Chantelle Nassari, a trailblazer in promoting inclusivity, has made significant strides in the Hollywood film adaptation of the renowned Broadway musical, "Wicked." Head-hunted for her expertise, Nassari took on a pivotal role as an accessibility coordinator, ensuring the film's set was navigable for individuals with disabilities. Working alongside notable stars such as Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, and Michelle Yeoh, Nassari's contributions have not gone unnoticed.
Nassari's journey began with a captivating job interview that sparked her passion for the production. She fell in love with the project and became deeply involved in making the set accessible. Her responsibilities included inspecting the set during its construction to identify and address potential obstacles. This meticulous attention to detail was particularly crucial in Munchkinland, crafted in the serene Buckinghamshire countryside near Ivinghoe.
"I got submerged in it without any context of the enormity of what I had just accepted." – Chantelle Nassari
Nassari collaborated closely with Marissa Bode, who portrayed Nessarose in the film. Her efforts extended beyond the set as she also conducted training sessions in America to raise awareness about accessibility. Nassari, who uses a wheelchair herself, has been a champion of inclusivity since her teenage years. Remarkably, she became the first person in the nation to earn a dance GCSE as a wheelchair user, defying expectations and setting new standards.
"I was the first year of GCSE and dance was one of the options that came up at my school and I wanted to take it, and I think I am that person – that if you tell me I can't, generally I want to do it more." – Chantelle Nassari
The film's release in November marked a significant milestone, grossing approximately £520 million globally. Directed by Jonathan Murray Chu, "Wicked" has not only captivated audiences but also highlighted the importance of accessibility within the entertainment industry.
"I think it has also woken up the industry to how important it [accessibility] is, because it is not just the actors that needed things adapted to or needed somebody who needed to hear them." – Chantelle Nassari
Nassari's natural ability to adapt environments for accessibility has been instrumental in her success. Her dedication has been met with overwhelming support from colleagues and industry professionals alike.
"There was a lot of stuff involved, but it comes naturally to me – I look at that stuff and I scan an area and I can just adapt it," – Chantelle Nassari
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