New survey reveals audience demand for authentic disability representation

A new report published by Inevitable Foundation has revealed that audiences are ‘unsatisfied’ with disability representation in the entertainment industry today. 

The report, named ‘Audiences Are Waiting for Hollywood to Greenlight Disability’, has revealed how authentic disability representation in film and TV, has the power to influence streaming subscriptions, drive audience engagement, and increase movie ticket sales. 

After surveying over 1,000 people, it was found that stories that authentically represent people with disabilities through the hiring of creatives with disabilities, not only meet a critical need for inclusivity but also drive viewer engagement and increase subscribers.”

The survey revealed that:

• 66% of audiences are unsatisfied with how disabilities and mental health are portrayed in film and TV. 
• 40% are very likely to recommend content that authentically represents these conditions.
• 20% of all audiences would subscribe to new streaming services and attend more movies in theaters if they featured authentic portrayals of disabilities and mental health conditions.
• 26% of audiences would cancel a streaming service if it featured films and television shows with inauthentic or harmful representations of people with disabilities and mental health conditions.
• 43% of audiences, disabled and nondisabled alike, frequently discuss or share films and TV shows that have authentic representations of disabilities or mental health conditions. 
• Over 25% consider more than 90% of recent depictions inauthentic.

Chris Jay, Founder & CEO of Bascule Entertainment, commented: "This report not only highlights the audience’s demand for authentic disability representation, it also demonstrates its vast potential. We are all aware of the need for inclusivity in entertainment, but this report also shows how authentic representation can influence viewer engagement and satisfaction, driving word of mouth influence and subscription decisions.”

“We hope that these revelations influence more leaders in the entertainment industry, so that investments are made to ensure that more TV and film projects embrace authenticity and inclusivity."

For more information, and to read the full Greenlight Disability Report follow this link.

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