How Hollywood Reacts To My Disability - And Why It Matters For You

How Hollywood Reacts To My Disability - And Why It Matters For You

How Hollywood Reacts To My Disability - And Why It Matters For You

You see excitement sparking in the producer’s eyes. They tell you your concept is unique, highly marketable, and fills a void in a profitable genre…

Then the big question comes - the most important question you get asked in any pitch - “Why are YOU the one to tell this story?”

You respond, “I chose to write this paranoid-spy-thriller as my vehicle to immerse an audience in the experience of what it’s like living with an anxiety disorder, like my own CPTSD.”

They had been leaning in up till the last few words. Now... silence stretches. You can almost see frost forming on your Zoom window - the room has gone cold.

*Me in the pitch meeting:*

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

Did you know: 92-98% of those with PTSD and CPTSD are non-military

Industry professionals like the one I pitched above don’t think of themselves as ableists. They would never admit to not being disability-friendly. On the contrary, like this producer, many agents/managers/producers/execs publicly promote themselves as passionate about inclusivity and diversity. They’re only trying to help when they give you the note “You might get better reception if you don’t mention your disability.”

Despite accounting for 26% of the population people with disabilities have the least representation in Hollywood, both behind and in front of the camera.

DISABILITY - WHO I AM?

Six years ago I was mostly bedridden with autoimmune and neurological conditions. I was in the top 15% of severity with my autoimmune disease and was told I might not live past 15 more years. On top of that, I am neurodivergent with ADHD and CPTSD.

Imagine a good day being every inch of your body at a pain level of 8 with several areas at a pain level 10. Now imagine having been like that for fifteen years, with every year getting worse. Imagine all of your conditions being “invisible illnesses,” appearing to everyone around you as being healthy and fit. Imagine friends and family not believing you are sick or the severity of your condition. All of this would influence who you are, how you see yourself, how you see the world. It would shape the very foundations of your artistic voice.

“But don’t tell anyone about your disability…”

Six years ago I started an intensive treatment that transformed my life. Nine months of twice-weekly four-hour treatments enabled me to start full-time work again - as a YouTube influencer at Flite Test where I served as the channel manager until 2020.

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

Me at Work

Six years after starting treatment, I’m down to one session every other week plus working on myself an hour a day. I am thrilled to say that all of my past symptoms are dramatically reduced, including my ADHD and CPTSD. With my continued support system and ongoing treatment, the management of my symptoms continues to improve.

Unfortunately, in pitches, there’s not always the opportunity to tell that much of my story. And why should I have to? Why do I have to “overcome” my disabilities to have a seat at the table? What about people with disabilities where there is no “improvement of symptoms?” Should any of them be excluded? Should any of us?

Did you know: Many autoimmune diseases like Fibromyalgia, ME (Chronic Fatigue), Lupus, and others, used to be called “whiny woman’s disease” and to this day there are still medical practitioners who believe they are psychosomatic (all in the head) *3*. On top of that, many effective treatments for numerous disabilities are not covered by insurance like neuromuscular therapy, triggerpoint, myofascial release, and other “manual” medicine therapies.

Looking at it from a non-disabled perspective, in some ways it can be easy to understand Hollywood’s point of view.

  • If someone pitched to you saying they have a mental illness, your first thought is probably not ‘This is a great opportunity to represent a marginalized voice.’
  • If someone tells you they can’t work 12+ hour days, would you see them as an asset on a film set?
  • If someone needs extra accommodations, whether that is wheelchair access, a seeing-eye dog, a sign-language interpreter, or even something as simple as a special diet provided for them, would you be excited about figuring out how to meet their needs?

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

It may be human nature to see disability accommodation as more work, stress, and money to an already demanding profession. On the flip side, there are productions that will hire PAs just to read lines to their top talent, but when it is for actors with dyslexia or memory-related disabilities, they won't “spend the extra money” or go to the “extra effort.” This and the above bullet points are ableist.

That’s why these accommodations are protected under Federal law through the Americans With Disabilities Act. But it is nearly impossible to prove discrimination, especially in this industry.

