UK's Access All Areas launches production outfit co-led by Neurodivergent talent

UK-based consultancy and theatre company Access All Areas (AAA) is launching a new production outfit, co-led by learning disabled and autistic talent.

The company will focus on improving learning disabled and neurodivergent representation in television and film.

Per Variety, the launch coincides with a renewed drive for inclusion via the TV Access Project — a coalition of UK broadcasters and streamers who have pledged to support disability on and off screen — which is hosting a panel at this week’s Edinburgh TV Festival that will set out new standards for the industry.

Access All Areas is joining the TV Access Project as a partner.

Access All Areas Productions launches on August 23. The new outfit will work alongside streamers, broadcasters and other production companies to offer training, support and co-creation.

Its process for collaboration will include a three-step process, says Variety. It comprises of access training for production crews, casting teams and wider TV and film staff; and will be co-led by experienced learning disabled and autistic talent.

One-to-one creative support for talent in casting will also be provided, together with rehearsals on set, and access to the writers’ rooms to support neurodivergent talent in working with skilled writers.

2023's Diamond Report reveals that only 8% of onscreen talent are disabled, compared to 17% of the working population. Representation of learning disabled and autistic talent is negligible by comparison and not yet monitored by the industry, highlighting a greater need to balance the disparity. 

Commenting on the partnership, Patrick Collier, executive director of Access All Areas, said: “TAP represents an exciting drive by the TV and film industry towards full inclusion of disabled talent. Access All Areas believes that, with proper training for the industry, nuanced support for talent, and meaningful inclusion in the creative process, learning disabled and autistic voices can be at the heart of this drive. Alongside our partners in TAP, we want to see real systemic change, where the inclusion of learning disabled and autistic voices becomes normalised in our culture.”

Launched in 2007, AAA's recent credits with broadcasters and streamers include: I Used to Be Famous, The Crown, The Cleaner, Holby City and Hollyoaks; as well as an accessible Writers Lab with Sky Studios.