Women as Directors, Writers in Film Reach Record Highs - Spectrum News 1

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HOLLYWOOD (CNS) — The number of women working as directors and writers in independent films reached historic highs in 2019 and 2020, according to a report released Thursday.

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The number of women working as directors and writers in independent films reached historic highs in 2019 and 2020

The report found that women comprised 38 percent of directors working on narrative features and documentaries over the past two years, and accounted for 35 percent of writers

Women made up 40 percent of "key behind-the- scenes roles" on documentaries, as compared to 29 percent of those working on narrative films

More than 8,000 credits on over 800 films in 2019-2020 and more than 88,000 credits on nearly 9,000 films from 2008 to 2020 were analyzed for the report

The report, entitled "Indie Women: Behind-the-Scenes Employment of Women in Independent Film, 2019-2020," found that women comprised 38 percent of directors working on narrative features and documentaries over the past two years, and accounted for 35 percent of writers.

Despite the overwhelming majority of behind-the-scenes film roles going to men, the female employment figures were record highs, according to report author Martha M. Lauzen, a professor of television, film & new media at San Diego State University, who also serves as the founder and executive director of the school's Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film.

More than 8,000 credits on over 800 films in 2019-2020 and more than 88,000 credits on nearly 9,000 films from 2008 to 2020 were analyzed for the report.

Other findings indicate women have found more success working on documentaries than narrative features. Women made up 40 percent of "key behind-the- scenes roles" on documentaries, as compared to 29 percent of those working on narrative films. High-profile festivals also selected and/or screened twice as many narrative features directed by men than women, but nearly an equal number of documentaries directed by men and women.