RESOURCES FOR WOMEN IN FILM
RESEARCH & DATA
ANNENBERG INCLUSION INITIATIVE
The Annenberg Inclusion Initiative is the leading think tank in the world studying diversity and inclusion in entertainment through original research and sponsored projects. Beyond research, the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative develops targeted, research-based solutions to tackle inequality.
Research available here: https://annenberg.usc.edu/research/aii
ARTHOUSE CONVERGENCE
The Art House Convergence is an association dedicated to advancing excellence and sustainability in community-based, mission-driven media exhibition. Each year our annual conference, regional seminars, and programs provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and define best practices for hundreds of theaters and festivals.
Research available here: https://www.arthouseconvergence.org/index.php/data/
SAN DIEGO: CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF WOMEN IN TELEVISION AND FILM
The Center generates a number of large annual studies documenting women’s representation and portrayals, as well as substantial investigations of the business environment surrounding women in film and television. Every year, The Celluloid Ceiling tracks the employment of women working as directors, writers, producers, cinematographers, and editors on the top 100, 250, and 500 grossing films. Now in its 21st year this study has considered more than 56,000 behind-the-scenes credits on over 5,500 films.
For a discussion of on-screen portrayals of female characters, readers can consult It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World. This study examines the representation of female protagonists, major characters, and speaking characters on the top 100 films every year, and discusses how the employment of women in key behind-the-scenes roles is related to on-screen portrayals.
First conducted in 2007, Thumbs Down: Film Critics and Gender, and Why It Matters is the most comprehensive study of women’s representation and impact as film reviewers available. The report considers individuals working for print, broadcast, and online outlets whose work is included on the Rotten Tomatoes website.
Indie Women monitors women’s behind-the-scenes employment on independently and domestically produced films screening at more than 20 high-profile festivals in the U.S. It is the largest study of women working in independent film available.
Another annual study, Boxed In, examines the portrayals of female characters and the employment of behind-the-scenes women in prime-time television. Now in its 21st year, the study considers broadcast, basic and premium cable, and streaming programs.
Research available here: https://womenintvfilm.sdsu.edu/research/
UCLA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
Puts out yearly Hollywood Diversity Report
Research available here: https://socialsciences.ucla.edu/hollywood-diversity-report-2019/
GEEN DAVIS INSTITUTE ON GENDER IN MEDIA
The Institute has amassed the largest body of research on gender prevalence in family entertainment, spanning more than 28 years. Our research findings are in high demand by companies and organizations interested in the empowerment of women and girls.
The Institute’s research serves as the basis for education and outreach programs that help families, studios, educators and content creators become critical consumers and producers.
Research available here: https://seejane.org/research-informs-empowers/
RESPECTABILITY
RespectAbility is a nonprofit that fights stigmas and advances opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community by promoting diverse, authentic and accurate portrayals; identifying and promoting best practices in education, employment, civic engagement and access; and strengthening a talent pipeline.
Lauren Appelbaum:
FURTHER READING / VIEWING MATERIAL
BOOKS
SILENT WOMEN: PIONEERS OF CINEMA
Edited by Melody Bridges and Cheryl Robson
Learn more HERE
THE WRONG KIND OF WOMEN: Inside Our Revolution to Dismantle the Gods of Hollywood
By Naomi McDougall Jones
Learn more HERE
FILMS
CINEMABILITY: The Art of Inclusion
Directed by Jenni Gold
Learn more HERE
HALF THE PICTURE
Directed by Amy Adrion
Learn more HERE
MISS REPRESENTATION
Directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Kimberlee Acquaro
Learn more HERE
THE MASK YOU LIVE IN
Directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom
Learn more HERE
THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING
Directed by Tom Donahue
Learn more HERE
ORGANIZATIONS WORKING TO GET CONTENT FROM HISTORICALLY UNDERREPRESENTED DEMOGRAPHICS MADE
5050BY2020
5050by2020 is an intersectional initiative of the Time’s Up movement incubated at the Center for Cultural Power. We empower artists and storytellers to change the game in Hollywood and beyond, with an emphasis on supporting transgender, disabled, sex worker and undocumented writers working in television and film.
