let’s talk accessibility
What is an Access Coordinator?
What?
Access Coordinators are dedicated to supporting Film and Television productions as they look to identify and remove barriers to access within our Screen Sector.
Access Coordinators support and advocate for cast or crew who are disabled, deaf or neurodivergent (DDN). They provide a service which is catered to the individual, while assisting access first production processes overall.
How?
Your Access Coordinator will signpost, advise, guide and oversee to support the individual and production as the appropriate adjustments and access requirements are put into place.
Whether engaged part time, full time or remotely depending on each production’s needs, the Access Coordinator collaborates with cast, crew, producers and head of departments to support processes as they apply an access first lens to production.
Want to Kōrero?
You can find out more about the Access Coordinator role on the NZFC resource page.
Get in touch with Felicity directly to chat about how the role could work for you and your team. It’s an easy step towards supporting pathways to a more accessible production.
Let’s go!
From left to right, Access Coordinators Jared Flitcroft, Felicity Hamill and Chelsea Bridges. Supported by moderators Tayla Hancock & Dale Corlett. Image: John Rata
Working with Felicity Hamill
In 2023 Felicity Hamill was selected along with Jared Flitcroft and Chelsea Bridges from Aotearoa to join nine Australians to complete the Bridge 06 UK Access Coordinator Training programme in Sydney, Australia; with support from the New Zealand Film Commission and Screen Australia.
As a long-time performer and crew member in our Screen Industry, and a member of the DDN community; Felicity is excited to share an access first approach, supporting productions as they work towards enabling access pathways for all; reflecting real life diversity on our screen, stage and behind the scenes.
Felicity’s varied career crossing multiple departments over the past two decades on both local and international productions; has enabled her to cultivate a highly sought after work ethic. She brings a calm, supportive and fun presence to any production.
Passionate about removing barriers to the arts, Felicity is honoured to embark on this new journey.
To hear more about what drew her to the role, check out the New Zealand Film Commission Spotlight Interview on Felicity Hamill.
Press
February 2025 Head to the Spinoff interview with Felicity Hamill sharing her experience as an Access Coordinator as part of the team for web series Sight Unseen by Able Productions.
February 2025 Check out The D*List kōrero with Felicity Hamill discussing thoughts on the role and her path to becoming an Access Coordinator.
December 2024 In house Access Coordinator for UK based ITV Studios Beth Matthews reflects on accessibility progress on UK productions since 2011 and shares fellow Access Coordinators future hopes for the role.
November 2024 Former Bridge 06 UK (now at Casarotto Ramsay & Associates) Actor, Access Coordinator and Access Coordinator trainer Julie Fernandez speaks to the importance of the AC role and how it came to be.
October 2023 Screen Australia announces the 12 participants from Australia and Aotearoa selected to train as Access Coordinators with UK organisation Bridge 06.