Blueprint for Social Change: Shaping an Impact-Based Strategy - Case Study 2002 – 2020

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Foundation to Marlee Matlin (an Oscar-winning, deaf actress), the filmmaking Farrelly brothers and to the actress Taraji P. Henson, for their contribution to the inclusion of people with disabilities in the film and television industry. Leisure culture and television: Two innovative, original television series produced in Israel in conjunction with the Gesher Multicultural Film Fund created the vanguard of television programming representing actors with disabilities authentically: In ״Viki and Me״, a deaf actress appeared in prime time for the first time ever; in the case of ״Perfect״, the producer and all participants are people with disabilities. These cultural assets will be remembered for a long time. They will influence viewers and encourage filmmakers, actors and production companies to diversify casting and include actors and others with disabilities in the film and television industry in a variety of functions.

From Perfect

Indeed, we have effected change: Extensive media reports on the importance of authentic representation of people with disabilities in the media and television; many references have been made in the media to the Foundation's findings in its white papers; At least fifty renowned people in Hollywood took part in a roundtable encounter. USA- Four production companies, Sony Pictures Entertainment, CBS Entertainment, NBC Universal, and Paramount have joined the Ruderman Family Foundation’s call and signed the foundation’s pledge to reaffirm their commitment to audition actors with disabilities for each new studio production. Israel - Four of Israel’s five major television broadcasting and production companies -- KAN, RESHET, HOT, and YES -- have signed the new pledge committing to audition actors with disabilities for each new studio production and to conduct a more inclusive selection process for all jobs across the film industry, on and off screen. More than one hundred actors, directors and opinion leaders in Hollywood, including George Clooney, Octavia Spencer, Glenn Close and Joaquin Phoenix, have publicly