How many successful female film directors do you know today? And do you think there is male dominance in the industry??

What ever happened to Penelope Spheris? I really liked her films.

Sofia Coppola.

Kimberly Pierce

There absolutely is a male dominance in the industry, and it's a sad thing - female directors are often some of the most creative and expressive (because they have to be to succeed).

I do think there is a sense of "male dominance" in the film industry but in reality, women have every oppurtunity a man has to become sucessful in film. The director of "American Pyscho" Mary Harron--brilliant director but she hasn't done many films since the former. Jane Campion, Sofia Coppola, Penny Marshall... all great women directors, including the writer/director of "Thirteen" Catherine Hardwicke... her films are so emotionally interesting and beautiful shot, as well as colored. I think women definitely have a good eye when it comes to filmmaking. I'd like to see more!

While, yes, women have every opportunity, I don't think those opportunities come as easily as they do for men.

I think the fact that most films are marketed primarily towards men/boys also encourages the disproportionate number of male directors.

Mary Harron made the notorious betty page, which was fairly good.... i think the thing is that there are a lot of women directors out there, but they tend to keep their indie cred. they don't really sell out....or they have completely sold out. There have been many films made by women directors...they just don't become famous for it usually. they don't go for fame, but for the sake of filmmaking...

i do agree that there are probably more male film directors, but history in general has been dominated by men, and that has only really really changed in the last 100 years or so...

In 2005, women comprised 17% of all directors, executive producers, producers, writers, cinematographers and editors working on the top 250 domestic grossing films. This is the same percentage of women employed in these roles in 1998 (Source: "Behind-the-Scenes Employment of Women in the Top 250 Films of 2005" Martha M. Lauzen, Ph.D., School of Communication, San Diego State University).


I took second place in a female student filmmakers contest....the above quote is from the mission statement.

I greatly respect the work of Mira Nair and the path that she is making for herself now.

Interesting to read this post - I will be checking out some of the female directors mentioned...

I myself really like Lynne Ramsay - especially her short film "Gasman"

Uma,

How do you define a successful director?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: copenhagengirl,

I will have to check out the example female s directors as well. I have a couple of female friends at my local high school, their pretty good behind the camera. their should be more female directors out there.

I'm a girl and I want to be a big film director. But to answer your question, I only really know one and that's Nancy Meyers. I like her romantic comedies a lot.

There is definitely males who are dominating the film industry. I hope in the future we can change that and make it 50-50. My theory as to why males are more successful is because they make movies that sell at the box office. Usually, female directors make dramas or romantic comedies. It is rare to find a female who has done a action or sci-fi film. Unfortunately, rom-coms/dramas don't sell as much as the action/sci-fi flicks. Today, it is all about computer effects and that's where the males score big. Males have a bigger target demographic. I think if females did more movies like the men do, they would be more successful and well-known.

I agree with what you are saying. Honestly, I would not want to see females do movies like the men do. but I see what you're saying, females present something new to the screen which I enjoy. I for one am a male and like romantic and dramas. you dont get to see them alot now these days.

-Bryan

maya deren anyone?

i think making the claim that females usually direct romantic comedies and dramas, and that women somehow are weaker with digital effects, only serves to deepen the void for yourself. women have historically been very well-represented in post-production (especially assembling the final cut), even though their roles in directing/production might have been slim.

i think the most important thing is to minimize your own perceived limitations.

i would recommend watching films by german female directors helke sander and margarethe von trotta.

quote:

Originally posted by Cinematical:
There absolutely is a male dominance in the industry, and it's a sad thing - female directors are often some of the most creative and expressive (because they have to be to succeed).

no they dont, just like males dont. in the industry its whomever has the idea thats gonna make the most money, yes, the good stories DO attract attention (for more money) but no one has to be better than anyone else. why do you think the males dominate the industry? cause they got the forumula down on how to make trend setting **** movies. if anything, more female directors go unnoticed/un famed/ un collecting money cause theyre work is so differant...

Women who are successfull in filmmaking are only successfull as anyman is successful, in that they fulfil their desires. it has nothing to do with "where are they?" its just most peopel are idiots and like idiot movies. simple.

I do think "where are they" at Oscar time. If all nominations for best director were women, people would freak out! Female directors have their work cut out for them. In other professions, too, as our numbers increase, there's anxiety and discussion about sexual differences. It would be nice to take for granted that women can "fulfil their desires" in the workforce, whatever that means for that individual. Too often, though, we women face obstacles men don't have to deal with.

I really think it's all up for grabs. The fact that most of today's blockbusters are directed by men doesn't mean the movie industry is completely prejudiced against women. I think it is more a matter of what's trendy/popular at the time - a hit-and-miss. I do believe there is always some kind of prejudice against women period, whether it's through stereotype or whatever else that bothers the misogynist.