CBBC'S Malory Towers

 

Following the adventures of Darrell Rivers’ CBBC’s Malory Towers, adaptation brings a modern day twist to the much loved 1940’s boarding school drama series. 

The series begins with twelve year old Darrell running through a train station ready to start her new life 

staying true to the original story,plot and characters

CBBC’s alteration introduces us to a modern retelling. 

 we see into Sally, Darrell and Gwendoline’s lives before attending the school. 

Throughout the show we discover what bravery and courage truly mean while we allow ourselves to accept our faults and see beyond them.  

Gain teachings on growing up in the forever changing post war Britain.

Learning  knowledge on various medical conditions. As we learn of Emily's mother Margret's arthritis,which she tries to hide in fear of losing her job.  glimpsing into Darell's struggles with reading and  a mini storyline on Sally's appendicitis. 

Countless children will be able to relate to Darrell's word bllindness (dyslexia) , showing them that life gives you many ups and downs and it's okay to not have all the answers. Lessons they can take on and use everyday. 

I was lucky enough to speak sixteen year old Beth Bradfield an actress from Wales who made her T.V debut playing Jean in Malory Towers 

After completing sixth form Beth hopes to continue acting, sending out the message that " having a visible difference is normal - whatever you look like you are beautiful and you definitely shouldn’t be ashamed of it. Be confident, be bold, put yourself out there because you can and if anyone says you can’t act, model, run, swim, sing, achieve - prove them wrong! I hope that with my television appearance I can inspire people with visible differences to pursue their passions and do what they love without the fear." 

She feels it is "extremely important especially for people with visible differences and/or disabilities" to be able to see themselves represented on screen "because in day-to-day life we often don’t see people who look like us or even other people who don’t necessarily look like everyone else which can make school, work and other public situations feel like a lonely experience,to see someone, you can relate to on screen reinforces the fact that we are not alone and that out there somewhere there is somebody else who doesn’t quite look like the people we see around us. " 

And agrees that CBBC's subtle inclusion, "helps normalise difference" going on to say "If a child notices that their peer has a disability or visible difference in school, the child might not say anything about it as they would relate it to someone on screen who is similar to their peer therefore illustrating to them that it is ‘normal’ to look/ act/ do things differently and it doesn’t need an explanation, they just are who they are and that’s okay."

No one guessed Malory Towers would gain such a positive response although being a part of production left Beth loving what the team had created.

The Malory Towers's fanbase continues to grow larger everyday. 

Thanking the fans Beth said she feels "so incredibly grateful for people all over the world who have watched and loved the show."

A massive thank you to Beth for taking the time  to answer my questions, another to her mum Catherine for passing them on and to the people at the BBC for reading over everything and checking everything was okay. 

You can catch up with Malory Towers on BBCIplayer or the FamilyChannel

Daruma FILM

 Daruma's production team describe their film as " a movie about family, fathers and daughters, forgiveness and a myriad of other themes and emotions." 

Going on to say "the movie is actually a love note from a father to his daughter: the leads just happen to be disabled." Daruma tells a story of a man who overcomes his own demons in order to do right by his child" Something most people can relate to in one way or another. 

Their journey is not just one of distance,for they form an understanding,gain an unstoppable friendship and discover what they didn't think they needed. 

Whilst accompanying Patrick's new found daughter to her grandparents on America's east coast. 

The creators wish; for people to get behind patrick's journey,be able to laugh, cry, have their hearts broken and triumph in their  success.  One thing they don't want is for their film referred to as " the disabled movie." 

The coronavirus pandemic has hit filmmakers extremely hard,

meaning independent filmmakers like Daruma's have another hurdle to jump over now extra expenses are necessary, 

to ensure the safety of all involved.

 The team have faced many hurdles, fighting to produce a challenging project. 

One of the main being people saying things like  "there is not an audience for projects with disabled actors" this isn't true in the slightest. The Ruderman Family Foundation released a white paper proving that film studios leave over $10 billion on the table every year by casting abled actors for disabled roles.

 I have written many times on the challenges facing disabled people wanting  to pursue a career within the film or T.V industry. An industry known for being one of the toughest to break into. 

 challenges such as lack of opportunities, able bodied actors  gaining disabled roles. Some booking roles,then later fired, because they have a disability. 

It's a similar story for disabled filmmakers with approximately 3% having a disability. 

 To get Daruma to the screen, over $30,000 is  needed in order, for covid19 tests and safety regulations. 

If anyone would like to donate they can make a Tax deductible donation here: 

/https://darumamovie.wedid.it/

 

As they are financially sponsored by from the heart Productions  .  All donations made are tax deductible. Allowing every part of your donation helps pay all involved. 

Raising Dion

 Adapted for television by Carol Barbee, based on the books by Dennis Liu, Raising Dion made its Netflix debut on October 4th 2019. 

