RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2022
David Bornstein
David Bornstein is a writer, director, and an elusive SoCal native. Born and raised in Laguna Hills, California, he currently hails from Burbank. An alumnus of Saddleback College and the University of Arizona’s film programs, Bornstein has directed and written over half a dozen short films and sketches. Bornstein’s short film “A King’s Betrayal” was released to critical acclaim on the festival circuit in 2015, screening in over 50 film festivals and winning half a dozen awards, including placing as a finalist in the Francis Ford Coppola Short Film Competition. “A King’s Betrayal” went on to be selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick and picked up by the YouTube channel Omeleto, among other accolades. In 2020, Bornstein started branching out into directing music videos, most notably directing a handful of videos for VMA-winning platinum artist Damian Lemar Hudson, whose self-titled debut album was released on Bobby Boy Records/Def Jam. Bornstein’s most recent short film “Unholy ‘Mole” is currently winding down its festival run. Featuring the voiceover talents of Ray Wise (Twin Peaks, Fresh Off The Boat, RoboCop, etc.), “Unholy ‘Mole” has screened at over 50 film festivals worldwide including the Seattle International Film Festival and can now be found available to buy or rent on Vimeo On Demand. Currently, he is developing multiple short and feature film projects, with several music videos in post-production.
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After an extensive search and interview process, 20 individuals were invited to participate in the Los Angeles Cohort of RespectAbility’s 2022 Entertainment Lab taking place June 7 – July 14, 2022. This 6-week, 18-session Lab aims to further develop and elevate the talent pipeline of diverse professionals with disabilities working behind-the-scenes in television, film, and streaming. Participants include people with physical, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and other disabilities ranging in age from people in their 20’s through their 50’s. The Lab is a recipient of The Roddenberry Foundation Impact Award.
The Los Angeles Cohort of the 2022 Entertainment Lab is made possible with support by:
- Platinum Sponsors: Murray/Reese Foundation and Netflix
- Gold Sponsors: The Harnisch Foundation, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company
- Silver Sponsors: Hollywood Foreign Press Association Charitable Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, and NBCUniversal
- Location Sponsors: Bunim-Murray Productions, DreamWorks Animation, Endeavor, Lionsgate, Nielsen, and ROSIES Foundation
