This application is for all of RespectAbility’s Labs for 2024. You will be asked to indicate interest for which program(s) you are applying for.

The RespectAbility Entertainment Lab is for disabled creatives working in development, production and/or post-production, and careers as writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, animators, and other production roles. This is not a program for actors.

VIRTUAL LAB: The 2024 Virtual Entertainment Lab is a five-month program (May – September 2024) where up to 20 Fellows will meet on Tuesday afternoons, replacing the previous 6-week virtual program. This will allow Lab Fellows more time in between sessions to put the information they are learning into practice, while building community with each other outside of Lab sessions.

INTENSIVES: RespectAbility will be offering up to five new in-person intensive sessions geared toward Fellows who are looking for more advanced career opportunities in specific creative areas. These intensives will be hosted in Los Angeles by RespectAbility’s various industry partners for cohorts of up to 5 Fellows each. They will take place between May – November 2024 and will be open to both new applicants and alumni. Possible opportunities for 2024 LA Intensives include: 

- Physical Production (1-3 days)

- Documentary and Unscripted (1-3 days)

- Writing Drama (1-3 days)

- Writing Comedy (1-3 days)

- Writing for Adult Animation (1-3 days)

- Writing for Children's Animation (1-3 days)

CHILDREN’S CONTENT LAB: RespectAbility may be bringing back the Children’s Content Lab for 2024. Applicants interested in being considered for this opportunity should indicate interest where applicable in the application. This Lab provides education and training for disabled TV writers and creative executives interested in preschool and children’s television and streaming content. It will be a five-month hybrid program. There will be sessions in-person in New York City, including at the beginning of the program and an in-person showcase at the end. In between, Lab sessions will be on Zoom.  

Since 2019, the RespectAbility Entertainment Lab has been achieving two goals:

1. Create an ecosystem of disabled creatives supporting each other by developing and elevating a community of disabled entertainment professionals working behind-the-scenes in television, film, and streaming.

2. Connect disabled creatives to studio executives and other decision makers who will provide mentorship leading to higher employment rates among the talent pipeline of alumni. No one should have an excuse that they could not find a disabled writer, director, producer, or any other creative professional.

During all of RespectAbility’s Labs, Fellows will enjoy:

- Interactive presentations, roundtables, and other workshops with high-level executives and talent from major studios, networks, and production companies

- Informal networking with your cohort and alumni from previous cohorts

Virtual Cohort Fellows have the opportunity to pursue an independent creative pursuit (script, short film) and receive feedback through mentorship, project workshops, and table reads.

Children’s Content Lab Fellows will have 1:1 mentorship and engage in project workshops and a talent showcase. There may be a financial stipend available for these Fellows.

Lab alumni currently are working at Disney, Netflix, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and more.