Participants with intellectual disability who are looking for romance are sought for a one-hour observational documentary. It’s being produced for a major government-funded broadcaster.

Who’s producing?

Southern Pictures is a dynamic production house with a track record for making television that sparks a national conversation. Recent top-rated documentary series include The Mosque Next Door (SBS Television) and Hawke: The Larrikin and the Leader (ABC TV).

What’s the story?

The documentary will follow a small group of participants with intellectual disability over several months as they negotiate the tender but tricky subject of love and romance, under the guidance of disability educator and relationships counsellor, Liz Dore.

Participants will be filmed as they attend a variety of workshops and social outings designed to build their confidence and expand their knowledge and experience of forming positive relationships and dating.

The goal is for all participants to have fun on their journey, regardless of their dating outcome.

Producers also hope that the documentary will help break down some of the stigma that exists around the subject of love and relationships for people with intellectual disability.

For more about disability educator and relationships counsellor Liz Dore, please visit here.

What sort of participants are being sought?

People who are currently single, in their 20s and looking for love are ideal candidates. Young, single women are particularly encouraged to step up.

Outgoing individuals who are articulate and happy to share their stories would be a good fit, as they will be filmed going about their daily lives, at their workplace – and hopefully going on dates.

The producers of the documentary are keen to reflect the cultural diversity of our community and would love to hear from LGBTQIA+ individuals who are single and are looking for a partner.

Participants must be Sydney-based and available for short periods in September, October and November.

Is there any remuneration involved?

There is no remuneration. However, the cost of workshops and some social outings will be covered, including transportation and accommodation for one key social event on 17 November. Every effort will be made to ensure that participants will not be out-of-pocket for necessary expenses.

How much time will filming the documentary take?

The producers need to get to know the participants so each person’s story rings true. This means spending a couple of hours filming with each participant on three or four separate occasions over the next three months.

Participants will also need to be available to attend a social event on the weekend of Saturday 17 November, which will take up the entire weekend with travel on the 16 and 18 November.

What’s the deadline for expressing interest?

Please get in touch as soon as possible. Contact the producers by email at dom@southernpictures.com.au to arrange a confidential chat.

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A note from Accessible Arts: We recommend that you, your trusted supporters, agent or guardian carefully review any contract regarding participation in any project. You might want to consult the information sheets on The Arts Law Centre of Australia website and the unpaid work page on the Fair Work Ombudsman’s website.

Feature image: supplied by Southern Pictures

This page was first published on 5 September 2018. This page was edited on 18 September to remove the deadline for expressing interest.