Authentic disability representation, from script to screen

With over 30 years in television as a writer and director, and my own lived experience as a disabled creative, I work with writers, producers, and directors to shape authentic disabled characters from the inside of the story. My focus is on writers’ rooms, story development, and production conversations where inclusion strengthens the drama rather than constraining it.

How I Can Help

• Writers’ room collaboration: Sitting within writing teams to help develop storylines, character arcs, and plot that include disabled characters naturally and credibly.

• Script consultancy: Script notes and development support at outline, draft, and polish stages.

• Casting: Supporting the search for on- and off-screen disabled talent.

• Production & access: Advising on access during prep, tech recces, and production meetings.

• On-set support: Working with directors, ADs, and cast to support performance and storytelling.

• Training & discussion: Creating space for honest conversation, myth-busting, and challenging assumptions

Selected Experience in Story, Access, and Production

“The Darling Hospital for Sick Children” – Drama written as part of BBC’s Writers’ Access Group. Currently being sent out by the BBC to various production companies.

“Paralympics” – Studio Director in 2024’s coverage of the Paralympics, covering the afternoon show on More4 for the 12-day event. Whisper for Channel 4

“The Rose and Crown Affair”, “The Retreat” and “Small People” – Script development. Creating and writing comedy/drama & sitcom formats that feature strong disabled characters, with interest from Channel 4, BBC, Channel 5 and UKTV on these and other ideas.

“Naked” – Writer on this hard hitting drama about disability and body image, developed for Channel 5’s Drama of the Week initiative.

“The B@IT” – Channel 4 Comedy

Writing and directing comedy shorts for Ch 4’s online comedy offerings. One sketch, “Manket” has had over 6 million views.

“Murder They Hope”  – Comedy drama for UKTV

2nd Unit Director of 2×1 hour episodes directing GVs, pick-up and drone sequences as well as directing a promo with Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson.

Additional Credits 

“Toni Biscotti’s School for Dramatic Youth” – Comedy pilot for Nickelodeon
Directed this fully funded, improvised children’s comedy drama for Nickelodeon. Starring Steve Furth, Dolly Wells and a cast of over 40 teenage actors.

“Megamaths” – Entertainment/educational series for BBC Schools TV
Multi-camera Director and Co-writer on two series of ten x 20 min studio based maths programmes for 7-9 year olds. Japan Prize nominated and RTS award-winning first series.

“Just So Darwin” – Animation series for CBBC
Produced and script edited this 13-part BATFA nominated animation series to celebrate the 200^th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth.

“Hotch Potch House” – Puppet series for the BBC
Writer and Director of 17 comedy sketches for this puppet based series

“Square One TV” – Entertainment/educational maths series for the BBC
Wrote and Directed mini-drama, comedy and studio quizzes. Co-production with Children’s Television Workshop, New York and the BBC.

“The Poetry of Passion” – English Series for the BBC
Directed this 30-minute chat show on Love Poetry, staring Lily Savage and Tom Hollander. RTS and Japan Prize nominated series.

Professional Training

• Participant of the BBC’s Writers Access Group 2023-25
• Participant on Directors UK Inspire Programme 2022 with Mentor Ed Bye.
• Multi-camera studio directing – BBC Training
• Introduction to direction – BBC Training
• Working with actors – BBC Training

  Alongside professional practice, Neil has continually developed his skills through BBC and Directors UK programmes focused on access, inclusion, and performance direction.

Other Relevant Experience

• Stand-up comedian performing on the open mic circuit in London and the SE
• Writer, director and performer with Chicken Shed Theatre Company
• Producer/Presenter Great Ormond Street Hospital Radio
• Producer/Director TV Access Project PR videos 2023 & 2025
• Patron of Herts Inclusive Theatre

  If you’d like support bringing authentic disabled stories to life — or just want to make sure your next production gets it right, get it touch.