This blog was written by Ella Hunter, one of our recent Girls in Film mentee from Brighton University. Discover her thoughts on the film industry and how we can encourage more women to pursue careers in video production.
Did you know?
The film industry is a mainly male-dominated environment. A 2022 study found that men made up 69% of film industry participants (SITE). Could today’s gender imbalance stem from the sexist attitudes ingrained during the industrial era, before the feminist movement? Possibly. The 1960s feminist movement challenged gender inequality and pushed for equal political, social and civil rights. One key milestone was the Equal Pay Act of 1963, which aimed to address pay discrimination. These changes helped open doors for women in traditionally male-dominated industries, including STEM.
But today, there is still not an equal split of women and men in certain fields, including the film industry. But why? One reason may be that the film industry is evolving more slowly than society’s attitudes towards women in creative roles. Traditional gender expectations can steer women towards certain careers, while limited exposure to creative roles and the film industry at school may discourage pupils from pursuing them.
Why do we need to spread awareness and grow women’s roles in the film industry?
Gender equality can bring balance, allowing certain traits of each gender to work together to create a positive working environment. Research suggests women demonstrate strong initiative, integrity and honesty, alongside creativity; a valuable asset in the film industry (Zengar).
Creating more a more dynamic working environment, including people with different backgrounds and genders, will lead to more creativity, bringing new mindsets and perspectives into the industry. This is demonstrated by female directors today such as Greta Gerwig and Ava DuVernay, who both created and directed brilliant movies and documentaries. Seeing and learning about female directors will encourage and motivate more women to join the film industry, creating role models for young girls who want to pursue the same careers.
Gerwig directing ‘Lady Bird’
DuVernay on the set of ‘Selma’
How can we increase the number of women in film?
•Let’s talk about it!
Firstly, we need to begin to address the problem, as it is only then that we can create awareness. This awareness will educate and inform women about the issues faced in the film industry, allowing them to learn more about how to face potential sexist remarks and verbal abuse that can happen within the industry. Also, the film industry itself isn’t highlighted enough throughout education as an option for women, and many people have no idea what to study or the type of options that are available for a future career.
•Gaining experience
If we begin engaging women in film-related workshops and seminars, it will give confidence to those who want to join the industry but aren’t sure how to start. Furthermore, offering women first-hand experience in TV and film production will help build their careers and give them true industry insight.
How are DreamingFish helping?
As a recent Graphic Design graduate from the University of Brighton, I developed a passion for film and TV during my degree. Researching influential film graphic designers Saul Bass and Annie Atkins inspired me to explore the industry further. Attending the first Girls in Film forum, hosted by DreamingFish at the University of Brighton, gave me valuable insight into the industry. DreamingFish team members Helen, Ana and Lucy shared their experiences, discussing the challenges they’ve faced and how they’ve overcome them. They created a safe space that allowed women to talk openly about any issues they have.
Furthermore, as part of the Girls in Film scheme, DreamingFish offered three mentorship programs for female (or those who identify as women) candidates. I applied for the mentorship with Ana, who has a graphic design background and luckily was selected.
Since then, we’ve held video calls covering CV and portfolio advice, alongside insights into the film and video industry. I’ve also spent a day at DF’s Woking studio, gaining hands-on experience within a production company. Although the number of women working in film is growing, there’s still more we can do to encourage their involvement across the industry’s business, technical and creative roles – particularly in a sector that contributes so much to the British economy.
