Supporting neurodiversity in the Scottish screen industry 

In the film and television industries, neurodivergent* minds are currently underrepresented, with individuals often not undisclosing their conditions and when they do being under-served. While awareness of this is steadily increasing, the high-pressured and competitive nature of the industry means that many still face stigma, discrimination and misunderstanding on a daily basis.

A collaboration between Screen Scotland, the Portal Studios and Blazing Griffin Pictures, with support from BECTU Vision, Working Differently seeks to turn misconceptions on there head.

The short film Working Differently and the accompanying project drew upon lived experience and expert guidance to set new industry standards, championing the untapped potential of diverse teams, ‘working differently’ to do so.

Working Differently short film

Good practice guide 

The Working Differently film is accompanied by The Working Differently Good Practice Guide. This one-page document outlines the practical steps industry partners can make to welcome neurodivergent people into places of work.  

Download The Working Differently Good Practice Guide here

Impact

Working Differently has received international recognition for its impact making the industry more inclusive, more culturally and creatively relevant.  

The princeps at the heart of the film and by the guide have been applied on live productions, including Ashley Storries BAFTA Scotland award-winning TV series, Dinosaur, and Paul Black’s award-winning short BBC film, Govan Fair Queen. 

As the industry grows and changes, adapting to new technologies and environments, the Working Differently project continues to grow, support and encourage change within the Scottish film and television sector and beyond.  

For further information about the Working Differently or to speak with us about the project’s potential reach, please contact us via info@theportalarts.com  

*Definition of neurodiversity

Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many different ways. There is no ‘right’ way of thinking, learning and behaving. Differences are not deficits.  

The broad term Neurodivergent describes the neurological differences an individual experiences e.g. dyslexia, dyspraxia, autism and ADHD.  Conditions often overlap, so it is very possible that people may have more than one neurodivergence.