Workshop:

Spectrum Productions’ Creative Media Lab: Empowering Neurodiverse Learners through Experiential, Inclusive, Self-directed Filmmaking Education

Dan Ten Veen, Spectrum Productions

Kat Tuck, Spectrum Productions

Felipe Arasanz, Spectrum Productions

This workshop introduces an inclusive learning model developed by Spectrum Productions in our Creative Media Lab - a career skills development program where autistic and neurodiverse artists engage in experiential learning in filmmaking while building transferable hirable skills such as communication, teamwork, and time-management. Our model has been refined over 15 years to foster co-directed, peer-supported, and self-driven learning rather than traditional top-down instruction, empowering participants to set creative goals and stay motivated in their professional journey. 

Workshop attendees will experience this model first-hand by selecting one of four entry-level activities from the Spectrum Public Access creation course series: pitching a film, creating a Metro car animation, recording audio foley for a film clip, or writing and recording a review of a favorite movie. These activities demonstrate accessible, inclusive, educational tools that simplify complex filmmaking processes and open a broader range of opportunities for diverse learners. 

The presentation and activities are designed to stimulate discussion on how expanding access to creative education can build vitality in Quebec’s English-speaking community networks, reduce barriers to participation, and create meaningful pathways to employment and life opportunities. Participants will reflect on the strengths and challenges of inclusive, learner-driven models and discuss how creativity can be a powerful driver for skill development and community engagement.

The workshop is designed to be interactive based on the activities presented and moderated, and audience participation is encouraged through the various opportunities to experience and discuss this format of inclusive learning.