CBC announces second round of AccessCBC program for creators with a disability

CBC announced the second round of AccessCBC: A CBC Initiative for Creators with a Disability, a national program for Deaf and disabled creators that will provide pre-development training, mentorship and financing support through three programming streams - scripted comedy/ drama, unscripted and kids. For the second iteration of AccessCBC, CBC is collaborating with the Disability Screen Office (DSO). The submissions for the scripted and kids streams are open until March 15.

“When we launched the AccessCBC pilot program two years ago, we were struck by the breadth and calibre of talent that we encountered from across Deaf and disability communities. Building on that initial success, the second round of AccessCBC allows us to further connect with and encourage new creative voices,” said Sally Catto, General Manager, Entertainment, Factual & Sports, CBC. “Working with the Disability Screen Office, this groundbreaking program will continue to offer professional development and networking opportunities to help emerging creators overcome barriers and cultivate careers behind the camera.”

“Empowering voices and breaking barriers, the Disability Screen Office proudly collaborates with CBC in the AccessCBC program,” said Winnie Luk, Executive Director, Disability Screen Office. “AccessCBC offers a platform for new and diverse voices in scripted comedy/drama, unscripted, and kids’ programming streams. Together, we believe in breaking down barriers and opening pathways for Deaf and disabled creators. Join us in reshaping the narrative and fostering genuine disability representation in the Canadian screen industry.”

SUBMISSIONS
The latest iteration of AccessCBC offers two streams open for submissions: scripted comedy/drama and kids. The scripted stream will provide an opportunity for up to four selected teams who are looking to develop a drama or comedy series, each consisting of at least one producer and one writer who are Deaf and/or have a disability, to participate in a pre-development training phase and mentorship. CBC executives will work closely with the creative teams and provide coaching and feedback on their concepts, ensuring they leave with practical experience as well as a polished pitch document.

New for the second year of AccessCBC, the kids stream will be offering up to five selected individual participants or teams (consisting of at least one producer and one writer who are Deaf and/or have a disability) a similar pre-development training phase and mentorship. The specific focus will be on short-form series, 11 minutes and under, either animated or live-action, for kids ages 4-6 or, secondarily, 6-10 years old, and across all genres, including arts and crafts, science and sports.

The approach for the unscripted stream in the second year of AccessCBC will focus on the CBC Creator Network and provide opportunities for Deaf and/or disabled creators who are currently working with CBC as part of it, to produce short digital content. They will work closely with a CBC producer who will mentor and guide them through the production process.