Trans+ On Screen — Cinemamas

Trans+ On Screen is a directory representing trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming professionals in all areas of Film and TV, from pre-production through to distribution. They not only support their members to find working opportunities, and provide consultancy work, but also ensure that they are working in safe and inclusive environments.

They are a community group that challenges industry norms, and actively works to elevate the voices of its members so that they can be heard and seen, to show a revolutionising way the industry can run.

We caught up with Alice Blanc, the founder of Trans+ On Screen. Alice works at FIFTH SEASON as a Materials Executive. They are also part of the BIFA Advisory Board.. Alice has experience working in the pre-production industry and distribution, in both film & TV.

Can you tell us what Trans+ On Screen is and what led you to create it?

Having worked in distribution, and worked with the pre-production industry, as well as attending film festivals, many of the people I spoke with mentioned how difficult it can be to find 'trans/non-binary people' to cast or work with. The idea that diversity should happen on-screen should also be applied off-screeners, behind the camera. This directory came alive when I wanted to make it easier for trans folks to get hired, and for studios and production companies to work with more people from the community. We now have over 130 members, ranging from actors, writers, crew members, event organisers, and programmers. The directory is free to access, and the safety of our members comes first. We provide alternatives for those that do not wish to have their profile disclosed to the public.

Building a community is often about connection. Trans+ on Screen feels like a community that goes beyond individuals wanting to just feel connected, it's about visibility and empowerment. Why is this so important?

Trans+ on Screen: We want people to feel less alone, and more connected with one another, share experience tips, and more. Empowering people is also by providing them with financial stability and that comes with job opportunities, career development and expanding one’s network. In an industry that can feel lonely for everyone, meeting people from the same community can lead people to greater mental health, opportunities and other positive impacts that are hard to evaluate.

The screen industries still have a long way to go in terms of inclusion, how does your work support culture change?

Trans+ on Screen is a directory for trans and non-binary professionals in film and tv. We provide support for the community, by fast-checking the jobs that come in to make sure they are not harmful to trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people. In some instances, we will require the production company to hire a consultant. If a production company is looking for a make-up artist, we will also push them to hire trans people across other departments, such as camera or post-production, or sound. Trans+ on Screen also offers its members a 'buddy' system; which is a person from TOS who will come on set, and make sure the trans person hired is feeling safe, comfortable and respected. This person will not go and make coffee for the team, nor be an assistant, their paid role is to make sure the set and the crew are putting in the work in order to make sure the set is friendly to trans and non-binary folks.

Trans+ On Screen also offers consultancy services for productions. Can you tell us a little more about the type of work that Trans+ On Screen offers to productions?

Hiring trans and non-binary is one step toward inclusivity. We want to make sure we provide as much guidance as possible to production companies, cinemas, programmers when working with trans people or on trans-related projects. TOS puts its member first, and advocates for them. We have consultants that have a specialty on labour law, race, trans and gender identity, and disability: not all issues are the same and some are connected to other important issues that cisgender people experience.

Why is it important that our sets become more gender inclusive?

It is important for both cis and trans folks. If sets become more gender inclusive; everyone wins. Things like pay gaps or gender disparity will be reduced. Also, more stories that are currently being told have been about women, LGBTQAI+, and non-white issues and it makes sense for the cast and crew to feel safe while working on their stories.

What are some best practices that productions can build in to ensure that they are positively supporting trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming cast and crew?

Hire trans people, but keep in mind that the best way to empower them is to offer them a decision-making position or one that will lead them to become a future head of department. For instance don't hire trans people only for assisting roles and runners, offer them opportunities such as DOP, Casting Director, Head of Acquisitions.

Running peer support groups, communities, and voluntary groups can often entail a lot of work, done mostly alongside day jobs, families, and other commitments. What inspires you?

Positive results. Ever since TOS started, many were able to get jobs, get accepted into mentorship programmes or scholarships, worked on their first trans-led production. More importantly many were able to meet fellow professionals in the film and tv industry, which can be isolating for everyone.

It's Trans Awareness week, what are a few meaningful things that can show support to trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming communities?

Besides hiring more trans people; or working with them across all departments; the best way to support trans people at work is to make sure the benefits include them (Like for example - Do your benefits include gender-affirming surgeries and HTR?), make sure your workplace knows about the current politics for trans and gender non-conforming people, providing resources to your employees that are LGBT and trans-specific. Allies play a major role in empowering trans people.

If you’d like to hear more about Trans+ On Screen, head to their website or get in touch through their social channels:

Website: https://transonscreen.com/

Instagram: @transonscreen