The implementation of Special Deaf Actor Syndrome (SDAS) has been harmfulto the Hollywood industry and the Deaf community.

Special Deaf Actor Syndrome (SDAS) has long plagued Hollywood for decades, impacting the film and television industry's ability to provide accurate representation for the Deaf community. When you cast the only deaf actor on the screen, this does not constitute representation. This is not our reality. This method of casting and practice is harmful and outrageously outdated. But y’all not ready to have these conversations.

A socially conscious *Representation* involves having more Deaf actors, particularly BIPOC actors and their lived experiences, as seen in WHAT SOMALIA WANTS, an episodic series produced by Deaf Talent®️Media & Entertainment Consulting production company, which underscores the importance of inclusion and diverse representation in the film and television industry.

We observe that some Deaf actors exhibiting SDAS behavior tend to act as if they are the only ones present in the room, disregarding the existence of others around them or other thriving deaf talents.

Special Deaf Actor Syndrome (SDAS) is a term coined by Jade Bryan, a pioneering Black deaf filmmaker who has been a driving force in the film industry for over thirty years. With a vision to provide opportunities for deaf actors, Jade Bryan has written and directed numerous films, ensuring that more deaf actors are cast in meaningful roles, thereby breaking the harmful stereotype.

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DEAF TALENT® © Copyright Thank you for dropping by to support a social issue and fundraising cause so we can produce our movie, "The Double Life of Zhane Rain." (The title has now changed to "The Shattered Mind.") Our goal is to spread and spreading awareness that we need more Deaf Talent ® (of Color) in the mainstream movie industry and in television. That's why as a writer, I am producing a movie by us and about us because nobody is going to do it for us. We want to attract media attention and let the world know what we are trying to do. We're very tired of being overlooked and not having our voices heard. (See press release from 2012) We're planning a Deaf Talent® Movement for change in film and TV by using hashtags support #DEAFTALENT®, #POCDEAFTALENT, #DEAFBLACKFILM, #DEAFERSITY, or #DEAFTALENTSOFCOLOR to spread awareness and representation about our film, The Double Life of Zhane Rain, written by first...

The Deaf Talent ® Movement, founded by the first Black Deaf Filmmaker/Activist, Jade Bryan in 2012, is a social and cultural icon centralized on spreading awareness about the lack of representation of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) in television and film. However, Black Deaf actors, writers, producers, and Black Deaf stories are the most overlooked in getting recognition in film and television. This movement began on multiple online and real-life platforms, starting with social media. Jade Bryan created a social media platform by using Twitter and Facebook to spread awareness of the need for better representation in television and film before moving her movement to the streets. (See press release from 2012) A close-knit of Black and POC Deaf Activists from the Deaf community and actors cast in Jade Bryan’s film, The Shattered Mind , (formerly known as The Double Life of Zhane Rain ), met up and campaigned in the streets. The movement ...

Jade Bryan On the Challenges the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Face in Film | Tomorrow Will Be Televised

Simon introduces us to Jade Bryan, a Filmmaker, and advocate for representation of the deaf and hard of hearing - particularly of color. Jade shares some challenges she's faced in breaking into the industries, and recommendations she has for those in positions who might make new opportunities available to these communities.

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