We are excited to help make the Canadian media industry more inclusive, and look forward to amplifying the voices of people with disabilities across the Canadian media landscape.
Ophira Calof (pronouns: they/she) is a multi-award-winning disabled writer and performer who is drawn to character-driven stories that combine humor and heart while subverting narrative tropes and working to “crip the script,” centering disability knowledge and experience. Their recent credits include One More Time (CBC), Rubble and Crew (Treehouse TV), PUSH (CBC), Shelved (CTV), Dino Dex (Amazon Prime), Welcome Series (Titan1Studios), and their solo show Literally Titanium, which has been featured in both academic and performance spaces as a case study in accessible production.
Ophira is also the creative director for the Accessible Writers’ Lab, a national initiative presented by AMI, RAFFTO, and sponsored by the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm, to experiment with what an accessible TV writers’ room might involve. Ophira was the accessibility process lead for AccessCBC and the curatorial committee lead for the 2022 ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto. They have taught workshops and provided mentorship internationally on storytelling, writing, music, accessibility, and disability narratives and created the courses Sketch Comedy with Ophira Calof and Crip Storytelling, a series in partnership with Centre of Independent Living Toronto and the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre.
The Disabled Producers Lab is a part-time, online program designed as a space for disabled producers marginalized by gender across Canada, including, but not limited to, transgender women, cisgender women, transgender men, non-binary people, and many other gender identities. Up to five participants will enter the lab with a completed short film script (up to 10 minutes or 10 to 11 pages) and be paired with an industry mentor to support them in developing a comprehensive production binder for the film featuring a realistic schedule, budget, accessibility plan, and pitch package. This lab aims to strengthen the skills and knowledge required to be a successful producer and create systemic change within the production industry by fostering an environment where accessibility is at the forefront of production practices, challenging and reshaping industry norms.
