RespectAbility Entertainment Professionals Lab, Summer 2023
Amelia Swedeen
Amelia Swedeen was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, where she was known as her high school’s resident videographer and disability advocate. When she moved across the country to attend USC School of Cinematic Arts, family and friends thought she would be making documentaries, but Amelia has always found more connection in telling stories through fictional characters. (As a TV fan, she once made a live appearance on Talking Dead – her first and last time in front of the camera.) Amelia has been on the support staff of six shows, the last being Power Book IV: Force, for which she co-wrote the second season finale and produced her episode on set in Chicago. She is now a staff writer on the third season. Amelia was also a participant in the 2022-23 NBC Launch TV Writers Program. In all her work, Amelia endeavors to platform disabled, neurodivergent, and queer identities. She is repped by Writ Large and Paradigm.
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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 2023 Entertainment Lab taking place May 1 – June 9, 2023. This 6-week Lab aims to develop and elevate the talent pipeline of disabled entertainment professionals working behind-the-scenes in television, film, and streaming, while connecting them with industry professionals and creatives. 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.