The disability community just wishes we could be seen as valuable assets, more than worthy of the so-called “extra effort.” Because we are. Everyone, regardless of disability, deserves accommodations to help them succeed.

Let’s be real. We are all ableists, myself included. It is something we have to consciously choose to learn about and choose to do better.

The subject of disability is uncomfortable. Most people don’t know how to talk with someone about disability. People are anxious about saying the wrong thing. It can often be depressing to talk about.

I’m the personification of the meme “Sometimes I don’t realize something was traumatic until I tell it as a funny story and everyone’s looking at me weird.”

Sorry for killing the mood, y’all.

And so whether it is a filmmaker with a disability or a story being pitched involving disability, the hurdles into this industry for disabled people are often insurmountable.

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

INSPIRATION PORN

There are three types of stories involving disabilities that Hollywood has historically liked:

  • On the one corner of the triangle is the “cripple as victim” or “pitied cripple” trope - Tiny Tim, Crutchy from Newsies, Million Dollar Baby, Elephant Man, Me Before You, Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Upside, Lieutenant Dan, Jake Sully of Avatar.
  • On another corner of the triangle, the evil cripple (often with mental illness and/or physical disability or deformity)- Joker, Vader, General Grievous, Blofeld, Hook, Dr. Strangelove, Mr. Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life, Elijah Price in Unbreakable, and hundreds more found here
  • And at the top, the “inspiring cripple” and “supercrip” tropes where disability is portrayed as something to be overcome by superhuman feats, or something that gives you genius-level abilities/intelligence- Forrest Gump, Rain Man, A Beautiful Mind, K-Pax, The Aviator, Phenomenon, Monk, Book of Eli, River Tam in Firefly, Robocop, Zatoichi, Toph in A.T.L.A., Daredevil, Hulk, Chirrut Imwe (lots of superheroes), and hundreds more found here

Not all of the above characters or movies are completely problematic (some are). It is the prevalence of these depictions to the exclusion of all others that is so damaging.

This is a great site for exploring disability (and other) tropes and another great resource here and a more comprehensive list of sub-tropes here.

Hollywood is typically most interested in stories and story-crafters who fit the “inspiring cripple” trope that can help sell “inspiration porn.” Even with my own experience, I find that when I am allowed to tell my “recovery” story, I get an infinitely more welcoming reception.

Who doesn’t like hearing those stories? I bet you had the same emotional response reading about my going from being mostly bedridden to having a full-time YouTube influencer job. I welcome the celebration of my journey. But why do these have to be the only stories we are allowed to tell to represent disabilities… to be heard?

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

ARE YOU AN ABLEIST?

Remember the 1996 Olympics when Kerri Strug did that amazing vault with an injured ankle?

At the time, I was certainly inspired. I was jumping up and down cheering, blown away by her selfless bravery.

Now I see it differently.

Now, Simone Biles's historic work at the 2021 Olympics is what I cheer for.

Both of these gymnasts faced a disability. Look at society’s response:

  • Kerri Strug’s ankle injury is what the ADA calls a “short-term disability.” With this disability, she was coerced to endanger herself to perform a winning vault. In doing so she was hailed as a sports hero. She violently overcame her short-term disability, but the long-term effects were physically damaging. Did you know that Vault ended her gymnastics career?
  • Simone Biles is neurodivergent, has ADHD. It is not our place to judge or even to know how or how much ADHD symptoms influenced this situation. The fact is she put her mental and physical health first and was derided as weak, selfish, and un-American, becoming perhaps the most hated gymnast of all time. I love her for it.

It takes a good deal more mental investment and emotional maturity to be inspired by Simone choosing to “sit the bench” rather than to have a suspenseful, climactic performance where she risks her health for Gold.

If the vitriol directed at Simone Biles is evidence of how our culture treats our top athletes when they take care of their health, you can imagine how people in our society treat others with disabilities.

