Movies - All Comments

re: Alliance for Inclusion in the Arts: Celebrating Two Decades of Artists with Disabilities

ArielSilverlight — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:52:59 GMT

As a disabled performer who's life revolves around creativity in various art forms, I've seen a LOT of multi-talented people with different levels of impairment, who could have benefitted from a group like this. It's about time! I know there are groups who encourae disabled actors, I tried joinning one in California, but I lived too far from them and, being unable to drive, and unable to find transportation, I missed out on a great opportunity. My first love is singing, which I am very good at, but due to the immobility issue I lost out on doing that, too, so now what I do is not dare try to have any kind of consistent career. I wish I could find a place where my talents would be more appreciated, though I have had some success, especially in the past 2 years, but my performances are too few and far between.

At least somewhere there are disabled people making a living doing what they love best. I can still dream, though my hope has faded away. I will share more in the appropriate area.

Sincerely, Ariel

re: Kurt Yaeger: Actor Reaches Beyond Label of Amputee

KurtYaeger — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 05:31:31 GMT

John,

Hey, thanks for the comment!!!

Everyone I have worked with has little inclination of my handicap. I go about my business until something comes up where they have the opportunity to see my prosthetic leg. However they all react differently when they fins out about my leg.

One guy on a set joked with me about how the director was going to have to cut off my leg because my role was for a one legged guy. He had no idea that I was an amputee. Then I showed him my leg and he was so shocked and heart-broken that he joked about it he almost began to cry. I had to do everything in my power to let him know that it was ok and that I wasn't offended. LOL.

Others are fascinated with it and ask many questions, which I happily answer because if I ran across an amputee I would want to know those same answers.

I'm in a production right now for a new TV show (Dimensions Cafe) and no one except the director and producer know that I am an amputee. And there are 14 other cast members!!!! In fact one of my agents at "Stars, the agency" just found out I was an amputee. No one, including myself, thought to tell her because we thought she knew!!! She was blown away, especially after she sent me out for an audition, (which I booked) where I jumped a BMX bike off 8 stairs for a commercial.

Everyone has been very considerate regarding the leg. The one issue that has come up recently is that I have higher profile folks talking with me and since they have seen me act without a leg they assume that is all I can do, act as an amputee. They want to type-cast you. Not getting type cast will probably be the hardest feat to overcome in the near future.

Now there are some major advantages to having one leg on set. If my leg is off everyone from the biggest actor to the lowest helping hand will get you anything you ask for... =) That's pretty sweet.

But shhh, don't tell them...

I hope I answered the question well and feel free to ask more or tell other folks out there to ask me anything they'd like, regarding amputees or acting, I'd love to help...

Take care,

Kurt Yaeger

re: Kurt Yaeger: Actor Reaches Beyond Label of Amputee

John H. Pieper — Sat, 17 May 2008 07:57:29 GMT

What a great biography!

Question:

In what way do others who are able-bodied work with you, or do some don't hve a clue?

re: One Woman's Mission to Include Performers With Disabilities in Film and Television

KurtYaeger — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:50:54 GMT

That is a great article!!! I hope for the best for you!!!!!

Kurt Yaeger

re: One Woman's Mission to Include Performers With Disabilities in Film and Television

FCraig — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:57:43 GMT

Terrific article! Most exciting. Pam Vetter really caught the spirit and joy and passed it along to us.

re: One Woman's Mission to Include Performers With Disabilities in Film and Television

Don Norte — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 20:00:14 GMT

The article is a bit of progress for the entertainment industry. Perhaps the next step should be making the film and TV studios more friendly for people with disabilities.

re: My Left Foot: The Story of Christy Brown: A Case Study on People With Disabilities as Heroes in Film

norris19 — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 22:01:31 GMT

as a male with cerebral palsy i find that sex in america is still a big problem

as a black - native american indian its tough toi find partners

re: Rolling: Life in a Wheelchair--Documentary gives viewers a glimpse into a world that most don’t see

wazabiker — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:55:37 GMT

Film and television media featuring folks with disabilities are paths to an unenlightened non disabled population and would erase physical, social, emotional and economic barriers now in place. Gretchen Berland has acknowledged this and crafted a film, according to this critique, worth viewing nationally. How can Berland be contacted? Charles

re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

sctshep — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:42:45 GMT

re: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

sctshep — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:41:43 GMT

I also loved the movie. It, as the book itself, didn't resort to false sentimentality. There are a lot of emotions flying around but they ring true. The book is the same way. When I have recommended it I warn people that it's not just some "just stay positive and everything will work out" book. The guy is ticked and who wouldn't be. He's dealing with regrets and his own bad behavior that he can't fix. He feels he is frightening to his own children which is incredibly sad. But!!! with all the anger and frustration and sadness he refuses to go away. He was amazing but I bet that he wouldn't have tapped into a fraction of that courage and integrity if he hadn't had the stroke. He found his spirit through that stroke.