Netflix and the BBC (British Broadcasting Company) have formed a ground-breaking partnership pledging to develop new dramas led by disabled creators behind and in front of the camera. The BBC and Netflix already have individual commitments to inclusion and diversity but here they have signed a 5-year deal to increase disabled representation on and off-screen to reach a wider audience.
The BBC and Netflix will fund projects only from UK producers that have been created or co-created by writers who are neurodivergent or physically disabled in some way. The aim of this is the broaden the types of stories disabled writers or creatives can tell on a major platform and to put shows developed by disabled people in the industry in just as much limelight as some of Netflix and BBC’s most famous projects. Netflix said they want to co-commission shows “which challenge the limits that the industry might unconsciously put on disability”. The two media companies have realised that disabled people have been grossly underrepresented in television for too long and have vowed to deliver entertaining work that places disability front and centre and shine a light on disabled stories like never before.
All of the projects that do get made will be developed by both BBC and Netflix, but the BBC will be the point of entry for disabled UK producers. Piers Wenger, the BBC Director of Drama said: “Jack’s powerful, memorable MacTaggart has shone a revealing light onto the extent of the challenges faced by disabled creatives. We recognise the need for change, and we hope that in coming together the BBC and Netflix have created a funding model which will help level the playing field for deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creators in the UK. We would like to thank Anne and her team for the readiness and vision they have shown in coming on board to develop this initiative with us.”.
Anne Mensah, Netflix’s Vice President of Series in the UK, said: “Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent creators are some of the least well represented groups on television in the UK. Put simply, we want to change that fact. Together with the BBC, we hope to help these creators to tell the biggest and boldest stories and speak to the broadest possible British and Global audience. It’s been hugely exciting to develop this project with Piers Wenger and the BBC Drama team and we are incredibly passionate about the creative possibilities of this partnership.”
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