Becoming NEXTonSCENE™ Episode Summary: "Every Body Belongs: Bridging the Gap for Individuals with Disabilities"
Release Date: December 19, 2024
Introduction
In this inspiring episode of Becoming NEXTonSCENE™, host Jackie Zook delves into the vital topic of inclusivity in the media industry. She welcomes Chrissy Raymond, the founder of Humankind Casting, to discuss her groundbreaking work in inclusive casting and the broader implications for individuals with disabilities in mainstream media.
1. Chrissy Raymond's Journey and Humankind Casting
Chrissy Raymond introduces herself as the founder of Humankind Casting, a casting and production company dedicated to supporting creative teams in producing inclusive content. With over 35 years of experience in the industry, Chrissy has a rich background that includes owning a modeling agency and a production company before establishing her current venture.
Key Points:
- Inclusive Casting Focus: Emphasizing the integration of individuals with disabilities into mainstream media.
- Industry Experience: Leveraging decades of expertise to foster diversity and inclusion.
Notable Quote:
"We focus especially on inclusive casting and production practices, looping in the disability community into mainstream media." — Chrissy Raymond [02:34]
2. Breaking Ground with Hasbro's Baby Alive
Chrissy recounts her first significant experience with inclusive casting while working with Hasbro's Baby Alive brand. Collaborating with the brand team, she advocated for greater diversity, including children with disabilities, leading to more authentic and varied representations on product packaging.
Key Points:
- Collaboration with Hasbro: Integrating diversity into product development.
- Impact of Representation: Enhancing authenticity in media portrayals of children.
Notable Quote:
"Being able to see how children behave and react on set allows the team then to be prepared for whatever child is going to walk on set that day." — Chrissy Raymond [03:15]
3. The Staples Commercial: Authentic Inclusion
Jackie brings up a recent Staples commercial where a person in a wheelchair was seamlessly integrated into a workspace setting. Chrissy explains the creative process behind such projects, emphasizing that inclusion should feel natural rather than forced.
Key Points:
- Authentic Representation: Ensuring individuals with disabilities are part of the scene without drawing unnecessary attention.
- Normalizing Diversity: Shifting perceptions by making disability a standard aspect of everyday life.
Notable Quote:
"It turns disability from an anomaly into being normal." — Chrissy Raymond [04:59]
4. The Underrated Role of Casting Agents
The conversation highlights the often-overlooked contribution of casting agents like Chrissy in promoting inclusivity. Despite their critical role, casting agents rarely receive public recognition.
Key Points:
- Industry Recognition: Casting agents are essential in shaping diverse narratives but lack accolades similar to those in acting.
- Advocacy for Casting Agents: Encouraging greater appreciation and acknowledgment of their work.
Notable Quote:
"Casting hasn't. It's just getting its due at the Academy Awards and there is nothing like that for advertising." — Chrissy Raymond [06:32]
5. Initiatives: "Beauty Has No Limits" and Expansion Plans
Chrissy discusses her initiative, "Beauty Has No Limits," launched in partnership with Changing the Face of Beauty. This program conducts photo clinics that empower individuals with disabilities to explore modeling and acting opportunities. Future plans include expanding these clinics to secondary markets across the United States.
Key Points:
- Photo Clinics: Providing hands-on experience with commercial lifestyle photographers and industry professionals.
- Talent Pool Development: Building a diverse talent reservoir in various geographic regions to meet industry demand.
Notable Quote:
"These clinics are the way to build the talent pool so that creative teams have somewhere to go to book accurate and authentic talent." — Chrissy Raymond [09:28]
6. Representation in Media: The Case of "Wicked"
Jackie references the musical "Wicked" as an example of authentic representation, where a character was intentionally written with a disability. Chrissy underscores the importance of such deliberate storytelling choices that originate from a place of truth.
Key Points:
- Authentic Storytelling: Creating characters with disabilities as an integral part of the narrative rather than afterthoughts.
- Impact of Genuine Inclusion: Enhancing audience connection and empathy through authentic representations.
Notable Quote:
"When it comes from that place of truth and sort of like art, real, a real widening of the typical lens, you get such an impact because you can feel the authenticity." — Chrissy Raymond [13:36]
7. Personal Story: Friendship with Christopher
Chrissy shares her personal connection to inclusivity, describing her friendship with Christopher, a young man with Down syndrome. Christopher's accomplishments and resilience deeply influenced her vision for Humankind Casting.
Key Points:
- Personal Inspiration: Christopher's achievements inspired Chrissy to advocate for inclusivity.
- Legacy of Inclusivity: Honoring Christopher's memory by promoting a mantra that "everybody belongs."
Notable Quote:
"Christopher taught me was truly that everybody belongs. The mantra for humankind." — Chrissy Raymond [18:20]
8. Building a More Inclusive Community
The discussion emphasizes the shared responsibility of the creative community to foster inclusivity. Chrissy calls on industry leaders and organizations to recognize and embrace the potential of individuals with disabilities as valuable contributors and consumers.
Key Points:
- Community Responsibility: Encouraging a collective effort to include and support individuals with disabilities.
- Economic and Social Benefits: Highlighting the untapped consumer base and the enrichment of creative work through diversity.
Notable Quote:
"We want to open the door and allow the conversations to happen freely. Inclusivity, you know, or inclusive casting maybe, right. For projects." — Chrissy Raymond [15:13]
9. Connecting with Humankind Casting
Chrissy provides information on how individuals and organizations can engage with Humankind Casting. She encourages aspiring talents with disabilities and businesses seeking authentic inclusive casting to reach out through various social media platforms and her website.
Key Points:
- Engagement Channels: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and the official website.
- Open Invitation: Welcoming individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate and collaborate.
Notable Quote:
"You can find us on TikTok at humankindcasting. You can find us on Facebook @ humankindcasting." — Chrissy Raymond [19:18]
Conclusion
Jackie Zook expresses her admiration for Chrissy Raymond's dedication to fostering inclusivity in media. She encourages listeners to support Humankind Casting and stay tuned for future episodes of Becoming NEXTonSCENE™.
Connect with Chrissy Raymond and Humankind Casting:
- Instagram: @humankindcasting
- TikTok: @humankindcasting
- Facebook: @humankindcasting
- Website: youarehumankind.com
This episode of Becoming NEXTonSCENE™ serves as a powerful reminder that inclusivity enriches not only the media landscape but also the broader community. Chrissy Raymond's efforts with Humankind Casting are paving the way for a more diverse and representative media industry where everybody belongs.