With one-in-five people having a disability in the U.S. today, the lack of representation – less than two percent in children’s television – means that millions of children are unable to see themselves in media today. DreamWorks Animation, Universal Pictures, and Amblin Entertainment’s “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” is helping to ensure more representation. At the end of Season 1, viewers learned that Brooklynn has lost her arm and is now an amputee. In Season 2, now streaming on Netflix, viewers will learn what Brooklynn has been doing.
With a new voice actor needed for Brooklynn as the new series went into production, the team saw an opportunity to ensure authenticity in recasting the role. Kiersten Kelly, who was born without her right forearm, grew up with no one looking like her in the entertainment industry and now is able to be that person for today’s children. In addition, Peter Lee, a writer who is an amputee, was first brought on as a consultant on Brooklynn’s storylines, and soon then joined the writers’ room to contribute to the entire series.
As we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October, it’s important to note that by hiring disabled individuals, this series is not only more inclusive on screen but also increases the number of disabled talent working within the industry.
Join Kelly, Lee, Executive Producer Scott Kreamer, and Story Editor Bethany Armstrong Johnson for a conversation about the importance of disability representation in “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory.” The panel was moderated by Lauren Appelbaum, SVP of Entertainment and News Media at Disability Belongs™.
Speakers
Bethany Armstrong Johnson, Head Writer, “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory”
Kiersten Kelly, Voice Actor, Brooklynn, “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory”
Scott Kreamer, Executive Producer, “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory”
Peter Lee, Writer, “Jurassic World Chaos Theory”
Moderator: Lauren Appelbaum, SVP, Entertainment and News Media, Disability Belongs™.