Discovering her son Dion has powers, single mother Nicole Warren, Is thrown into a supernatural world. Nicole soon discovers the secrets of the Biona workplace and why her husband was so distant in the time leading up to his death.

Raising Dion tackles a wide range of issues including Racism, bullying,grief, single parenthood, self acceptance and disability inclusion. 

It is super important that when you have a character who has a disability ,that this isn't the main thing you remember, One of Raising Dion's main characters has brittle bones but this isn't the first thing that would come to mind when you think of her. 

Esperanza is an amazingly well written character. Her main traits are loyalty and compassion, She has a sassy side, she knows how to stick up for herself . Esperanza loves science and video games which makes her a perfect friend for Dion. 

 feeling like an outcast herself she notices he is feeling lonely, so makes a great effort to befriend him although he doesn't  appreciate this until a few episodes in. His friends make fun of him, for having a "Reptile Repo" cake Esperanza comforts him. Dion confides in her about his powers, something she has acknowledged. 

Esperanza's actress Sammi Haney was kind enough to answer some questions on Raising Dion and her other projects. 

My first question was "Do you think if more producers and writers were willing to let parents,guardians or even the actor read & review scripts it would allow for T.V and film more inclusive?" 

Over the past year,I've asked many people similar questions, having known Sammi's dad reviewed the Raising Dion scripts before the shoot made me curious to see if Sammi had anything to add that noone else had. 

Like me she believes "they should be willing to make characters with disabilities more authentic by consulting people with disabilities about the script." And should only cast actors with that disability allowing them to review the script, making it even more authentic. She went on to say "My Dad reviewed the Raising Dion scripts with me and wanted to keep me safe and make sure I didn’t do anything that someone with my condition would not normally do (i.e. picking up something heavy or letting strangers put me in a car seat.), It is rare that a part like Esperanza is played by someone with a real disability, there is normally pressure by executives to cast an older girl and make her pretend to be disabled." Sammi hopes she's proved disabled people "deserve those roles." 

Esperanza plays a big part in helping Dion in his fight against the crooked man , using her own experiences as a wheelchair user. 

There's a brilliant scene where Dion attempts using his powers to allow Esperanza to walk. Dion presumes she wants to walk leading into a conversation where he and Charlotte discuss why she's upset. Despite being her best friend they've never had that conversation, to him she's "Just Esperanza" 

I found these scenes very powerful as did Sammi who feels it was a "very important scene" and hopes it allows children to see disabled people as who they are,not just the chair. Sammi loves that Esperanza doesn't lead with her chair but with her personality. Describing her as "a good friend and nice, while being sassy when needed."

Much stigma surrounds disability and happiness. Or that you must want to fix yourself or want a cure. Which isn't the case for many disabled people,some who have made brilliant careers because of their disability. 

Realising his error he apologises by telling Esperanza he's sorry for bailing on their project,being jealous of her and Jonathon, and trying to fix her when she isn't broken. He tells her she's the best friend anyone could ever ask for. 

Sammi hopes that season two will allow her more screen time,a opportunity to bring up her disability, and hopes that her friendship with Dion and 

Jonathan grows stronger, she would like Dion and Esperanza  get to show off the friendship bracelets. Sammi would like to explore Esperanza's family life. 

 Sammi and her dad Matt have set up a positive disability  tshirt campaign, seeing Sammi  jump into acting without fear, Matt decided he needed to do it. 

While Sammi wanted to use what "little star power I had to be a good advocate."

Upcomimg projects for Sammi include Are a “Pilot episode” as the first guest on a  project for PBS with Emma Fayerudkin  as the host this will be released later this year.

Thank you so much to Sammi for answering my questions and to Matt for passing them on.

You can follow Sammi on 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/sammi.haney?igshid=88r2mzha59p4

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SammiHaneySassy?s=09

T~shirt campaign: https://www.disabilityshirts.com/pages/about-us

 

Updated diability throughout T.V recommendations

A while ago I compiled a list of Shows showcasing Disabled talent or disability storylines,as I'm currently waiting for people to get back to me about blogs and have no other ideas. I thought I would create a new one. I've included "There she goes" although the actress playing Rosie does not have a learning disability, Although writers have based the show upon their own child. 

All programmes can be found on the BBC, other than Netflix original Crip Camp, I have found many other shows I have not seen. So I'll be watching and possibly  making a new list at some point in the future. please alert me to any you have found so I can edit my list.

Climbing bind~ Jesse Dufton's dream is to become the first blind person to lead a climb up the Old may of Hou in Hackney,Scotland. With his sight degenerating can he make it? And will it make him and even better climber 

Alex Brooker: disability and me ~ Documentary following Alex Brooker (the last leg) as he dives back into the past, gaining new friends, discussing his fears and asking the toughest most important questions. 

