The BBC has detailed two major schemes to train up disabled talent across its programmes.
It has almost doubled the number of places on its Elevate scheme, which will offer six- to 12-month placements for 30 disabled, deaf or neurodivergent people with three credits under their belt.
In its launch year in 2019, the scheme placed 16 people across shows such as Would I Lie To You?, Strictly Come Dancing and The Repair Shop and most have had their contracts extended beyond the placement period.
Participants will get mentoring, training and coaching, with indies also set to receive disability confidence training.
Applications are due by 30 January. For full details, click here
Ralph and Katie
Meanwhile, BBC1 drama Ralph and Katie is to offer remote training to 15 people with disabilites when it kicks off production this spring, while in its second year,
The six-part series centres on a couple with Down’s Syndrome, who first featured in established drama The A Word.
The HETV Remote Trainee Programme, starting in mid-February and running for six months, is supported by the TripleC Disabled Artists Networking Community (DANC).
It is open to deaf, disabled, autistic and neurodivergent applicants at an early stage in their career, with TV credits or transferable skills from other sectors.
Participants will gain access key documents across the production cycle and take part in fortnightly Zoom meeting with heads of departments to discuss scripts, location scouting, scheduling, budgeting, set design, and wardrobe.
Some places will prioritise applicants from the Manchester and north west, where the series is to be filmed.
Disability pressure group Underlying Condition, run by Barr with Care writer Jack Thorne, production manager Katie Player and producer Holly Lubran, recently published its ‘blueprint for meaningful change’, which proposed a 0.1% levy on high-end TV to fund support and specialist equipment.
Barr and Thorne have also co-written upcoming BBC2 drama Then Barbara Met Alan, based on the true story of two disability activists.
To apply for the scheme, email applications.tripleC@gmail.com with HETV in the heading by 17 January. Audio or video applications are also welcomed in English and BSL.
