Output details

Prelude: words to music

Megan Parks 'Lucy'

‘Words to Music’ is a short (23 minute) fiction film project based on a 20-page script, uniquely involving the participation of a performer with profound multiple disabilities including severe communication difficulties. The project (executive produced by Graham Roberts) set out to afford full engagement in film production process to a player from a client group virtually absent from the screen by virtue of disability level. In doing so, it aimed to create a positive image of severe disability on screen. The production process was documented (via the accompanying documentary ‘Megan Parks: ‘Lucy’’) to further disseminate the key production learning involved and to share with film industry professionals and others working professionally with severe multiple disability. The research content of the piece(s) centres on production practice:

a) in relation to performers with communications issues;

b) engaging with previously excluded client groups;

c) managing a project which gave a first professional film credit to recent graduates;

d) sowing seeds for maintaining links and developing collaboration between university and film industry, to the benefit of our students and alumni.

‘Lucy’ documents the production process we developed to deal with a, b and c (above) whilst ‘Words to music’ serves as proof of concept. There was wide interest and support for the project, including President of the UK Rett Syndrome Association, President of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, alongside many Rett parents and carers.

The production (managed by Roberts) took place in early 2009. The first screening was: Selby Town Hall (July 2009). Further screenings took place at: Rett UK Conference (Oct 2009); and International Rett Syndrome Association (IRSA) (Nov 2009). The film(s) were further disseminated through the website http://www.rettsyndrome.org/