In a historic first for the film industry, Sony Pictures Animation’s “GOAT” features an all-disability loop group, providing the ambient arena energy, crowd noise, and chants that fill the film's soundscape. This groundbreaking Disability Loop Group, which marks the first of its kind to work on a major studio film, was formed through the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge (EDFC) and made its feature film debut in the original animated action-comedy “GOAT,” now in theaters. This achievement is the culmination of over a decade of dedication by Nic Novicki, the EDFC’s founder and director, who has passionately worked towards creating greater opportunities for disabled creators in Hollywood.

Novicki, a little person and an accomplished working actor with credits in notable productions like “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Sopranos,” and “The Good Doctor,” established the EDFC 13 years ago. His primary motivation stemmed from observing a significant and persistent gap in opportunities for disabled talent within the entertainment industry. He expressed his excitement, stating that seeing so many talented individuals with disabilities recognized for their skills and invited to contribute to a major studio film is truly inspiring, emphasizing that, much like the character Will in “GOAT,” these artists earned their chance to showcase their abilities.

A loop group plays a crucial role in filmmaking by supplying the background voices that complete a film's auditory environment, encompassing everything from crowd reactions to general background chatter. For “GOAT,” an animated story centered on an underdog goat aspiring to play professional roarball in an all-animal world, the Disability Loop Group was instrumental in constructing the film’s arena sequences. Over two days of recording sessions on the Sony lot, the group meticulously built chants and crowd energy from the ground up, employing improv, various accents, and collective and singular voices to create the movie's immersive atmosphere, akin to an orchestra.

The formation of this unique group originated from a specialized workshop held on the Sony Pictures Entertainment lot. During this workshop, EDFC participants received invaluable coaching and feedback from animation executives and casting directors. Sony Pictures Entertainment has been a pivotal supporter, serving as a key sponsor and host for the EDFC challenge for seven years. The success of the EDFC in paving pathways for disabled talent was previously highlighted when Novicki voiced Lego Spider-Man in “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and fellow EDFC participant Danielle Perez, a wheelchair user, was cast as Sun-Spider in the same film after being discovered by Academy Award-winning producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller through the challenge.

These prior successes solidified Novicki's long-held belief that loop work presents an exceptional opportunity for the disability community. The inherent nature of voice-over work bypasses many of the traditional barriers associated with on-camera casting, where physical appearance or specific disabilities often present challenges. As Novicki eloquently puts it, “It doesn’t matter what your disability is or what you look like. Your voice is your instrument. You could play anything.” The group itself, expertly coordinated by director and autism spectrum advocate Brock Powell, comprises actors representing a wide array of visible and invisible disabilities, ensuring a rich diversity of vocal talent.

“GOAT,” which features the voices of notable actors like Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, and Jennifer Hudson, is just the inaugural project for this pioneering group. Additional studio projects are already underway, signaling a promising future. Novicki expressed profound honor in being part of this movement and the disability community, celebrating the immense talent within it. He views this achievement as a dream realized, with people with disabilities now being hired and given opportunities, a trend he confidently believes will continue. Looking ahead, registration for the 2026 EDFC competition is currently open from March 24-29, with the awards ceremony scheduled for May 7 at Sony Pictures Studios.