make the industry more inclusive.
“Working in the screen industry gives me the opportunity to turn what makes me different into a strength. I like how I can be an advocate for the screen industry to be truly inclusive,” shares Vincent, Bus Stop Films Intern.
A great way to learn the ropes is by joining a program, like the Bus Stop Films 40 week Accessible Filmmaking Program.
This is a supported program for people with mild to moderate intellectual disability to learn filmmaking. The program not only teaches technical skills, but also helps to improve social and communication skills that build confidence in an industry that is becoming increasingly more inclusive.
PLACES is a peer led program through Bus Stop Films. It focuses on filmmaking, leadership and creative outlets to form social and community connections. The program is aimed for people with disability who have taken previous filmmaking courses or have already gained experience in the industry.
The PLACES program has 3 streams that you can choose from:
You may be authorised to use your NDIS funding on Bus Stop Films programs if you are Plan-Managed or Self-Managed, and the program sufficiently outcomes fit with your Plan. Although they are not a registered training provider, they may still be able to help you. Bus Stop Films provides a customised NDIS Quote Form which you can request here.
This article does not guarantee an opportunity to secure employment or any other relationship with Blue Stop Films nor does it guarantee program availability or eligibility. If you wish to utilise any Commonwealth funding on screen industry workshops and are unsure about whether these types of services are coverable under your plan, Mable encourages you to enquire with your Plan Manager, Coordinator or the NDIS.
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