Danny Kurtzman is a physically disabled model, actor, entrepreneur, and advocate for the disabled community. Diagnosed with a muscular dystrophy at a young age, Danny never let his disability stop him from doing anything he put his mind to.
Today Danny’s passion not only lies in making the world a more powerful place for all disabled individuals. Danny uses his platform to spread his disability pride and tell the world that despite being physically disabled that he says “there’s nothing wrong with my body. It is perfect.”
To make music like Medusa’s, you need three things: thick beats, visceral melodies, and an axe to grind. A storyteller at heart, the self-proclaimed “revenge-pop” musician aims to transform tales of queer joy, desperation, and agony into gratifying music “by any means necessary.” And they make good on the promise; their signature production style — described by Soundriv as “a breakthrough collection of LGBTQ hymns,” and by Bucketlist as “the most inventive [expletive] music we’ve heard in a long time” — features unconventional samples like wolf howls and cheerleading chants as often as distorted basslines
As a member of RAMPD, Medusa uses their platform to celebrate neurodiversity and promote equity and inclusion across the music industry. In 2023, Keychange selected Medusa to be a member of their inaugural United States cohort. With two Wavy Awards under their belt and a legion of dedicated followers dubbed “The Gorgang” by their side, Medusa looks forward to soundtracking the process of self-actualization and empowering fellow outcasts for years to come.
Amanda Needham is the Managing Director of the Telly Awards, a 45 year old global award program honoring excellence in video and TV across all screens. The Telly’s recognizes work across TV or Online Shows and Series, Branded Content, Commercials & Marketing, Social Media, Immersive & VR, and Non-broadcast. Eligible work includes that created on behalf of a client, for a specific brand and/or company (including your own), or self-directed as a creative endeavor. If you are making excellent film or video work, the last chance to enter the 45th Season is April 26, 2024.
Jo is a neurodivergent writer/producer, performer and design who has been in the industry professionally since she was 12 years old. She graduated with a BA in Drama from University Winchester, and went on to gain her Masters at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). In 2012 Jo co-founded Hot Coals Productions with fellow RADA graduate Clare-Louise English and after 11 years of making work together the pair were named Screen Daily’s Screen Stars of tomorrow UK 2023.
In 2020 Jo co-wrote, produced and designed Hot Coals’ first short film, My Darling Christopher. This film went on to screen at 22 film festivals around the world winning 8 awards and a further 10 nominations.
Since then she has co-produced an animated educational film A New Kind of Normal with Kathy Haywood and produced and designed three further short films – We Care and Indefinitely in 2022 and How Do I look? In 2023.
In 2022 she also produced the About Time live Event at BAFTA which was sponsored by ITV and Disney+ and was a celebration a Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent talent in TV.
Jo is passionate about breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field for DDN Talent both in front of and behind the camera and has many projects in the pipeline ready to do exactly that.
Clare is a Deaf filmmaker who lost her hearing as a teenager. She trained as an actor and has worked in theatre, film & TV. In 2012 she trained at RADA on the MATheatre Lab and, on graduating, Co-Founded Hot Coals Productions, alongside fellow graduate Jo Sargeant. Hot Coals specialise in making inclusive work accessible to both Deaf and hearing audiences in a shared experience.
In 2020 she directed, and co-wrote, her debut short, My Darling Christopher, which tells the true story of a boy who lost his hearing at the outbreak of WW2, and combines English, BSL, Visual Vernacular and creative subtitles. The film went to festivals across the globe and won 8 awards and gained Clare nominations for directing and screenwriting.
In 2022 she directed two further short films- We Care and Indefinitely- which are the first from Hot Coals Talking Bodies collection of 7 films by Deaf and disabled writers. She was second unit Director on Ditto Films new Feature film Warhol. She also directed About Time, a live event celebrating Deaf and disabled talent in the UK which was held at BAFTA and sponsored by ITV and Disney. In 2023 she directed her 4th short, a Charity short promoting the work of DDN theatre company Vital Xposure. In 2023 Clare and Jo were named Screen Daily’s Screen starts of tomorrow UK 2023.
