Inclusive Content Isn’t a Trend. It’s the Bare Minimum

Danny
Jun 10
2 min read

Updated: Jun 13

Let’s get one thing clear: inclusive content isn’t a branding exercise. It’s not a trend, a checkbox, or a theme you pull out during Pride Month. It’s the bare minimum.

Inclusivity should be built into every stage of your process: because we know how powerful it is when people see themselves reflected in the stories you tell.

Silhouetted group of people taking photographs posing joyfully at sunset. Vibrant orange sky with scattered clouds adds warmth and energy to the scene.

What Does Inclusive Content Actually Mean?

It’s more than casting. True inclusion considers:

Language. Are you speaking clearly, respectfully, and accessibly?
Representation. Who is seen and heard in your content and who isn’t?
Access. Are your videos captioned? Subtitled? Audio described if needed?
Cultural context. Are you avoiding stereotypes and tokenism?
Production practices. Are you making set environments safe and welcoming?

Inclusion isn’t about being politically correct. It’s about being human.

Why It Matters

For your audience: Inclusion builds trust and resonance.
For your team: It shows you care about people, not just output.
For the industry: It helps shift who gets seen, heard, and paid.

Your content has power. Use it well.

People in pink outfits with glitter, wearing bunny ears and angel wings, hug at a festive outdoor event. Vibrant atmosphere with ribbons.

How We Bake It In at dbMedia

1. Captions, Subtitles & Accessible Formats Always

We provide captioned versions of all videos by default not as an optional extra. We also work with translators, audio describers, and Auslan interpreters when needed, depending on the audience. Because accessibility shouldn’t be negotiable.

2. Inclusive Casting & Representation

We actively work to cast real people not just the usual suspects. That means prioritising diverse, lived-experience-led representation in front of the camera and working with community voices behind the scenes wherever possible.

3. Community Collaboration

When working with sensitive or identity-based content, we don’t assume, we ask. We collaborate directly with community groups, cultural consultants, and client stakeholders to ensure the work is appropriate, respectful, and representative.

4. Set Culture & Safe Work Practices

Whether it’s a corporate event or a grassroots shoot, we make sure the set is a safe, inclusive space for everyone. That includes gender-inclusive facilities, trauma-informed direction, and a crew brief that covers respectful language and boundaries.

5. Internal Review & Self-Check

We’re constantly asking ourselves:

Who’s missing?
Who might feel excluded from this story?
What can we do better?

That kind of self-awareness helps us create content that speaks to people, not over them and keeps us accountable as creators.