New podcast hosted by CINE trainee highlights disability issues and support available within NI film industry
Date Posted: August 27, 2024
Two dynamic young disabled men have created a frank and funny new podcast that highlights the need for greater representation and accessibility in the film and television industry.
Creative Industries New Entrants trainee Adam O’Connor from Omagh and Ríaín Ó Conchóbair from Dungiven bring their unique experiences and perspectives to their podcast ‘One Arm No Legs’, shining a light on the hurdles people face in trying to break into the industry while also empowering listeners with the tools and insights into this captivating field.
With the support of film company Triplevision Productions and Innovation Factory, they produced this podcast documenting their journey as they try to advance in Northern Ireland’s film industry.
“We know this is an incredibly competitive industry that is notoriously difficult to get into but we fear that some employers may underestimate what we can do. We want to have an open conversation about this while also encouraging other young people to try to fulfil their dreams,” Adam said.
The podcast name was one way the men confront perceptions of disability. Adam has right-sided hemiplegia, which means he can’t use one arm, and right-sided hemianopia, resulting in the loss of vision on side. Both, he explains, are the result of a stroke before he was born.
Ríaín was born with a heart condition and had a heart transplant at 18. A complication after surgery meant he needed to have both legs amputated above the knees and now has prosthetic legs.
“We know there are some things we can’t do but that won’t stop us. Making a film is a team effort and there is modern technology that allows us to adapt. I know what I can do but I just need the opportunity to prove it,” Ríaín said.
The pair came together through disabled-led independent production company Triplevision based at the Innovation Factory in Belfast. Gerard Stratton from Triplevision explained that he developed a chronic illness after picking up a water borne virus while filming in Malawi 20 years ago. This led to him having a stoma and he must navigate the chronic fatigue and daily hurdles that people with stomas live with while working in this fast-paced industry.
“There are days that I feel terrible and have to push myself to work. On those days I work in the editing studio rather than going out to film. I think flexibility and job sharing are essential to giving more people opportunities,” he said.
Adam came to Triplevision through Northern Ireland Screen’s CINE (Creative Industries New Entrants) programme, which aims to broaden access to the industry at entry level.
When Adam first arrived seven months ago, he told the company his dream was to be a director and that he wanted to understand the job of a cameraman. Triplevision adapted a special pouch that helps Adam handle the camera and he has spent a lot of time filming for the company.
Ríaín has already produced and written a number of short films including a horror called Chieftains Curse, which has won a number of film festival awards.
“I am freelancing at the moment but would love to get a job within a company and, hopefully down the line, start my own business,” he said.
Gerard from Triplevision added: “It’s about finding out what a person can do and adapting to it and letting them try. These are two young men trying to make it in the film industry and when we chatted about the obstacles they need to overcome, the idea for the podcast was born.”
Innovation Factory gave the pair space in a communal meeting room to film the podcast, using three cameras. Innovation Factory is owned by Belfast City Council and operated on its behalf by Oxford Innovation Space.
Shane Smith, IF Engagement Manager, said: “IF focuses on collaborating with innovators and entrepreneurs. Our aim is to make a difference to the lives of future generations through a culture of innovation. These two young men have boundless energy and talent and they are communicating through this innovative podcast.”
Adam and Ríaín have now filmed the six podcast episodes, which will be broadcast on YouTube and through Spotify. The guests include a young woman with autism who is now working as a trainee at the BBC, a representative from CINE which is supporting disabled people into film careers, a young, disabled student from Queen’s University, a representative from NI Union of Supported Employment and a manager from Usel, a social enterprise helping people with disabilities get into employment.
Adam added: “We are passionate about filmmaking and we are both aiming high. We hope this podcast changes some opinions on what is possible.”
To watch or listen to the podcast, go to Spotify: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/jP28cvdJYLb, YouTube: https://youtu.be/BgwyZjsrCPY?si=NDaTTFsCAg0t9qR0. It will also be screened on NVTV Freeview Channel 7 and Virgin Channel 159 on a date soon to be announced.