ACCESSIBLE HOLLYWOOD
A movement dedicated to inclusion and accessibility of people with disabilities in mass media and entertainment
ACLU OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ACLU SoCal protects civil liberties, civil rights, and equal justice in California. ACLU SoCal advocates for civil rights enforcement in Hollywood and provides technical assistance and resources to increase equal opportunity for women, people of color, and disabled people seeking employment in Hollywood.
https://www.aclusocal.org/en/contact-us
ADVOCATED FOR INCLUSION IN MEDIA
Advocates for Inclusion in Media is a group of leaders working to create environments that allow underrepresented people feel comfortable communicating their positive and negative experiences, failures, successes and their solutions for navigating a career in the media industry.
https://www.aimcoalition.org/contact-us
ALLIANCE FOR WOMEN FILM COMPOSERS
We are a community of composers and colleagues who strive to support and celebrate the work of women composers through advocacy and education. This visibility is important to herald in equality amongst our industry and bring diverse voices to film, television, video games and multimedia projects.
ALLIANCE OF WOMEN DIRECTORS
AWD is committed to increasing the number of working women-identifying directors by: Providing education and professional support for members in the form of hands-on craft enrichment, mentorship, and education; Developing and leveraging relationships with industry partners; Partnering with like-minded organizations to increase our reach and impact.
www.allianceofwomendirectors.org
https://www.allianceofwomendirectors.org/contact/
ARTHOUSE CONVERGENCE
The Art House Convergence is an association dedicated to advancing excellence and sustainability in community-based, mission-driven media exhibition. Each year our annual conference, regional seminars, and programs provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and define best practices for hundreds of theaters and festivals.
https://www.arthouseconvergence.org/
ATLANTA FILM SOCIETY
Founded in 1976, the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS) is one of the oldest and largest organizations dedicated to the promotion and education of film in the United States. Enriching the community through screenings, classes, workshops and other events year-round, the chief operation of ATLFS is the Academy-Award Qualifying Atlanta Film Festival.
http://www.atlantafilmsociety.org/
http://www.atlantafilmsociety.org/contact
BLUE COLLAR POST COLLECTIVE
The Blue Collar Post Collective is an accessible and focused grassroots initiative supporting emerging talent in post production worldwide. By making education and mentorship opportunities accessible, we make the motion picture industry more accessible and inclusive.
www.bluecollarpostcollective.com
CHICANA DIRECTOR'S INITIATIVE
CDI creates a solid foundation of Latina Directors and Latina DPs and successfully immerse the members into sustainable careers in the entertainment industry with fair representation and equal pay.
www.chicanadirectorsinitiative.org
CHICKEN & EGG PICTURES
Chicken & Egg Pictures supports women nonfiction filmmakers whose artful and innovative storytelling catalyzes social change.
By emailing or following us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter at @chickeneggpics!
CINEFEMME
Founded in 2003, Cinefemme is a 501-(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides fiscal sponsorship, project support, mentorship, community and other programs for diverse women, female-identifying and non-binary filmmakers and key creatives.
www.cinefemme.net
CINEMATOGRAPHERS XX
We are a group of cinematographers who identify as female whose work spread across narrative, documentary, music video and commercial genres.
CREATIVE CHAOS VMG
CreativeChaos vmg was founded in 2010 with the intention of creating media that challenges conventional norms, embraces provocative ideas and tackles systemic inequities. We believe firmly that through art, entertainment, and the craft of great story telling, we can move the dial on cultural conversation.
https://www.creativechaosvmg.com
DIVAS WITH DISABILITIES
DWD mission is to reshape what disability looks like by promoting Black and Brown women and girls with physical disabilities through various media platforms. OUR VISION
To see more Black and Brown women and girls with physical disabilities reflected throughout mass media.
www.divaswithdisabilities.com
https://www.divaswithdisabilities.org/contact.html
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FILM FATALES
Film Fatales is a 501(c)3 nonprofit which advocates for parity in the film industry and supports an inclusive community of hundreds of women and nonbinary feature film and television directors nationwide, raising the visibility of underrepresented voices and expanding the talent pool for industry decision-makers looking to hire closer to parity.
http://www.filmfatales.org/contact
FILM INQUIRY
Film Inquiry is a progressive, independent film magazine that aims to redefine film journalism. We publish in-depth, high quality articles written by a diverse group of people; without falsely baiting your attention, we offer genuine, passionate insight into the world of film.
