Netflix Backs Effort To Support Filmmakers With Disabilities

By Michelle Diament

Picture of curved silver building structure with a large Netflix sign in front, surrounded by shrubbery. Netflix.

Netflix is putting up money for a new fellowship aimed at helping writers and filmmakers with disabilities break into the entertainment industry.

The streaming service is funding a yearlong program that will provide funding, mentorship and community for filmmakers with disabilities. The support is intended to allow creators to make a short film and bridge it into their debut feature.

Participants will receive $55,000 each to make their short with an experienced crew and support themselves as part of what’s known as the Visionary Fellowship. In addition, the program will provide access to health insurance, marketing support and money for travel and access needs.

While Netflix will finance the fellowship opportunity through its Fund for Creative Equity, the program will be run by the Inevitable Foundation, a nonprofit that invests in writers and filmmakers with disabilities.

Fellows will participate in mentorship and workshops with industry leaders, have opportunities to collaborate with other filmmakers and be part of a short film showcase that will bring together creative executives, agents and managers, Netflix said.

“This investment in disabled writer-directors represents a powerful expansion in our pipeline of support for disabled creatives, and speaks to the core of our mission: helping disabled creatives reach positions of industry power,” said Richie Siegel and Marisa Torelli-Pedevska, co-founders of the Inevitable Foundation, in a statement. “Netflix’s commitment across our programming — the largest from any studio to date — is a resounding endorsement of our barrier-breaking approach to fostering the next generation of disabled creators.”

Applications for the fellowship program will be accepted until July 31.