TORONTO — Accessible Media Inc. (AMI), in partnership with Toronto-based production company Winterhouse Films Inc., announced today the new 10-part documentary series Breaking Character will debut Wednesday, April 27 at 8 p.m. ET on AMI-tv.
The docuseries explores disability representation on screen through the eyes of six performers living with disabilities, explains an AMI press release.
“In the past decade, less than three percent of films featured a character with a disability. And, often, these rarest of roles have been taken by neuro-typical and able-bodied actors,” the release says.
“But the industry is at a tipping point as it feels the push for a more inclusive representation. Major broadcasters have committed to auditioning actors with disabilities. Advertisers are creating campaigns that reflect disabilities in a relatable manner while promoting their products. Those leading the fight aren’t just the ones in front of the camera but the people representing them.”
Breaking Character captures “the journey these mold-breaking performers make as they navigate the fast-paced and sometimes cutthroat entertainment industry in Hollywood North,” the release says.
The six performers featured in the series include: Alexia Vassos (above), a stage and screen actor who was the first Little Person to graduate from her university’s theatre and drama program; Dan Barra-Berger, a stand-up comic who is partially sighted; Caeden Lawrence, a TV and film actor with genetic progressive hearing loss; Tai Young, a performer who has been in musical theatre productions, commercials and TV shows, and uses a wheelchair; Catherine Joell McKinnon, an actor, filmmaker and ASL coach who is deaf; and Rachel Romu, a model, musician and activist with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Each episode of Breaking Character “delves into the performers’ daily lives and takes us behind the scenes as they go through the audition process, hone their craft, eagerly await news of whether they got the gig, and adapt to the pressures of life in the business,” the release says.
“Representing the interests, concerns and values of persons with disabilities through accessible media, reflection and portrayal is at the core of AMI’s vision,” said John Melville, vice-president of content development and programming for AMI-audio/AMI-tv, in the release.
“We hope that Breaking Character will further the conversation and lead to true diversity on the stage and screen.”
Season one of Breaking Character features Integrated Described Video (IDV), making it accessible to individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
In addition to airing on AMI-tv, episodes are available to stream on demand on AMI.ca and the AMI-tv app for Apple and Android.
For more, please click here.
Photo provided by AMI.
