REPRESENTATION MATTERS

Film and television have a profound ability to influence our lives, and one of the most powerful demonstrations of this is the phrase “representation matters”. When someone from a historically underrepresented group sees themselves on screen, it’s transformational both for them, and for society.  It’s estimated that 1 in 4 Americans fall somewhere on the autism spectrum. Up until recently, representations of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were rare, and when these characters did appear, they were primarily played by neurotypical actors, for example, the most known being the role of Dustin Hoffman in Rainman.

This is why I was surprised and delighted when I was hired to work as a set photographer on the Netflix series Atypical in 2018. There, I encountered a talented group of actors with ASD who had begun to breakdown barriers and build careers for themselves in entertainment. As I continued to develop relationships with this captivating group of performers, my curiosity increased. How do they book roles? What roadblocks do they face? Why are there not more actors or crew like them on set?

An idea kept nagging at me: What if I could use my talent as a portrait photographer to showcase these faces and help elevate them, build exposure and open doors for more casting and representation opportunities for neurodiverse talent?

THE PLAN

In order to solidify the concept for the portrait series, I did two test shoots with a few of the actors I had worked with. The first shoot in 2018 was a "Classic Hollywood" look which, while visually stunning, didn’t offer the opportunity to showcase the breadth of emotive ability of the actors in an authentic way.

From Left to right, Hunter Trost, Beth Dubber, Naomi Rubin. Taken right after our test shoot #1.

1st Look "Classic Hollywood" with Naomi Rubin & Hunter Trost.

In Feb. 2020 (one month before the Covid shutdown) I tested a "Fine Art" look, which offered more range for the actors to showcase their uniqueness. However, during my long time away from this project, I had time to reconsider the look I wanted to achieve.

Same actors Naomi & Hunter. (Yes, they will definitely be a part of this 3rd and final LOOK and series.)

This was our studio for test shoot #2. My garage in the San Fernando Valley. Its 2 years later, now Feb 2022, it is 90 degrees outside, we definitely need to do this next big photo shoot in a temperature controlled photography studio. 

Again, this is Naomi, Beth Dubber (me) & Hunter, after test shoot #2. I have gotten to know them pretty well through this process. I sincerely appreciate their time and dedication to help me with this photography project.

In this 3rd and final iteration of this series, I spoke with the actors already booked for the project, my direction has been simple and offers them the chance to interpret as they see fit: You are doing a press tour for the project you recently wrapped. This is the magazine cover of you "in character OR as self giving a nod to that character". The look is more of a glam-high-gloss-magazine-cover. The lighting will be consistent with a slight variation for each actor, which is why our equipment cost is so exorbitant.

We have 13 actors who will do a one-on-one fitting with our Creative Director, Kiki Stash. Kiki will have 3 or more outfits pulled for them and they will collaborate to decide what works best, our fittings will take place from 2/11-2/17.

On the day of our first photo shoot, Sunday 2/27 in Los Angeles, we will provide head-to-toe wardrobe as well as professional hair and make-up for each actor. After their 15-20 minute photo session, we will also be capturing interview footage with each. We will be discussing their acting wins and losses, daily struggles and goals for the future.

PART DEUX

We have a 2nd shoot day planned for late-April or early-May to accommodate an additional 13-15 actors, and ensure our team has the bandwidth to give the whole experience to each individual. We will basically repeat this whole process one more time. 

Content from both shoot days will live on our website "Hollywood On The Spectrum" which is being professionally developed. We will promote it across the social channels of myself, my team, the actors themselves and various supporters and partners. Our plans to magnify exposure for the portrait series include discussions with premium programmers to partner in promoting and amplifying our images and message, a PR campaign utilizing resources sourced through my colleauges within the film community, and a possible gallery show in Los Angeles featuring a spectacular array of portraits of the 25-30 actors featured in our campaign.

Our hope is that by engaging with communities of support and utilizing the power of these stories and images, we can help normalize casting neurodiverse actors, expose and demystify unconscious biases against invisible disabilities and catapult this group of talent into the mainstream.

THE BIG PICTURE

While “diversity and inclusion” discussions are pervasive in Hollywood right now, neurodiversity is seldom mentioned as part of those conversations. As the creative community continues to embrace unique voices, we have the chance to expand the aperture of that lens and shine a light on the depth and distinctiveness of actors on the autism spectrum.

Representation of autistic characters, as well as the casting of neurodiverse actors has begun to build in recent years. Shows like Atypical, Love on the Spectrum and As We See It, feature authentic stories and performances by neurodiverse people living “ordinary” lives. “Hollywood on the Spectrum” looks to capitalize and build upon the momentum of these recent projects, and continue to breakdown barriers for this group comprised of working actors as well as up and coming talent.

As the number of roles increases for a small group of working actors with ASD, we are at a cultural inflection point to not only push the boundaries for representation of neurodiversity on screen, but to reframe the consideration set for inclusive casting to push for autistic actors to take on roles including those of neurotypical characters. While casting of actors with ASD has also become more commonplace recently, there continues to be unseen barriers and biases that have kept these roles in a narrow and specific category. "Hollywood on the Spectrum" looks to leverage the working actors within the ASD community to open doors for those who still face obstacles as they try to build their careers.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

FOLLOW THIS CAMPAIGN 

Right here on Seed & Spark. This is free and it helps us to build our community. 

PLEDGE

You can pledge any amount, you may choose one of the incentive tiers or your own dollar amount, everything is helpful.

This is a 30 day fundraising campaign, we must reach 80% of our goal in order for your pledge to process and funds to be released to this very special photo shoot and portrait series. 

SPREAD THE WORD

For your convience, here are a few blurbs you may copy and paste onto your social media pages or send in emails, to help us spread the word about our fundraising campaign. We definitely need your help!

IG

Please help photographer @bethdubberphotography reach her fundraising goal to help raise awareness and build support for neurodiverse casting in television and film. Link in her Bio or follow her campaign at https://seedandspark.com/fund/hollywood-on-the-spe 

OR

A very worthy crowd funding project for a new and unique perspective on Autism awareness. Take a look here:

https://seedandspark.com/fund/hollywood-on-the-spe 

OR

A new photography portrait series starring actors who are on the spectrum. Please support LA based photographer Beth Dubber and her crowdfunding campaign. 

https://seedandspark.com/fund/hollywood-on-the-spe

COVID PROTOCOL

Having worked on set exclusively since our film industry re-opened September 2020, I am very familiar with covid safety and protocol.

All crew will be fullly vaccinated and masked except when actively eating and drinking in our desiganted area outside. On the day, we will stagger the actors call time and ask they only bring one person with them. There is a comfortable outside waiting area that is covered on top and open air. We will only be letting in actors druing their photo session only. Air ventillation is key and every couple of hours we will be airing out the studio and taking mask breaks. All will be asked to fill out a health questionairre 24 hour before call time and will ask to not come if experiencing any symptoms, ie. sore throat, cough, fever, general cold symptoms, etc. 

This is me at work, little known fact that face shields are only good for the wearer to keep them from touching their face. Face shield will not be required on our set, but kn-95's will be mandatory.