Friday, June 11, 2021

10 Top Resources for Women Who Create Film, TV and Media

In this article, we've put together a list of resources for women working in film, television and visual media. These sites, organisations and articles put women first, championing them, helping with training, funding and getting paid work.

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Dive in, baby, by Sarah Eiseman/Twenty20

Resources for Women in Film, TV and Digital Media

Although more women than ever are working in film, men still dominate key roles, outnumbering women 4:1 in positions like directors or cinematographers. As with women who photograph, women in film, TV and media are constantly forced to encounter and challenge misogyny and sexism.

Parity is still far away, but there are those who are providing networks and support to help push us ever closer to equality.

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Places in time by Sarah Eiseman/Twenty20

1. Women in TV & Film

Women in TV & Film is a network of over 12,000 women from professions across the entire film and television industry. They work and collaborate with a range of organisations to further women’s interests.

‘We host a variety of online and in person events throughout the year, present a prestigious awards ceremony every December and run a four nations mid-career mentoring programme for women.’ 

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow WFTV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

2. Her Film Project

Since 2010 Her Film Project has been supporting women filmmakers with a focus on exploring projects by those who have historically been marginalised on screen.

‘[our mission is] to elevate inclusive storytelling that broadens representation in global cinema’

You can view some of the current stories from women creators, artists and decision-makers on the Her Film Project website and they hope to launch a podcast soon.

Follow HFP on Twitter.

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Camera [operator] by rach33/Twenty20

3. The Voice of a Woman (VOW)

Established in 2010, The Voice of a Woman celebrated its first festival in 2011 and has been going strong every since. Committed to amplifying the work of women in film and fine art, globally, they offer exhibitions, talks, training and more.

‘Each year THE VOICE OF A WOMAN (VOW) celebrates creativity with a bold and innovative program featuring the works of creative women globally.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow VOW on Twitter and Facebook.

4. The International Collective of Female Cinematographers

The ICFC holds regular meetups locally to help explore new topics, they support members in finding work, and provide a space for creative and technical knowledge sharing.

‘The International Collective of Female Cinematographers (ICFC) is a collective of professional female cinematographers from around the US and the world, who provide each other with community support and industry advocacy.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can join the ICFC and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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Colour grading (in DaVinci Resolve) by chesterkkm1208/Twenty20

5. Cinemamas

Cinemamas is aimed at mothers and more generally, parents who work in the film industry. Their emphasis is on promoting flexible working and offering mentoring and advice.

‘We believe in wanting to build a positive movement; a community of no-judgement, where we cheer each other on and discover how we can support each other when things get a little overwhelming.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow Cinemamas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

6. Black Women Directors

Black Women Directors is an index of Black women working in film around the globe. It was created by Danielle A. Scruggs.

‘I have always viewed this platform as an ongoing, ever-growing archive of Black women and nonbinary filmmakers and their work.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow Black Women Directors on Twitter and Instagram

7. Women’s Voices Now

Through filmmakers pushing for social change, WVN encourages growth and gender equality while challenging perceptions that may limit women and girls’ progression.

‘Women’s Voices Now uses film to drive positive social change that advances girl’s and women’s rights globally. We envision a global culture shift in which communities and institutions believe in the value of gender equality, and adapt their behaviours and actions to support systematic advancement of women’s and girls’ rights.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow WVN on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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A makeup artist applying makeup to a woman by lexlux/Twenty20

8. Women in Film

Through training programs, writing workshops, funds, legal aid and much more, Women in Film has built and supports a community of women working in film.

‘WIF advocates for and advances the careers of women working in the screen industries—in front of and behind the camera, across all levels of experience—to achieve parity and transform culture.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow WIF on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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A young woman filming with an old 8mm camera by south_nostalgia/Twenty20

9. Global Girl Media

For ages 14-22, Global Girl Media aims to develop the voice and media literacy in under-served communities. They achieve this through mentoring, training and through their large media network.

‘GGM believes training young, diverse women in digital media journalism is important to developing strong, healthy communities. For youth, particularly young women, education, feelings of self-worth, and expression are all key to changing the entrenched stereotypes and values that hold them back, and keep them from succeeding in media and technology fields.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow GGM on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

10. Women Make Movies

Women Make Movies has been supporting and championing women filmmakers and their stories for nearly half a century! They have a collection of almost 700 films and work closely with international film festivals, broadcasters and on a local level within communities to make sure that their offerings are diverse and inclusive.

‘We support women producers and directors from the beginning, planting the seeds for a diverse and inclusive filmmaking landscape. As the world’s leading distributor of independent films by and about women, we amplify historically ignored voices and challenge the mainstream media.’

Opportunities and Resources

You can follow Women Make Movies on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Further Resources

A few other sites that you might find useful.

Articles about women in film, TV and media:

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