Jay Gearing is a filmmaker and artist. Socially engaged practice is at the heart of Jay’s artistic work. Highly motivated by the power and potential of film to be representative, to provoke and to highlight multiple issues impacting on people and the world around them. Jay founded Red7 Productions, an independent production company based in Peterborough, in 2017. Maintaining a focus on socially responsible practice and engaging with a wide range of partners and collaborators. Red7 Productions has created numerous films across different genres, these works range from art films, research films, documentaries and commercial work.
Jay produced two films for RAD 2.0. The first, a work-in-progress called “Reasonably Adjusted?” the film is a short interview and vlog piece. Recently diagnosed with ADHD and undergoing assessment for autism, Jay had been offered medication in order to ‘fit in’ with societal norms—a lived experience that raises critical questions around neurodivergence and inclusion. The film creatively asked: “Is it fair for people to have to take medication in order to fit into a system or is the problem environmental and society needs to change?” As well as his own perspectives, Jay interviewed ADHD creatives Lee Mason and Sandy Wardrop, in a bid to challenge myths and misinformation about neurodivergence.
The second film, titled “Unreasonable”, is an artistic documentary of all the RAD 2.0 projects and commissions. Featuring interviews and footage from throughout the project, Unreasonable is a powerful reminder of the importance of activism, disability rights, and the power of creativity to share your experiences and come together. The film is available in captioned, BSL, and Audio Description (Summary) on our website and youtube.