Director of Working Differently Hannah Currie (she/her) is an award-winning filmmaker from Glasgow with a reputation for heartfelt documentaries about contemporary human stories. Her work includes Scottish BAFTA-winning and Grierson-nominated short That Joke Isn’t Funny Anymore, and BBC Scotland films Lauren Mayberry: I Change Shapes, Michelle McManus: Talent show winners, series Not Your Average Family, and Lumo: Too young to die. Hannah is a fierce advocate of the 50/50 Pledge and in 2024, she launches production company For Your Daughters to promote better representation in the industry.
Keith Wasserman is multidisciplinary artist and educator who has won awards in his various roles as producer, writer, film editor, and songwriter. After graduating with honors from the Dramatic Writing Program at NYU Tisch school of the Arts, Keith began his career as a wilderness guide and experiential educator working with inner-city youth in various programs around the country.
In 2001 he co-founded EVOS ARTS – a 40,000 sq ft. arts space in Lowell MA. As the arts program director, Keith produced live theater, curated art exhibits, and worked with youth teaching media literacy. Keith continued his passion for film and media, producing commercials, industrial spots, documentary and narrative film – earning awards for “Gro2” (2008), “Bitter Sweet” (2009), “Work of 1000” (2010) and more.
In 2012 Keith shifted his focused to Kids and Family music, writing and recording original material as KB WHIRLY. In 2014 his debut record “”Greetings from Cloud 9″” received a Parents Choice Award. KB Whirly has delighted audiences at such notable festivals as Austin City Limits (2016), and Lollapalooza (2018) as well as performing at high profile venues like WolfTrap, Madison Sq. Park (NYC), Symphony Space (NYC).
Donald Lee is a conceptual mover whose naive expression and experimental practice center on his evolving body, narrative, and belonging. His methodology transforms the aesthetic of damage to a system of repair. Donald is a member of Heidi Latsky Dance and Tap: On Tap. He has been profiled by PBS and New York Times. Donald presented at the HASTAC conference at Pratt Institute and will appear in 2024 WestFest: Top Floor and Abilities Expo. Donald is also a contributing artist in Miranda July’s latest work in her upcoming solo exhibition at Fondazione Prada. He is a proud recipient of the 2024 WADE Pride Residency.
Nathan, a versatile Writer and Director, hails from New Zealand, where he honed his practical filmmaking skills, including editing for acclaimed TV programs. In 2000, he made a bold move to London, working with artists like Lady Gaga and networks such as BBC. Currently based in Brooklyn, NYC, Nathan directs spin-offs of popular TV shows and writes and directs narrative films.
His debut short film, “”At Dawn,”” won at the Rhode Island International Film Festival. “”People Are Only Interesting When You Get To Know Them,”” his subsequent work, gained recognition at three Oscar-qualifying festivals. His romantic comedy, “”My Eyes Are Up Here,”” premiered at the 2022 London Film Festival, earned acclaim at Slamdance, and was selected for the Tribeca Film Festival in New York.
Nathan’s expertise in documentary filmmaking influences his approach to narrative direction, resulting in visually innovative films with compelling storytelling and impeccable comedic timing. His films are both imaginative and emotionally resonant, reflecting his unique talent. He’s also a recipient of a Seed Grant from the New Zealand Writers Guild for developing a feature film script.”
Karen Varano is NAMI-NYC’s Director of Programs and Services, overseeing the organization’s mental health classes, support and social groups, family mentoring, Helpline, and much more. Karen has been instrumental in the development of many of NAMI-NYC’s innovative programs, including those pertaining to suicide prevention and supporting young adults.
Karen also oversaw the strategic growth of NAMI-NYC’s virtual programs, which have a national and global reach. Karen is proud to support these services for people living with mental illness and their family members. Karen was previously a parent advocate for kids involved in the child welfare system. She has a Master’s degree in Psychological Counseling. She has lived experience with mental health challenges and has a family member living with mental health challenges.
