#5/2018
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Making what we see more reflective of reality
Films, like photography, books, food, politics, and the list goes on, have an impact on everybody's life.
We all need a reference point that we can identify with, and without it makes it hard to grow, to believe what is possible, to be creative. If the industries don't reflect reality, then it will be hard to encourage and empower for more diversity. We subconsciously reflect what we see and experience around us. |
Photo by Noah Buscher on Unsplash
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THE FILM INDUSTRY: IS CHANGE ON THE HORIZON?
Photo by pawel szvmanski on Unsplash
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Following from Frances McDormand's Oscar acceptance speech, the buzz was around her two last words "inclusion rider." You can read or watch an explanation.
This concept was introduced by Stacy Smith in her 2016 TedTalk. |
2017 saw the film industry being exposed yet again. The gender problems in Hollywood is a topic that has been discussed for a number of years. This article from 2015 is incredibly comprehensive, explaining that the gender inequalities and biases can be traced back to the 1920s. For example, during the Great Depression, in order for films to be produced, Hollywood turned to Wall Street for investment. And because Wall Street was (still is) male-dominated this consequently was the start in pushing aside women’s involvement in the film industry. And we all know this continues to be a problem and not only in the film industry.
What's interesting is that the enrollment of women in courses related to the film industry is almost gender balanced, so the question to ask is, what is happening after graduation? The reality is that there are many key points in the industry where women are sidelined.
In spite of the box office hits in the last years, the only woman to win an Oscar for best director has been Kathryn Bigelow for the Hurt Locker.
Melissa Silverstein is another prominent leader in the discussion of Hollywood's inequalities and has created a website that educates, advocates and agitates the gender diversity in Hollywood.
And what about guidelines such as the Bechdel Test? If this is applied consistently would this influence change?
And for something a bit more shocking, this anonymous blog of @hit People Say to Women Directors & Other Women in Film is sadly revealing.
The resources in this section are dominated by Hollywood as it is a prominent player in the global film industry. It would be interesting to have data of other country-specific film industries. If you have information, Word of Mouth wants to hear about it.
What's interesting is that the enrollment of women in courses related to the film industry is almost gender balanced, so the question to ask is, what is happening after graduation? The reality is that there are many key points in the industry where women are sidelined.
In spite of the box office hits in the last years, the only woman to win an Oscar for best director has been Kathryn Bigelow for the Hurt Locker.
Melissa Silverstein is another prominent leader in the discussion of Hollywood's inequalities and has created a website that educates, advocates and agitates the gender diversity in Hollywood.
And what about guidelines such as the Bechdel Test? If this is applied consistently would this influence change?
And for something a bit more shocking, this anonymous blog of @hit People Say to Women Directors & Other Women in Film is sadly revealing.
The resources in this section are dominated by Hollywood as it is a prominent player in the global film industry. It would be interesting to have data of other country-specific film industries. If you have information, Word of Mouth wants to hear about it.
BITE-SIZE
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
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Watch: Type 'film' or 'director' when searching for a stock photograph and the results will most likely be a man holding a camera. In keeping with the conversation about visibility and resetting the default settings, Facebook and Getty Images worked together last year to address this problem. Have a look at the story.
Read: Sometimes it helps when someone else can put all the information you need together in one easy location. This is what Otegha Uwagba's Little Black Book: A Toolkit for Working Women offers. Although UK based, the fundamentals are relevant for everyone. It is a purchase well worth it. Listen: If you want to see what it's like to love your job and be grateful every day for your life, you only need to look at James Corden. Have a listen to his interview with John Bishop. |
Published in March 2018.