Masterclass Inclusive casting

• Duration: 2 hours (masterclass), 1 hour (speeddate)

Building an Inclusive Audiovisual Sector Together

In our country, there are talented actors with disabilities. They have completed professional training, possess exceptional skills, and are ready to shine on screen. However, they are rarely given the opportunity to showcase their talents in films or series.

Why?
Often, ignorance and uncertainty play a significant role—among producers, directors, casting directors, and even future creators in the audiovisual sector.

How do we address this? How can we ensure that inclusion becomes the norm, rather than the exception?

Often, ignorance and uncertainty play a big role—among productions, directors, casting directors, and even future makers in the audiovisual sector.

How do we address this? How can we ensure that inclusion is not an exception, but the norm?

During this inspiring masterclass, we will build bridges between all players in the field. We will discuss barriers and misconceptions, but most importantly, possibilities and talent. We will demonstrate why a diverse cast not only offers societal value but also enriches the artistic and content aspects. This masterclass will be led by Hilde Heijnen (Actress and lecturer at RITCS, Department of Directing – Fiction) and Elien Van Aerschot (Casting Director at Anntourage).

After the masterclass, there will be a private meeting between actors with disabilities and casting directors. An informal, one-on-one conversation organized by De Acteursgilde (led by Michaël Pas and Mira Bryssinck).

Think of it as a sort of speed date, where you meet a different casting director each time. It will be an open conversation, where no topics are avoided, and everything is up for discussion. You can share your specific wishes and needs to work professionally.

What can you expect?

🎬 An in-depth look at casting processes – from initial selection to role assignment

🗣 Practical insights and best practices – how inclusion really works on set

❓ An open Q&A and debate – because every voice matters

🗣 A private meeting between actors with disabilities and casting directors

DisABILITY Filmfestival and mediarte invite everyone in the audiovisual sector to participate and work together for true representation on screen.

📅 When?
Saturday, April 26th, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (masterclass)
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (speeddate with casting directors)

You can attend only the masterclass or only participate in the speeddate.

📍 Where?

Leuven Library Tweebronnen, Rijschoolstraat 4, 3000 Leuven

Who is this for?

• Actors with disabilities (professional or with relevant experience)

• Professional actors without disabilities

• Students in the audiovisual sector

• Directors & casting directors

• Producers and other film and TV professionals

Cost and registration:

Masterclass:

• €20 (regular fee), €10 (students), €5 (actors with disabilities)
• Register via Events Disability Film Festival

Speeddate:

• Free (with registration)
• Registration is possible until April 20th via email to mira.brys@gmail.com with the subject: "registration speeddate April 26." Please also mention if you would like a sandwich during the break, and if we need to account for any specific dietary needs or allergies.