Film and television has long been an industry where disability may have been portrayed, but it certainly was not included. Abbie Hills (she/her) is helping to change this! From supporting others entering the industry via her talent agency, helping on set as an access coordinator, and writing and producing work to get more disabled people in front of our screens. Abbie is combating the problem from every angle!
Please give us a little introduction to who you are, and how you would describe yourself:
I'm a neurodivergent Sagittarius that wears a lot of hats. I run a talent agency, I'm a writer, producer and an access coordinator, and there's been a few other things along the way.
I have cerebral palsy that affects the whole left side of my body, it presents as non-visible, but the damage is substantial and affects my cerebellum - which in turn affects a bit of everything (it’s your little brain after all).
What is an Accessibility Coordinator and how did you become one?
An Access Coordinator is someone who supports D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent talent in the entertainment industry, to remove barriers in the workplace. I support productions to then support individuals so that accessibility is not an afterthought.
If you had a 30 second elevator ride with your favourite director/producer, how would you convince them they need an access coordinator on their team?
I LOVE THIS QUESTION. I'm thinking about who that would be.... I would share that 1 in 4 (although the stats are ever changing) people identify as DDN. I’d ask them to think about the size of their last crew... and then watch the look on their face as the penny drops....
*DDN: Deaf, Disabled, and/or Neurodivergent
Why did you start Dazey Talent and where does the name come from?
I was 23 when I started my agency that was then called The Dazey Hills Company... I'm not sure where the name came from, when I look back at my uni films I was using that as a production company name. I love Dazed and Confused so probably that... In December 2025 I rebranded to Dazey Talent - I have been running the agency for 7 years and felt it was time for a change and wanted something snappy and glossy.
What have been your biggest success?
I'm so blessed for all of the success I've had - from winning a National Diversity Award in 2021, to flying to New York last year for a theatre program I placed on. There's been too many to count, I'm just immensely proud and privileged that I get to make films and share my stories with the world.
With Dazey Talent - each and every client has smashed their successes over the years, from booking that first TV gig to getting on Spotlight - or even just having that first audition! It's all amazing, I'm proud every day and I love that I can be part of their journeys.
How do you feel representation and access has changed in the film and TV industry in the last five to ten years?
We are seeing more disability inclusion than ever before but it's still not enough and still a token - I hate how disability becomes a trend and pops up for a bit and then goes again.
What would you tell someone who wants to work in the industry but is concerned they won’t be able to get their access needs met?
Know what you need and ask if they have an access coordinator! A lot of broadcasters have committed to this, so we need to hold them accountable.
Your short film Immaterial was just shown at Cannes. What made you want to produce this?
Alexandra came to me with a film script that just pulled me in so many places and hit me with a wave of nostalgia (not always positive) of being a young woman - I just knew we had to make it.
What was the accessibility like at Cannes?
The film festival put together a fairly comprehensive guide around accessibility, but it still has its flaws - however the town itself is really inaccessible - very limited hotels and restaurants that are accessible.
Where will people be able to view Immaterial?
We are yet to release it - but keep an eye out for our film festival updates!
On days when you are struggling to stay motivated, or move forward, what do you do to keep going?
I literally talk to myself and hype myself up. I also don't force and create resistance - I think that can create the biggest blocks and nobody wants extra blocks when you're already dealing with chronic pain or a flare.
Where can people find and follow you?
@itsabbiehills on insta or www.abbiehills.uk
Thank you, Abbie, for taking the time to talk to us! Who should we talk to next?
No AI was used in this article.
ALT: Banner image of two photographs. Left: Abbie, a petite white woman with dark hair, wears a sparkly black body con dress. She stands in front of a white wall covered in logos, including ‘Birmingham Film Festival’. Res text: 'In conversation with Abbie Hills: access coordinator. writer. Producer.' Right: Abbie sits on a panel in front of a white and grey wall covered in logos. She wears an Unhidden tee, black skirt and black boots. A mic is positioned in front of her, and a man sits to her left.