FILM LAB
The Film Lab(TM) is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the promotion and support of gender and ethnic parity in film and television programming. Through our education and outreach programming, we provide seminars, screenings, opportunities to workshop scripts, and the 72 Hour Shootout (TM), an annual, high-profile filmmaking competition.
Email Secretary, Daryl King and/or Deputy Secretary Kathleen Boddington at for more information or to get involved!
FILM LAUNCH
Expanding opportunities for filmmakers and content creators through courses, consulting, coaching and collaboration.
https://www.filmlaunch.online/contact
GETTING PLAYED: Symposium on Equity in the Entertainment Industry and Awards
Getting Played symposia are annual events that attempt to dismantle rampant employment discrimination in the entertainment industry and honor those whose less visible acts evolve for the better the media that shape so much of who we are. By putting leaders of diverse expertise into conversation, these symposia develop coalitions to usher in equity.
https://kantonia.wix.com/gettingplayed
HAWAI'I WOMEN IN FILMMAKING
Hawai‘i Women in Filmmaking is a feminist nonprofit organization committed to achieving intersectional gender equity in filmmaking. We are a creative and safe space where film and media-makers connect, create, mentor, and inspire current and future generations of women to explore and pursue careers in the field of filmmaking.
www.hawaiiwomeninfilmmaking.org
INTERNATIONAL COLLECTIVE OF FEMALE CINEMATOGRAPHERS
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. Their searchable online database of members acts as a resource for those seeking to diversify their hiring pool.
https://www.icfcfilm.com/contact/
LATINO FILMMAKERS NETWORK
Latino Filmmakers Network mission is to connect, inspire, educate and create opportunities for the Latino community while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the Entertainment industry. Our mission is also to bridge the gap within our community and create power in unity and to define the American Latino voice.
LEVEL FORWARD
Level Forward develops, produces, finances and distributes high quality media with Oscar, Emmy and Tony-winning producers. We extend the influence and opportunity of creative excellence to lift new voices by incorporating equity and accountability early in the process, and creating story-driven, impact-minded results of financial and social value.
LOS ANGELES WOMEN'S FILM COLLECTIVE
Our mission is connect people who identify as women across all filmmaking disciplines - fostering relationships and creating more equitable opportunities. We hire each other, we mentor each other, we advocate for each other, we share our resources and experiences, knowing there is room enough for all of us in this rising tide.
www.lawomensfilmcollective.com
MEDIA ACCESS AWARDS
The Media Access Awards works towards a more accurate and inclusive portrayal of disability in media and the employment of people with disabilities in front and behind the cameras.
MOMS-IN-FILM
Moms-in-Film is a bi-coastal non-profit dedicated to energizing careers in film and television by providing community, funding, and advocacy. We provide tax-deductible concierge services for sourcing and enrolling in family services during a production schedule. Parents can benefit from our fleet of services.
Reach Out Today! Interested in starting a chapter? Looking for volunteer or internship opportunities? Curious about sponsorships? And, oh yes, we're quite social on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Soundcloud @momsinfilm
NYC WOMEN FILMMAKERS
NYC Women Filmmakers (NYCWF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that advocates for inclusion and amplification of underrepresented filmmakers of all trades, experience, and background. NYCWF members meet in person and online to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, share resources, and support each other’s work.
Email us or contact us through your preferred platform at https://nycwomenfilmmakers.org/contact/
NEW YORK WOMEN IN FILM AND TELEVISION (NYWIFT)
NYWIFT advocates for equality in the moving image industry and supports women in every stage of their careers. NYWIFT energizes women by illuminating their achievements, presenting training and professional development programs, awarding scholarships and grants, and providing access to a supportive community of peers.
RE:IMAGINE/ATL
re:imagine/ATL connects youth with resources and mentors to amplify their voices in media.
Through our in-school and mobile programming, youth have the opportunity to explore film, music, podcasting and more.
