234. Producing A Diverse, Authentic, & Honoring Netflix Series (w/ Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson)

On episode 226 we shared our thoughts on the hit Netflix series Down For Love which follows several people with Down syndrome as they navigate “the triumphs and trials of dating.” If you listened to “Our Thoughts On The Netflix Series Down For Love,” then you know how much we loved this show and appreciated the conversations that it started. We’re so excited to keep the conversation going with the Producer of the show, Robyn Paterson! Robyn is a filmmaker and screen creative based in New Zealand committed to promoting diversity, respect, partnership, and equity both on and off the screen. Best known for Down for Love (Netflix), In the Zone (Apple TV), Grand Designs: New Zealand, and Finding Mercy (Prime Video), and the current President of the Directors and Editors Guild of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Friends, we get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of approaching the storytelling of participants with Down syndrome and the intentional decisions that made the show so impactful. Robyn shares the challenges and impactful moments of filming Down For Love, along with the differences from other reality-type shows. We chat about the casting process to ensure diverse and authentic representation, and so much more! We promise there are no spoilers, just an incredible conversation about the responsibility to tell diverse, authentic, and honoring stories of people with disabilities.