ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

7 years, 3 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

I don't have epilepsy (as far as I'm aware). However, I do find that my own lack of a driving license is a barrier to many film (and sales, and construction) jobs.

Here are some jobs you can do without a driver's license:
Actor (many top actors don't have licenses, and many runners actually drive even bit part actors as part of their job.)
3D special effects
3D animation
Post production (including sound, editing, 3D compositing)
Some forms of line producing.
Anything really, if it pays well enough to hire a driver or at least take a taxi. But, many runners are asked to have driving licenses.

Now, epilepsy will probably also be tricky with stunt work and crew work, two things I can do. If you can't drive a car, there are obviously other things that might be dangerous. (Some actors who don't have full licenses still do stunts with vehicles, because they can work a vehicle with precision, even if highways are too distracting.)

Lou Ferrigno, TV's incredible hulk, was deaf.
One of my favourite shows growing up, I think it was called "Life Goes On", had a character named "Chuck" in one of the lead roles. The character had Down syndrome, so naturally the actor did.
Tom Cruise was supposed to be Dyslexic.

The list goes on with many non-celebrities. Most photographers I know are dyslexic or claim to be, but they all seem to drive.

As far as mentorship programs goes, tell me about it. There was one to be an accountant, an accountant, and they required a full drivers license. What, to crunch numbers?

But, things are changing, and the law now states that employers can't discriminate by proxy by having invalid stipulations in a job description (so, a lot of the jobs I lost in the old days because I didn't have a license would have to consider me now). I only wish that law was in place when I was in my twenties, when my CVs were repeatedly binned because I couldn't drive.

You probably won't find much paid work here, but go to a website like TheKnowledge or KFTV, find production or post production companies that worked on stuff you like, and see if they have any openings on their websites.
All the best.

7 years, 3 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

I forgot to add, operating a teleprompter, studio work, floor manager...
For editors, no one asks if you have a driver's license, and as an animator, I have had people say they would work with me remotely, even after advertising that they want someone in the same town.

So, if you can work from home, you obviously don't need a car. Just make sure you find a way to communicate if the director needs to reshoot a scene, so they can do it while the actors and crew are still available.

7 years, 3 months ago - John Lubran

There are laws in the UK, and in most civilised countries, against many forms of prejudice, including those against the physically and mentally disabled. There must be however, in the same way that we can't change the laws of physics, certain manifest realities that mere legislation or benign empathise can't change either. A quadraplegic for example is highly unlikely to be able to get a job as a stuntman. Such examples are almost endless. It's about reality.

Unless one has intimate knowledge of someone else's circumstances such as an employer, it's impossible to second guess whether or not a genuine reason for rejecting an applicant with a specific handicap is reasonable in all of the circumstances; even an accounting job may a perfectly good reason for requiring an applicant to have a driving licence. Here at Moving Vision where we're based in a relatively remote office and studio more than two miles from even the nearest vaguely useful public transport point the posession of a driving licence is pretty much essential.

I guess that if one does have a limiting practical circumstance one is inspired to develop ways and means that maximise ones best functionality. There's plenty of inspiring examples of people who do that with great success.

7 years, 3 months ago - Vasco de Sousa

John,
Two miles is not far for a taxi, and it's not far for some of us to walk. Also, many of us have friends they can carpool with
(I carpooled to Tywyn for a while, but bussed to Lampeter.) I know people who are driven to work by a spouse too. There have been times that those taking cars haven't shown up to a film or a meeting and I have, because I know how to get alternative transport if my ride breaks down.

These days, jobs say "reliable transport" rather than driver's license, if the job does not involve driving. The changed wording is not an accident, but a response to legislation.

If I wanted to come to your office every day, I could, provided the pay was enough to make it worth it. If I really wanted to, I'd be knocking on your door in half an hour.

7 years, 3 months ago - Sahera Khan

Hi Steve

You should be proud who you are.
I am Deaf and BSL user.
Don't give up!

Sahera

7 years, 3 months ago - Jane Geisler

Hi Steven,

I've asked myself this question many times as well. I have a heart condition (and consequently an implanted pacemaker/defibrillator) that dictates quite a few physical limitations - no running/rushing or heavy lifting and I'm often tired due to my medication. Like you, I don't mention it unless I have to and luckily post-production is not terribly strenuous. (I'm an editor in the same situation, having done a lot of short films and commercial work and feeling ready for features.)

And like you, I don't consider myself disabled. I feel I've got more personal advantages than disadvantages but I sometimes struggle with when and how much to tell people about my condition if I think it's affecting my work. (Mainly the considerable fatigue that makes long days difficult.) I don't know how much is appropriate to ask people to accommodate and I worry about progressing in my career only to find I don't have the energy to keep up with a strenuous workflow and very long hours.

I'm wondering to what degree we might be needlessly disqualifying ourselves, though. Are they actually requiring you to drive? Or it'd be inconvenient or time consuming for you to pick up hard drives, go to meetings, commute to a studio via public transport? You say you can't put yourself forward for things but is that your evaluation of the situation or theirs? Your question for the community was "Does [an illness] stop you from applying for jobs?" but I question whether it's the illness or your reluctance to ask people to accommodate your circumstances. (Which I am not judging at all; I am the same way.) It feels like one thing to have accepted your limitations and quite another to expect that your employer must also, at times to their own inconvenience.

I am encouraging you (and myself, quite honestly) to apply anyway and see what people do when you ask for assistance. I have a friend here in New Orleans whose primary income comes from camera operating, and he doesn't have a car. Or a camera. He's got no qualms telling people that and gets hired for a lot of stuff anyway. I think it's about having the confidence to convince people you're worth the extra effort. (Which is a major personal obstacle in my case.)

As to the question of funds and mentorship schemes for people from diverse backgrounds - I myself wouldn't be all that comfortable applying for grants meant to promote the perspectives of people with disabilities since I don't consider mine a major barrier to getting my films made. Then again, I think attitudes might be a bit different in the UK - years ago when I was looking into attending film school over in London I saw the term "unseen disability" for the first time ever (on an application form). So I wouldn't be surprised if those kinds of grants are more across the pond.

Hope this helps.

7 years, 3 months ago - Jane Geisler

^More *common across the pond.