Our Lives~ Documentary series showcasing  the ups and downs of people's lives. 

There she goes~ Comedy drama highlighting the struggles of bringing up a child with severe learning difficulties. 

Malory Towers~ Based on the book by Enid Blyton, CBBC's modern retelling of Darell Rivers’s adventures brings a new twist to the much loved tale. 

Endlings~ Children's television show in which four foster children discover Alien's really do exist. 

Crip Camp: Disability documentary based on a true story, crip camp captures the journey to a disability civil rights movement and brings it to the screen. 

Blue Sunday ~ A tea party for M.E

Anna's servere M.E struck hard and fast one week she was working the next she couldn't drive,walk and struggled to string a sentence together. 

When all other tests came back clear she was diagnosed with M.E as a last resort. 

Inspired by a virtual party , she decided to set up a tea party for M.E. Creating a platform to fundraise through as she was unable to attend events. 

Along with her family Anna held her first tea party, during M.E. awareness week in May 2013. inviting a handful of family and friends to join for tea and cake while donating the price they would pay in a cafe. 

The world's M.E. community uploaded photos on social media whilst donating. 

This is no easy task and starting months in advance gives Anna the energy to host her own event and the yearly virtual one. 

Since 2013 A tea party for M.E has raised a staggering £19,000 pounds for vital research. 

Medical professionals have had their thoughts on M.E changed after attending an event which gives much hope for the understanding of this dreadful condition. 

If you are interested in learning  more ,holding an event of your own or donating please get in touch with Anna via the links below 

https://instagram.com/tea_party_for_m.e?igshid=110w6swfbbd0j

https://linktr.ee/theslowlane_ME

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/AnnaRedshaw2020?utm_campaign=lc_frp_share_transaction_fundraiser_page_donation_received_-_nth_donation&utm_content=bb3996bb-babf-4d73-a3f6-8690f03adfc9&utm_medium=email&utm_source=postoffice&utm_term=1589457820546

Kara Jane~ the singer with a big ambition

Diagnosed with severe M.E at sixteen Kara Jane is a singer with a big ambition. Having lost the ability to walk she attended university in a wheelchair managing to complete a degree.

Symptoms took hold by 2013 she became bedridden. Now at twenty nine Kara relies on constant nursing care, oxygen and a urinary catheter.

Battling numerous infections has meant she has spent more time in hospital than in her own home. 

Despite this she has written many songs, the first titled "This is love" 

“Despite this she has written many songs, the first titled "This is love" released in April 2020. Following this, a BBC appeal was launched to help complete the album, from which she hopes to raise £100,000 for severe M.E research. "This is Love" proved that Kara is an incredible singer and songwriter, I for one can't wait to hear the rest of the album. 

Which is nearly complete and due to be released this August starting off with single ‘Baby Breathe’ being released on the first followed by the full album titled "It's still M.E" being released on the 8th. 

 If you can help with getting the word out about Kara's album please get in touch here: https://karajanesings.com/about/

Covid,Chronic illness and disability

Covid has affected us all,I was curious to what the differences were within the chronic illness community. Many of whom were already isolated. 

Not being able to have my regular oxygen treatment means I have got worse. I  have  started the rehabilitation program again and am trying to exercise enough but over do it so my joints don't start to stiffen up. 

When lockdown started a lot of us thought people might start to understand, some did but for many it was the opposite.

 I saw many ableist posts from people claiming it's impossible to work from home. Thousands of us and our carers do everyday, we have no choice. 

Without a thought for how others cope when this situation is their lives. It amazes me people's lack of effort in trying to wrap their heads around  the lives of chronically Ill people. 

99% have lost friends,jobs,education or family through lack of understanding. I am used to the way I live,what plays on my mind is other people's perceptions. Many others who I spoke to said the same.

They feel left by society as everything begins to ease. confessing it seems unfair to them that pubs,restaurants,cinemas and theme parks can reopen whilst they can't get access to treatments. Being in a hospital is a whole different thing to being socially distanced somewhere,although I feel there must be a way to get them the treatments they need. Another one is careers, 

I read a thought provoking post from Jessica Taylor-Bearman on how her husband is her main career, he became ill leaving her juggling a baby,her husband and herself. A Lot of parents of disabled children have been hit hard. Struggling, balancing everything whilst looking after their child or multiple children. 

As a family we have been very lucky managing to get priority delivery slots, despite some coming at really awkward times,as well as this we have had government food parcels. 

I would feel so much better going out if I knew everyone was covered up, I know many others feel as I do. 

This blog was an interesting one for me because most of my blogs are full of facts, I suppose these are facts in a way. Part of me wanted to expand upon some of the points I made but I think they are pretty self explanatory.