At best, we are told to ‘suck it up,’ and ‘stop whining.’ We are gaslit, belittled, and denied accommodation. We lose our jobs but don’t have the ability to take our former employers to court. Only 35% of us have a job, yet of those without a job, 2 out of 3 are able to work but can’t find employers who will provide adequate accommodation *4*. Those of us who are employed make 37% less income than our non-disabled peers with the same job. This gap worsens the higher the skill/education level we have *5*. At the same time, the average household with a disabled member requires 28% additional income to have the same standard of living as a comparable household without a disability. *6*

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

Did you know: Over 60% of people who are chronically homeless have experienced a lifetime of mental illness. On top of that, 42.8% of the homeless population have a disability. *7* How do you react when you see homeless people in your area?

All too often the stories we see of someone overcoming their disability depict a single moment of pushing through symptoms to achieve some external goal (Kerri Strug). It gives us a sense of catharsis and a reason to cheer. But in real life, the disability is often worsened by these choices.

It is normal, natural psychology to be inspired by those who overcome adversity, be it adversity from our external world, or our internal condition. It is normal, natural psychology to feel disappointed, discouraged, hopeless, or even angered by stories where obstacles aren’t violently conquered. Do we cheer for someone who seemingly gives up in the face of adversity?

And yet this is the world of disability, both chronic and acute. In the real world, our disability is something that is lived with... something that requires sufferance… something that is endured. Disability that can be overcome is typically overcome in means that lack fanfare - through rest, through support, through introspection, through pain, through love. It is an ugly, messy, tedious, often depressing, and from the outside, boring journey.

Because of this, there is an attitude toward disability, that when it is not depicted as the “inspiring cripple” story, it should be kept to yourself.

Disability is treated like a rash on your crotch... no one wants to hear about it.

Our disability should not be treated like the One Ring. “Keep it secret, keep it safe.” It is not an evil, corrupting burden to the bearer or those around them that must be carried to the pit of Mt. Doom and cast in.

Disability is something that should be represented. Disability is something that should be explored. Disability is something that should be celebrated, in front of and behind the camera.

So are you an ableist? I believe we are all born into an ableist society and are therefore all ableists. So it's up to us to learn, grow, and choose to be anti-ableist.

Did you know: 96% of people with chronic medical conditions live with a condition that is not visibly apparent - an “invisible disability.” *8* Don’t judge that person with a handicap sticker as “faking it” because they “look fine.”

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DISABILITY REJECTIONS

Not everyone in Hollywood is looking for disability inspiration porn. It’s just that there are so few people actively elevating disability voices that it is soul-crushing that a fair percentage of those who have some openness, only have eyes for this ableist “inspiring cripple” trope.

Do you remember that producer I mentioned at the beginning of this post? They asked about that - if my main character overcomes his anxiety disorder in the end.

No. Absolutely not. In fact, my main character’s disorder is worsened by the events of the story, making the denouement bitter-sweet (but also setting up a sequel).

The producer was confused… they asked why write it that way. If it isn’t about the main character overcoming his disability, what could possibly be the character’s arc, and why make him disabled at all? (The unspoken comment here - because people with disabilities are all two-dimensional, whose only defining characteristic is their disability - SMH)

I responded that the theme is about finding your internal significance, and loving and accepting yourself where you are when others disregard you. The point is that most people with long-term/permanent disabilities (such as my main character’s neurodivergence) DON’T overcome their disability - they have to find a way forward in a world openly hostile to their differences.

The producer didn’t find that palatable and passed.

I’m not playing the disabled victim here. There may have been additional reasons why they weren't interested. But my experience with this producer is not unique.

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

STAGE 32 INTRODUCE YOUR FAIL WEEKEND

Stage 32 previously held an introduce yourself weekend, FAIL weekend edition where people were encouraged to share their worst rejection stories. I was not surprised to see many posts from people who shared horror stories of being rejected due to their disability/neurodivergence. Seeing all those stories was the impetus for me to write this blog post.

If you have a disability, I encourage you to share your experiences in the comments below.

For everyone else, what can you do?

The first step is awareness. Talk to people with disabilities to learn about their struggles in this industry and what you might be able to do to help. Read some of those comments posted below. Follow disabled advocates/orgs on social media. Here’s a handful to get you started:

@mstatilee, @thetalanderson, @neurodiversally_unbroken, @carson_tueller, @RespectAbility,

@itslololove, @blindishlatina, @Diversability, @gabrielocasiocortez, @keely_cat_wells

Think about how the industry has unaddressed hurdles for disabilities - I’m sure it has never crossed your mind that 48-hour-type film festivals naturally discourage people with many kinds of disabilities from participating simply due to their format. This may not be “wrong” or something to be fixed, but you can begin to understand the hurdles people face.

