Accessibility Statement – Opening Shot (part of Astar Media)
Opening Shot is a brand-new Scottish filmmaking development project run by Astar Media as part of the Screen Scotland Talent Builder initiative. Our goal is to seek out and support new voices – from complete beginners to self-taught filmmakers – in creating bold, original short films.
We are committed to ensuring that all of our opportunities are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, marital status (including civil partnerships), ethnicity or cultural background, nationality, religion or belief, sexual orientation, geographical remoteness, or socio-economic status. Accessibility and inclusion are central to how we work.
Access and Communication Support
We can provide access and communication support based on your specific needs. If you require assistance at any stage, please email us at info@astarmedia.scot.
Support we are able to provide includes (but is not limited to):
Live captions
Translation
BSL interpreter
All venues used for Opening Shot events and workshops will be fully wheelchair accessible, but please let us know if you have any additional requirements we can cater for.
Community Workshops and Short Film Programmes
If you have specific access needs that might prevent attendance at either our online Short Film Lab, in-person workshops, or community engagement events, please get in touch so we can discuss how we can support your participation.
Website Accessibility
The Opening Shot website is designed to be accessible to all, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). We ensure:
Logical content structure navigable by keyboard only
Alternative (alt) text for images
Descriptive links
Sufficient colour contrast between text and background
Captions for embedded videos
You can also use Google Translate to view our site in other languages.
Applying to Opening Shot
If you require application forms in an alternative format, please email us to discuss your needs.
We offer tailored support to D/deaf and disabled applicants, including:
Sign Language interpreters for pre-application meetings
Scribing support for dyslexic applicants
Signing videos may also be included with our open call announcements.
Alternative Application Formats
If you cannot submit an online application form, we can accept alternative formats such as:
Written applications
BSL video or other language formats
Verbal applications recorded on phone or camera
Applications are processed by the Opening Shot team. Equality Monitoring Forms are never used in decision-making.
We support the Social Model of Disability and recognise that it is society that creates barriers to participation. If you identify as a disabled person or as someone with a hidden disability, we encourage you to disclose your status and list any access requirements when applying or registering for our programmes.
Access Support Costs
Opening Shot can make a direct financial contribution towards access support for shortlisted applicants.
If members of your filmmaking team have personal access needs that will incur a cost during production, these can be included in your budget as part of your request to us. This funding is awarded in addition to any other support we provide.
Eligible access costs may include (but are not limited to):
Childcare costs (taxable; responsibility to report to HMRC)
Personal assistance support
Transport
An advocate
Accommodation
Equipment including adaptations
Communication support such as BSL interpreter, note taker, speech-to-text reporter, lip speaker, document translation (including Easy Read, large print, or audio formats)
Remote communication support or the purchase of relevant software/equipment
