How to meet Standard E
For feature films and Future Takes, you need to respond to the full criteria. For short films and films at development stage, should respond to this standard in as much detail as possible.
This standard covers how accessibility is addressed and adhered to with regards to on-screen character portrayal or storylines or how those working on the film are being interviewed, hired, cast, and onboarded.
It covers the practical workplace considerations, comprising creative leadership, crew, film team members and other film project roles. It covers how training and development programmes, interventions, and career opportunities are offered and executed in an accessible way, with consideration as to how to remove barriers that might make it more difficult for people to be aware of the opportunities, take part and succeed.
Going beyond Standard D, this standard requires evidence of conscious commitment and tangible actions to improve overall accessibility.
It’s important to detail the strategies, access plans and interventions that go beyond specific requirements or any contractual minimums for funding.
E1 Accessibility
This criteria relates to accessibility considerations, commitments and actions.
Criteria
A 500-word statement on commitments and/or delivered actions to improve overall accessibility considerations during the film project.
Guidance
Provide an overall summary, in the form of a statement (500 words), with clear intentions or evidence that a holistic approach is being taken across all standards to address accessibility of the film project in the widest possible sense.
Accessibility is the practice of making information, activities, and/or environments available, practical, meaningful, and usable to the broadest population.
Detail the strategies and access plans that increase overall accessibility for all individuals, especially those with visible, as well as non-visible disabilities, including those with acquired, physical or cognitive conditions that require considerations to enhance their engagement and experience.
On a basic level, you should be addressing policies and processes you have in place to find out about and address any accessibility requirements of people working in the film. These processes should be as inclusive as possible, and should demonstrate thinking around how and when to ask for this information, so that the production has time and budget to address requirements.
You should also demonstrate considerations around accessibility when searching for locations, studio space and post-production facilities.
Beyond physical ability, demonstrate efforts to evaluate and address accessibility needs, including actions that focus on universal design frameworks, presentation of information and terminology, accessible user design, accounting for learning styles, working preferences, and neurodiversity.
You should give examples of specific requirements you have met, as well as indicating where addressing any individual requirements have led you to change your approach overall to make things more accessible.
Removing socioeconomic and geographic barriers and consideration for different cultures and religions built into all aspects of the project may also be referenced.
Access plans should evidence accessibility measures across a broad scope of activities across all standards and be supported by a budget allocation plan.
Where the subject matter of the film may be difficult for cast, contributors or crew, you should demonstrate thoughts around how to make everyone aware, and to be safe and comfortable.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- filmmaking recruitment and onboarding processes e.g. access riders
- creation of dedicated advisory roles
- accessible training, development, mentoring
- accessible sites, set locations/studios, screening venues and toilets
- accessible promotional marketing materials and events
Actions implemented to intentionally raise awareness and encourage inclusive behaviours around accessibility will be considered. Past examples have included basic BSL training for all crew, onboarding around different gender identities for all crew.
We will consider the stage of production, size of the crew and budget and scale of the project.