Photo Credit: The Periscope Crew
It’s a documentary that hopes to reveal the stories of a group of people with disabilities trying to make it in the media – but the film makers need the public’s help.
Called The Periscope Crew, a social enterprise program is hoping to give a group of young film makers the chance to documents their joy and struggles at crafting a career in a tough industry.
The Periscope Crew is coordinated by local community organisation Soul Gestures Incorporated and has five people developing their communication and technical skills.
There’s a limited number of media-art jobs available despite the high demand for it, says National Disability Service (NDS) program manager Debbie Cameron.
The NDS helps companies provide work for people with a disability and has recorded only 53 per cent of individuals participating in employment.
“Creating a job for people with a disability is difficult as some employers are receptive to employing those who are disabled while others are uncertain of how to go about doing it,” Mrs Cameron says.
“Most have aspirations about working in media but it’s a very competitive industry and depends if the company is willing [to employ].”
Periscope’s head producer Kate Campbell says their media focus is important as it allows the volunteers to be in control of their own media representation and gives them a voice.
“Our society is built around able-bodied people and film is a reflection of that society,” Ms Campbell says.
“We can build and find new ways to reflect their perspective [of society] and give them a place to belong where they won’t be judged when trying to build skills.”
“It allows them to experience and adapt to new things in a trial and error environment.”
The voluntary crew has produced a dance video in collaboration with dance company Dance Etc, filmed the launch of the Perth Football League season and are overseeing Olympian and Para-Olympian documentaries they created in post-production.
Currently, they’re seeking funds for a web series adaption of the crew’s personal stories which will allow them to learn the complete filmmaking process.
Ms Campbel says she’d like the company to be self-sufficient but first they need to manage funds so they can continue to produce content and give more opportunities to people with disabilities.
“We’re approaching the NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), trying to get more capacity builders as we don’t want [Periscope] to be volunteer forever,” Kate says.
“We want to be able to pay staff and for the crew to have real career opportunities.”