Look for articles and resources on disability and disability representation in media.

How Hollywood Reacts to My Disability And Why it Matters For You

When you see any variation of an “inspiring cripple,” or “inspiration porn,” question it. Does it leverage disability to make the story (even a BioPic) more emotionally compelling? Is disability used to make a villain more menacing? Is disability depicted as an obstacle to be overcome, to be triumphed over and make you cheer when it should be society’s lack of accommodations that is the obstacle to be overcome? Who benefits most from the depiction? Is it an Influencer giving a homeless person a wad of cash? Is a TV host amping up how inspiring a disabled person’s story is? How would the narrative be changed if they weren’t disabled?

For a deeper understanding of the “inspiration porn” issue, I highly recommend watching Stella Young’s Ted Talk “I’m not your inspiration”.

A great documentary that looks at how people with disabilities have been both shut out and inappropriately depicted in Hollywood is the 2018 film CinemAbility which is said to be “The most entertaining and comprehensive history of disability in American film and television ever.” Roger Ebert

If you want to be inclusive of disabilities, AWESOME! A great resource for making sure your depictions are accurate and people with disabilities are properly included is RespectAbility. Comprised of diverse people with disabilities, RespectAbility’s entertainment media consultants partner with studios, production companies, writers’ rooms and news organizations to create equitable and accessible opportunities to increase the number of people with lived disability experience throughout the overall story-telling process. As a primer, here’s their Hollywood Inclusion Toolkit.

Finally, if you are a decision-maker in the industry, I encourage you to look for ways you may be acting on subconscious bias, marginalizing people with disabilities, either on or behind the camera. Then actively implement ways to provide opportunities and accommodations to people with disabilities. For example, if you are hosting a talent search competition, consider a format that does not limit people with disabilities (i.e. don’t do a 48-hour film challenge).

Disability representation is a multifaceted subject with many nuances. But at the end of the day, we deserve a place at the table and the means and opportunity to represent ourselves in all facets of the industry.

Let's hear your thoughts in the comments below!

Got an idea for a post? Or have you collaborated with Stage 32 members to create a project? We'd love to hear about it. Email Emily at blog@stage32.com and let's get your post published!

Please help support your fellow Stage 32ers by sharing this on social. Check out the social media buttons at the top to share on Instagram @stage32 , Twitter @stage32 , Facebook @stage32 , and LinkedIn @stage-32 .

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About the Author

Jeremy Andrew Davis

Jeremy Andrew Davis

Director, Screenwriter, Producer

A writer/director/producer, Jeremy draws on his neurodiversity to immerse audiences into experiences of marginalized people who must process their past trauma to navigate a hostile world. Using fast-paced genre writing Jeremy blends contemporary issues into entertaining thrill-rides that ultimately...

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23 Comments on Jeremy Andrew's Article

