I'm going to open with a somewhat obvious statement: Women make up roughly 50 percent of the world population. But when it comes to Hollywood, and frankly many other industries, we don't see those numbers reflected. Women In Film, an organization promoting increased roles for women within the entertainment industry, is trying to shed light on this issue through comedy.
You know when it's 10 pm and you're scrolling through your Facebook feed in bed, double chin and all, and you see a meme that is so hilarious because it's true, then it makes you sigh in pain? That's how I felt when I watched "Diva Director." The moment that really got me was when the male director asked for more fill light and the female gaffer ignored the request, only completing the task once an eyeroll and reluctant nod was given from the director of photography. I've experienced this kind of unprofessional behavior before, more times than I can even remember to count. At this point, I'm shocked if my idea is listened to and executed without it being questioned, ridiculed, or completely ignored. I'm sure plenty of other women (and men too) have learned to deal with it as well. But the fact is we shouldn't have to. Also, please stop winking at us.
One of the things that's so great about Women in Film is they are not shouting from the rooftops about being treated unfairly. They're using their skills and showing the issue in a comedic way. I'm sure there will be some people who don't get it or maybe even some women who've not experienced it. Just because you don't personally understand an issue doesn't mean it's not happening or trying for those who have. This isn't an issue that is going to change overnight, and I am not saying that producers and directors should hire someone based off of their gender. But as a whole (filmmaking in particular), sets should really learn to be respectful towards everyone, and we should hold everyone accountable for their behavior regardless of gender. It would make set life so much more bearable. Comedy is a great way to open up discussion about these issues. Writer Ally Iseman was happy to see how both men and women wanted to be involved in the project:
Both women and men wanted to help get this project made. The way we all came together really showed us what the future looks like: inclusive.
Women in Film has more of these hilarious videos coming soon, so be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel.
I'm glad I read the entire article. At first I thought it was going to be something along the lines of, 'we need more women so give them jobs because they're women.' I'm so glad it wasn't.
Okay. So after I watched the video, I was confused. I've never been on a video set but I've been in a lot of other professional situations and never seen anything like that in my life. Is that common enough to be considered representative in those venues?
Yes, it's a very very common thing. A couple of days ago someone posted an article "Do You Need to Be A Dick to Be a Successful Leader." https://fstoppers.com/bts/do-you-need-be-dick-be-successful-leader-179801 Great video attached with it (I've only been able to watch half), but that whole macho and dickish behavior is seen as acceptable and people, even though it's actually ridiculous behavior, think, this guy knows what he's doing. If a woman were actually to act like that director depicted above, she'd NEVER get hired to work a set, but for men, it's accepted.
I'm glad you read the whole article too, I'm not asking for favors because I'm a woman, just asking to have a conversation about these issues and for more people to be aware so the industry can slowly move forward in the right direction.
I don't think there's any relationship between being a dick and being successful. If there were, I'd be successful! ;-)
Yeah, I mean, that's the definition of inclusiveness. Unfortunately there are still many people who have prejudices against others based on things they can't help (ie race, gender, etc), but you're working so it shouldn't matter just as long as you get the job done.
Everyone should be respectful to everyone else. There is a way to be a good leader/director, and treat those who work beneath you with respect. Goes both ways, I would respect a director or others working on a set with me.
Maybe my ideas are not that good, you're right, but there have been plenty of times in my life where I suggest something, only for it to be ignored, then 20 minutes later reintroduced by a man and praised. Just speaking off of what I have personally experienced.
The issue is inclusiveness, and having a professional attitude on set. Because we've allowed people to get away with certain behaviors, it's going to take some time to correct them.
Hopefully that answered your questions? Again, I am not attempting to attack anyone, just merely stating what I have experienced, and based of the videos, it seems I wouldn't be the only one.
William: I'm not sure why you can't simply take Chelsey's post at face value. It makes perfect sense to me as is. The message doesn't change if she was only talking about "white men" or if she wasn't. And if someone is disrespectful but didn't intend to be disrespectful they are "still being disrespectful." And having personally observed the behaviour that Chelsey has described over and over again I have no reason to doubt her interpretation.
No one thinks this behaviour should be made "unlawful." The way to change the behaviour is to shine a spotlight on it. To talk about it, to listen. Maybe make some funny videos. People are talking about it. Are you willing to listen?
Thats a strawman though. Where has Chelsey conflated "aggressiveness" with "disrespect"? You aren't challenging a notion that she has put forward. If you are "willing to listen" then the first step would be to actually listen, and not "reframe" what she has said through "your point of view." Which is, of course, one of the points of the article.
And the article makes perfect sense to me, and doesn't seem provocative at all. What is it that confuses you?