Executive Director, Kimberlin Bolton,
RESPECTABILITY
RespectAbility is a nonprofit that fights stigmas and advances opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community by promoting diverse, authentic and accurate portrayals; identifying and promoting best practices in education, employment, civic engagement and access; and strengthening a talent pipeline.
Lauren Appelbaum:
SCRIPTD
We are a barrier-free script database connecting buyers and writers.
SEED&SPARK
Seed&Spark connects people through stories that matter. Since 2012, their platform has helped thousands of pioneering storytellers take control of their creative careers via story-centric crowdfunding, educational and community events, and distribution programs that cultivate a culture of sustainability, equity and inclusion.
Visit our website (seedandspark.com), reach out to us on social media (@seedandspark) or attend one of our 100+ free creator events around the country each year.
SUPERFEST DISABILITY FILM FESTIVAL
Superfest celebrates cutting-edge cinema that portrays disability through a diverse, complex, unabashed and engaging lens. Superfest is one of the few festivals worldwide that prioritizes access for disabled filmgoers of all kinds.
Join our mailing list: https://longmoreinstitute.sfsu.edu/join-email-list
Or reach out directly to pklinst@sfsu.edu
THE FILMMAKEHERS
The FilmmakeHERS is a bicoastal community of female-identifying filmmakers, founded by Stacie Capone in 2014. Its mission is to educate, support and foster collaboration among multidisciplinary film & television creators. Monthly salons are held in NYC and LA.
THE WRITERS LAB
A screenwriting development Contest and Lab that supports women screenwriters over 40 with a yearly 4-day retreat for 12 writers.
TRANSGENDER TALENT LLC
Transgender Talent, LLC, is a small, boutique talent management company. We manage those that are transgender or nonbinary, for all of the USA, and elsewhere. We provide a place to find people willing to be themselves in the public eye, such as actors, comedians and models. We also list others with skills behind the scenes as well.
WE ARE MOVING STOIRES
We are the world's biggest online community and platform for new voices in film with over 2,500 contributors and more than 50% women filmmakers - an industry record.
http://www.wearemovingstories.com
c/o Founder and EP: Dr Carmela Baranowska ()
WOMEN AND HOLLYWOOD
Women and Hollywood educates, advocates, and agitates for gender diversity and inclusion in Hollywood and the global film industry. On a daily basis, Women and Hollywood sets the standard, defines the conversation, fuels coverage, and reinforces messages throughout the specialized and mainstream media to call for gender parity.
WOMEN OF COLOR UNITE
Women of Color Unite (WOCU) is a LA-based social action and non-profit organization, a collective of over 1000 members, that focuses on remedying the inequities that face Women of Color in today’s entertainment and media industries. We stand for hiring parity, fair treatment, and providing resources to Women of Color content creators industry-wide.
WOMEN IN MEDIA (WiM)
Women In Media seeks to promote gender balance in the film and entertainment industries through networking, professional development, and advocacy for women who work above and below the line and the people who love to collaborate with them.
WOMEN MAKE MOVIES
For more than 45 years, Women Make Movies has helped elevate diverse women directors and producers and improved equity in the film industry. The largest distributor of films by and about women in the world, WMM also supports hundreds of independent filmmakers each year with our highly successful Production Assistance Program.
WOMEN'S VOICES NOW
Women’s Voices Now is a non profit organization that promotes, produces, and shares social-change films that move audiences from empathy to action on women’s and girls’ rights issues, bridging the gap between filmmakers and agents of social change.
Heidi,
WOMEN'S WEEKEND FILM CHALLENGE
Women's Weekend Film Challenge works for gender equity by creating opportunities for women to bring their leadership, talents and stories to the forefront of the film industry. WWFC places professional filmmakers on crews to write, shoot and edit a short film in one weekend, helping participants network and tell women's stories on screen.
www.womensweekendfilmchallenge.com
Sign up on Women's Weekend Film Challenge's email list at womensweekendfilmchallenge.com to be notified when applications are available for the next challenge and to receive general updates. Follow WWFC on Instagram (@womensweekendfilmchallenge), Twitter (@WWfilmchallenge) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/womensweekendfilmchallenge/). To contact WWFC, visit womensweekendfilmchallenge.com/contact.