Chaz's Journal | Roger Ebert: Annual stats tracking women's work in the film industry consistently indicate that production gatekeepers are slow to welcome the work of female filmmakers, despite the recent successes of studio-backed femme-helmed and femme-centric blockbusters, and the ongoing inclusion initiatives of feminist groups such as the Alliance of Women Filmmakers and Film Fatales.
4 comments:
I am super happy that the proportion of positions in the movie industry held by women has increased and that that proportion is getting more attention. I myself am thinking of going into film, and I am a little daunted by the dick show that is working in film, and to be honest, all of the entertainment industry. I am glad that the world is starting to notice the rampant inequality in production that has been hidden by the nature of production jobs, and that more people are starting to care about making that part of the industry more equal. But I don't know how much of the statistics that they listed in this article are relevant. The "movie of the week" is chosen by the association of female film journalists, so the selection committee is already predisposed to women- led and produced films. Having a high proportion of women films chosen by the association of women film journalists is not exactly groundbreaking. But good for them.
I am so happy to see the increased amount of women working in the film industry this year, as well as the recognition of notable work done by female directors, cinematographers, and more in amazing films like Mudbound and Lady Bird. I don't presume that the fight is over, far from it in fact, but to see women making a big splash in the industry that is being recognized in articles like this is a good sign going forward. As someone hoping to go into a production job, and having worked alongside like minded women in that field, I can attest that they are some of the most creative, incredible, and qualified artists around and deserve their just representation in the industry. On a larger scale, this skill has been showcased in impressive films such as the costume design of black panther, or the direction of Lady Bird. Things are beginning to look up for women in the industry, and if we keep pursuing equality, it can be achieved.
I have been reading so many articles about the statistics of women in the film and music industry in recent years, and have been feeling really conflicted. Some statistics report that female representation may appear like it has been rising as of late, but in reality it is on the decline. I would love to wholly believe that women, especially as producers and technicians, are gaining more representation in the industry but it’s hard to know which statistics are the true figures. I do think women are making their voices heard much more in Hollywood recently, especially with the #Time’sUp and #Metoo movements as the article mentioned. It’s so critical that women with widespread influence like film and television stars spread this message so that others will not only listen but attempt to create actual change because of this. I do think that the #Metoo movement is only the beginning, and that women will catalyze many more movements for change in the right direction in the future.
Even though 2017 was a pretty rough year, I to see what kind of work the Alliance of Women Film Journalists is doing, I love the fact that they promote women centric films because I think that is one of the best ways to demonstrate a desire for femme centric films. I think if audience's demand, more diverse filmmaking I think that is one of the most effective ways that people outside of Hollywood can affect change. I also like that the organization is interactional and that they do promote films that speak to the public about other issues. Overall I think it’s great that they are promoting both indie films and blockbusters. I think it’s particularly important to show women directed work because directing is such a male dominated profession. After this year a lot of people want to see more change in Hollywood, after this year I do have hope.
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