The Autism in Entertainment Conference will be held in Bel Air on 5th April, with panelists from Nickelodeon, Ubisoft and Exceptional Minds, as well as Dani Bowman, Jorge Gutierrez and Scott Steindorff.

The world’s first Autism in Entertainment Conference is a one-day, in-person event that takes place on Friday, 5th April 2024, at the Skirball Cultural Center. The gathering features a roster of high-profile industry names, such as Nickelodeon, Ubisoft, animation director Jorge Gutierrez, animator/reality star/educator Dani Bowman and writer/producer/director Scott Steindorff. In addition, twelve neurodivergent entertainment academies/mini studios, including Brainstorm Productions, DaniMation Entertainment, Ed Asner Family Centers and Exceptional Minds, are set to participate as educational partners.

All of the above unite on common ground to bridge the employment gap between creative adults on the spectrum and studio, plus other content production, employers.

The goal of this gathering is to facilitate communication between studio/producer employers and talented neurodivergent individuals who seek careers in the entertainment industry. Areas of emphasis include film and television production, voice-over and on-camera performance, animation and video game design.

Autism in Entertainment (AIE) is the result of a strategic collaboration between the nonprofit Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG), disability-focused staffing and consulting firm Zavikon and generous grant funding from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS). AIE seeks to connect entertainment top brass with work-ready job candidates who are on the spectrum. All activities occur in real time and on-site during the one-day event in West Los Angeles, California. The conference goal is to manifest a friendly forum, for both employers and employment seekers, by way of mutually beneficial learning and networking. The programme includes panel discussions, breakout sessions and other activities.

“Many individuals on the spectrum have the passion, aptitude and skills that make them well-suited for entertainment industry employment,” said Judi Uttal, AIE founder/chair and OCASG president. “The AIE mission is to increase awareness of these skill sets and forge pathways to internships, apprenticeships and placement into paid opportunities.”

The conference programme kicks off with keynote speaker, Jorge Gutierrez. Jorge promises a tour of his Hollywood career as a creator/writer/director/artist and elaborates on autism as his personal super power.

Afternoon breakout sessions branch into separate tracks targeting performing artists, behind-the-scenes creatives, plus custom workshops for small and large employers.

Between-session entertainment includes several Spectrum Spotlight mini-documentaries which highlight standout talent. One of these short films, ‘Autism in Entertainment Spectrum Spotlight: Dani Bowman – Animator/Educator’, already boasts Kids First! Film Festival official selection status.

Event registration is free for qualified professionals on the spectrum and for entertainment industry hiring entities.

To learn more, visit www.autisminentertainment.org and subscribe to the AIE news bulletin.

To make a tax deductible donation that directly supports AIE Conference initiatives, see www.memberplanet.com/campaign/ocasg/aie-conference-2024-donations, or contact sponsorships chair, Marlene Sharp, for details at marlene@pinkpoodleproductions.com.