NBCUniversal has announced it will increase its focus on auditioning actors with disabilities for all new studio productions, according to a joint statement with the Ruderman Family Foundation.
The initiative comes on the heels of the Academy Awards’ new set of inclusion requirements for Best Picture, which were announced in July 2020 after partnering with the Ruderman Family Foundation earlier in the year in an effort to “change the landscape in Hollywood for people with disabilities.”
“The Ruderman Family Foundation is thrilled to see NBCUniversal commit to our guidelines and dedicate themselves further to casting people with disabilities in their productions,” says Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “By having such an influential entity like NBCUniversal take this bold stand, we hope to continue to see others join us in striving to create more opportunities for people with disabilities in entertainment.”
The Ruderman Family Foundation has spearheaded its efforts to enhance the visibility of artists with disabilities by partnering with A-list actors and directors to call on networks and studio executives to adopt the foundation’s guidelines, which include a pledge “to increase the number of auditions for actors and actresses with disabilities in television and film.”
NBCUniversal received the Ruderman Seal of Authentic Representation last November for “This Is Us,” awarded to the production because it featured “actors with disabilities in substantial speaking roles.” The Foundation also applauded the network for productions like “Gone,” “Chicago Med,” and “Law and Order: SVU,” which demonstrated a similar commitment to “authentic representation.”
30 Years After the Americans with Disabilities Act, Actors Still Demand Change According to a Ruderman Family Foundation whitepaper, half of U.S. households “want to see accurate portrayals of characters with disabilities.” And while only 22% of these characters are “authentically portrayed,” there has been a 7% increase in the number of top shows that feature characters with disabilities played by disabled actors since 2016.
“NBCUniversal remains committed to creating content that authentically reflects the world we live in and increasing opportunities for those with disabilities is an integral part of that,” said Janine Jones-Clark, Executive Vice President, Inclusion – Talent & Content, Film, Television & Streaming, NBCUniversal. “We are proud to join the Ruderman Family Foundation pledge as calls to action like theirs are important and hold the industry accountable of the work we still need to do in order to see systemic change.”
NBCUniversal’s response is the latest in entertainment institutions recognizing the lack of representation for actors with disabilities. As mentioned, The Academy has updated its inclusion requirements and Casting Society of America has acknowledged the underrepresentation of differently abled actors through its own initiative, holding a town hall and international open call to provide CSA members the opportunity to become familiar with actors they might not have known.
Looking to get cast? Apply to casting calls on Backstage.
