AE Neurodivergent Creators Collective

A New Era of Inclusive Storytelling

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Past Workshops and Workshop Resources:

(Workshops are listed in reverse chronological order)

Low-Budget Filmmaking: Lighting and Cinematography Basics

with Edward Martin III – Saturday, February 21st, 2026

With over 154 credits in film, writing, and production, Edward Martin III is a powerhouse creator and the founder of Hellbender Media. The Hellbender team teaches in-depth filmmaking workshops at comic and special interest conventions several times a year, and we’re incredibly grateful for the chance to learn from such a seasoned professional.

This session is designed to be beginner-friendly and especially helpful for low-budget filmmakers who want big impact without expensive gear. You’ll learn how lighting does far more than “help the camera see”—it can shape mood, guide your audience’s attention, and elevate the look and feel of your scenes. Edward will also cover how simple camera movement and placement can work hand-in-hand with lighting choices to strengthen your storytelling.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to sharpen your fundamentals, you’ll walk away with practical concepts you can apply right away to create more memorable, intentional visuals.

Watch the replay on YouTube and be sure to subscribe to our channel for more videos:

🔗 Low-Budget Filmmaking: Lighting and Cinematography Basics Slides

🔗 Low-Budget Filmmaking: Lighting and Cinematography Basics Slides with Speaker Notes

🔗 Hellbender Media: Rare and Ferocious Entertainment

🔗 Hellbender Media Low-Budget Filmmaking Tips

The Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (EDFC) gives filmmakers—with and without disabilities—the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms.

As someone with a physical disability who also identifies as neurodivergent, actor, comedian, and producer Nic Novicki launched the Disability Film Challenge in 2013 in response to the underrepresentation of talent with disabilities both in front of and behind the camera. Novicki created the challenge to give aspiring filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work and gain meaningful exposure. In 2017, Novicki joined forces with Easterseals Southern California to expand the event, now known as the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.

The film challenge is an annual 5-day filmmaking contest, open to all, that provides a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry. Each year, aspiring storytellers are prompted to creatively write, produce, and complete a short film. Challenge winners receive invaluable access to entertainment professionals, opening the door to an industry notoriously difficult to enter.

The 13th Annual Easterseals Disability Challenge will be held from March 24th to 29th, 2026. Team registrations open in January 2026. See EDFC website for more details.

Want to learn more and see how you can get involved? Join Nic Novicki, Founder & Director, Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, as he is interviewed by Gwyn LaRee and shares the inside scoop. 

** 12/22/25 Update: Please note that the AE-NCC and Autism Empowerment will not be participating as an organization in the 2026 EDFC, however individual members are encouraged to participate on their own and/or collaborate with other members independently.

Watch the replay on YouTube:

🔗 Easterseals Disability Film Challenge website

🔗 Nic Novicki personal website

🔗 Nic Novicki at Facebook

📝 Storytelling for Good: Turning Your Story into Purpose – November 15th, 2025

Create, connect, and advocate with impact.

Everyone has a story worth telling. Whether it’s through writing, podcasting, or everyday conversation, your voice can inspire change and bring healing, connection, and hope. When we learn how to shape our stories with authenticity and intention, we can spark change, build confidence, and make a meaningful difference in the world. 

Join Karen and John Krejcha, co-founders of Autism Empowerment and publishers at Spectrum Life Magazine, for a dynamic and supportive workshop sharing L.I.G.H.T. and exploring how storytelling can be used as a tool for:

✨ Leadership
🎙️ Advocacy
💜 Personal Empowerment
🌱 Healing & Growth

We’ll explore storytelling across multiple formats using a framework for life called the L.I.G.H.T. Switch Method™—from entertainment to nonprofit work to everyday advocacy—and offer strategies for using your unique voice and lived experience to make a positive difference personally and professionally.

Watch the replay on YouTube (some parts from original presentation edited for privacy):

🔗 Storytelling for Good Workshop Slides

🔗 Storytelling for Good Workshop Slides – 3 to a page so you can take notes

🔗 Handout: Storytelling for Good – The Light Switch Method Frequently Asked Questions