Paul Rivers
Filmmaker, Screenwriter, Comedian, Author, Content Creator, Actor
Thanks Jeremy, as a fellow creator and a person with more than one disability. I have nolt used my disabilities to answer that question. I've consider the "Why you, why now" a general marketing question to open up the producer's mind by showing them upfront that I think thier efforts can be profitable, that is why I am giving them this brief opprotunity to get on board?
2 years ago
Eon C. Rambally
Animator, Director, Producer, Screenwriter
You know, if we view people with "so called", disabilities, psychological and otherwise as soldiers of an "invisible war", isn't that always a far better perspective "generally" to deal with individuals, rather than leave them to fight on their own, whilst the "so called strong", thrive on? A coward is amongst persons who would leave a fellow soldier to perish on a battlefield! How's that for perspectives? Thanks for posting, Jeremy Andrew Davis!
2 years ago
Michael A. Levine
Music Composer, Producer, Screenwriter, Songwriter
Jeremy, I just saw this tremendous article. Thanks so much for posting. I am autistic. There I said it. For years, it was something I hid with enormous effort. Not unlike, in the old days, being black and passing for white, or gay and passing for straight. I know my autistic traits have lost me jobs. But, like eco-activist Greta Thundberg says, autism is also my superpower. I have had what most people would consider a successful career. (8-time ASCAP award winner, 2-time Gov. of the Television Academy). Would it have been more so had I not been autistic? It is both a disability and an ability. So, as a (theoretically) mature adult I have finally decided just to accept it. A couple of weeks ago I spoke (via Zoom from L.A.) at the Au-some Conference hosted by Autism Canada. It was my first ever public appearance as an autistic person and it felt deeply meaningful. I think the more of us who are willing to "come-out" the less stigmatizing it will be.
2 years ago
Maurice Vaughan
Screenwriter
WOW! Amazing blog about a topic I don’t hear a lot about, Jeremy! So glad you’re shining a light on this topic so more people can hear about it and so Hollywood can change how it reacts to creatives/professionals with disabilities. There are so many incredible things about this blog, like “The disability community just wishes we could be seen as valuable assets, more than worthy of the so-called “extra effort.” Because we are. Everyone, regardless of disability, deserves accommodations to help them succeed.” That is totally true. I subscribed to your channel and FliteTest. Looking forward to checking out the videos.
2 years ago
Steven Long
Actor, Director, Editor, Voice Actor, 3D Animator, Animator, Distributor, Film Festival Director
As a disabled Filmmaker, I can appreciate this article. That is the reason I created my film festival. Fully interactive virtual experience.
2 years ago
Sherri ZImmerman
Art Director, Author, Craft Services, Graphic Designer, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Translator
Thank you, Jeremy Andrew
2 years ago
Pamela Jaye Smith
Author, Director, Producer, Screenwriter, Acting Teacher, Script Consultant, Story Analyst
Thank you, Jeremy Andrew, for putting out this very informative article. It certainly offers some perspectives and suggestions I'd not thought of but will certainly work to keep in mind. Already I see how we can expand one of the characters in a story we are developing. Also, and excellent resource for information is the Entertainment Industries Council. https://www.eiconline.org/ "The ART of Making a Difference" is something they support with lots of referrals, articles, resources, and events. They have been working with major studios and media makers so have a really rich background and lots to offer. Wishing you all good fortune with all your own creative projects!
2 years ago
Jennifer Edwards
Screenwriter
Thank you for writing this blog that applies to not only Hollywood, but society in general. Your description and insights are valuable and appreciated.
2 years ago
Joseph Kibler
Actor, Screenwriter, Content Creator
Such amazing things being discussed here and so glad to see your blog here! Love following all your work on TikTok.
2 years ago
Noel Hoffmann
Screenwriter
Thank you, Jeremy! I have struggled with POTS and auto-immune disease for years not knowing what it was. It's debilitating, horrible and awful. Love the insight and would love to know which therapy helped you.
2 years ago
Suzanne Bronson
Actor, Crafty, Production Assistant, Stage Manager, Voice Artist, Host/Presenter
Thank you, Jeremy Andrew
2 years ago
Doug Kayne
Actor, Comedian, Director, Screenwriter, Studio Teacher
Thank you for this. Definitely food for thought regarding those who are ignored or "swept under the rug".
2 years ago
Haley Mary
Actor, Songwriter, Comedian
