Hi, thanks for joining us! This is Bonnie Wallace, author of The Hollywood Parents Guide, and Young Hollywood Actors, and today my guest on this podcast is Diana Elizabeth Jordan. Diana is a film and TV actress and has just made history as the first black, female filmmaker with cerebral palsy.
Diana has an MFA in acting from California State University Long Beach and has committed her career to entertaining and ensuring that disability is an inclusive part of the American Scene. For the past 20 years, she has earned a living as an actor and acting coach for people with disabilities. Joining us is Cory Reeder, an award-winning filmmaker who produced Diana’s film, I Can.
We discuss what real disability inclusion looks like, changes that are needed in the entertainment industry to support inclusion and representation, advocacy, advice Diana has for people who want to have a career in the industry, what it was like to direct her first film, the Easter Seals Disability Film Challenge, and much more. This is a truly educational and inspiring episode.
Some of my favorite quotes from our conversation:
Link to Diana’s movie, I Can
Follow Diana:
Cory Reeder: https://www.coryreeder.com/
Resources:
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Diana’s story is inspiring, and her initiative is something that all actors and would-be actors (and directors!) should take to heart. The time has never been better to seize your own creative destiny. Technology, from the filming capacity of smartphones to the platform of YouTube, means that you can create your own work and not wait to be “chosen” in order to be an artist.
If you want some guidance on how to get started building an acting career, consider investing in a consultation with me over Skype or in person in LA. In just one session, you can get peace of mind and a detailed action plan.
EP 93: Marnie Cooper, Acting Coach: Update
Encore: Cameron Boyce (Episodes 59 & 60)
EP 92: Dylan Arnold, Actor
EP 91: Zak Barnett, Acting Coach, Founder of ZBS
EP 90: Eric Morris, Legendary Acting Teacher
EP 89: Michael Orland, Music Director, Pianist, Vocal Coach
EP 87: Amy & Wendy Engelberg, TV Writers and Producers
Ep 86: Pamela Fisher, Talent Agent, VP Abrams Artists
Encore: Luke Benward (Episode 18)
Ep 85: Danielle Macdonald, Actress
Ep 84: Andy Fickman, Director and Producer
Ep 83: Claire Hosterman, Singing Coach
Ep 82: Marcie Smolin, Actors Circle
Ep 81: Laura Marano, Actress
Ep 80: Patrick Day, Young Actors Space
Ep 79: Heidi Dean, Social Media for Actors
Ep 78: Kat McNamara, Actress
Ep 77: Tish Hicks, Voiceover Artist & Coach
Ep 76: Marci Liroff, Casting Director
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