I have a learning disability that affects my short term memory. I was born with it due to asphyxiation. It takes me longer to learn than the average person. I need to write things down, need more repetitions and learn more visually and hands-on than auditorally. Jobs were definitely a struggle when I was younger and it took me years to find an understanding employer who allowed me to learn at my own pace. I'm actually more comfortable being a poet, songwriter and comedian at open mic nights because I feel more intelligent in those areas because my short term memory isn't as noticeable. I also do songwriting with a friend who has William's Syndrome and epilepsy. He's a Presley/Orbison tribute artist and he doesn't let his disability stop him from trying to achieve his dreams.
2 years ago
Hugh Mcneelege
Author, Playwright, Screenwriter
Thanks for covering so many facets of the issues around ableism and being "out" about disabling conditions. It's fairly obvious I have physical disabilities because I use a cane and have an odd gait. The easiest is telling people I don't have a left patella due to an accident and showing them my bent fingers on my right hand. But there are the four balance issues that can't be seen. And there are the three mental health diagnoses created when I was harassed out of my last job 10 years ago. Even medical professionals have ignored my explanation why I become suddenly angry and think I should chill. Last, there's the neurodivergence that people don't know what to do with but is the source of the depth and nuance in my writing. Per usual, this is all about me. I am the King of TMI with chronic logorrhea. The full story is in my essays on Medium.com.
2 years ago
Andrea Lynn Weiss
screenwriter
I am learning disabled, and trying to break in. I fictionalized my autobiography in a screenplay which I'm just starting to circulate. This article was helpful, so far this hasn't been my experience, but let's see if that changes. I'm perfectly prepared for what happened of it does. The screenplays that I'm getting serious interest in aren't about disabilities, I hope that's not one reason why people are interested. Thank you Jeremy Andrew for this timely article. Now I know what I'm up against. May I be as successful as you.
2 years ago
Andrea Lynn Weiss
screenwriter
Thank you, Jeremy Andrew
2 years ago
L. Tom Deaver
Author, Screenwriter, Producer
As a sufferer of Schizoaffective Disorder, I fully understand the unspoken frozen reception of many in the business world. They don't speak it out loud for fear of lawsuits and being perceived as a "bad" guy or gal, but it is there. Great job with your writing and representing the disabled community.
2 years ago
Stephanie Munch
Author, Screenwriter, Assistant Director, Audio Post-Production, Casting Director
Thank you for this article Jeremy (and for sharing useful links!) For a long time I didn't talk about my BPD precisely because I didn't want to draw attention to it and discourage potential publishers/producers. But of course my characters are a reflection of who I am and my neurodivergent condition has become obvious, and so much the better. But you're right, this industry and society in general still have a lot of work to do to change the way it looks at disability, whatever it may be. Bravo for succeeding with chronic pain and neurodivergence. That's how we'll change mentalities.
2 years ago
Peter Gartner
Playwright, Screenwriter
I am neuro-divergent and disabled, and it certainly causes a reduction in networking possibilities, so I concentrate on my writing, but write stories as they occur. Some feature disabled people, such as "Deja Vu For Ice And Jen" about two middle-aged homeless disabled women in the US, which won the Best Social Screenplay at a festival in Newark, New Jersey, USA, even though I actually live in Manchester, UK, so my American must have been acceptable.
2 years ago
Maureen Vantrease
Actor, Producer
Thank you so much for providing this insight. I am currently working on a TV pilot that includes a 19 yer old with Down Syndrome and hope to address it properly. I've gotten some feedback from a friend who does have such a daughter, and she likes how the girl is portrayed. there will be more episodes, so it will be great to get more insight. Thanks again!
2 years ago
Sherri ZImmerman
Art Director, Author, Craft Services, Graphic Designer, Screenwriter, Songwriter, Translator
Absolutely EXCELLENT writing here of the hidden depth of TRUTH regarding this entire subject... I DO UNDERSTAND IT because I am one of them! SO thank you Jeremy Andrew for this... thankfully I have 2 producers ON BOARD turning my BOOK SUCCESS AFTER INSANITY into a MOVIE as we speak!! These 2 females are fantastic and NOT SHALLOW... and see the grander picture - We are in beginning stages of negotiations... JEREMY ~ I DO NOT HAVE A DIRECTOR AS OF YET... I'd BE HONORED... if you were. WHAT is the possibility of having YOU on board as THE DIRECTOR for this project of my AUTOBIO... ?? THE simple fact, of your writing here and the topic which INCLUDES MYSELF AS ONE... would LOVE to see if it IS A FIT?
2 years ago
Jeffery Ogata
Screenwriter, Attorney (Non-Entertainment)
Thanks for writing about this important issue. Everyone needs education about how to tackle this, in life and on the screen.
2 years ago
People with disabilities should be lauded for their accomplishments, not derided or belittled. And, in a perfect world that would be true.
2 years ago
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