Screenwriting : Women writing AND directing by Melody Cooper

True Jim re: in practical terms (which needs to change: why NOT more women directing?). But in artistic terms, a man directing something written by a woman could make a huge difference in the tone and focus of the film IF he does not understand the complexity of women, our stories, our issues etc. Even if he does understand, a woman's unique perspective, which I think we have yet to see enough of, would be very welcome.

The most decorated female filmmaker in Hollywood is an auteur who examines adrenaline-addiction and the essential craziness of male characters. So she kind of has it both ways while not falling into the either/or of your question. How's that for a non-answer? Also, Frozen and Maleficent were both recent feminist films of note and both written by women and I think that that mattered hugely.

But Jim, I think I'm asking you to think of apples (aka the artistic side of it), instead of oranges. We're all full aware of the way things ARE statistically in the industry. That doesn't mean it should or will stay that way. But I asked whether the meaning and focus of a film that is written by a woman can be maintained and fully realized without a woman at the helm. Or, if you want to look at it through the prism of The Practical P.O.V.: How does the current nature of the biz affect the quality of the work? That's if you care about that. ;)

Melody, I don't just think it's important women have their chance to tell their POV, I feel it's absolutely critical. We're talking about ~50% of the global population being able to share stories, it's essential they contribute to help bring balance to our culture. It's also important that those women go on to inspire, motivate, and empower other women to do the same. However I do not feel it's as simple as making those women writer-directors. I mean, sure that's an ideal scenario, but it's not the only way forward. Firstly not all women filmmakers are driven to write, some have no interest in that or simply struggle at it. Secondly being in the director's seat does not guarantee much control at all, that's a common misconception. And not every woman is a strong enough person to sit in a director's seat even if they do have control. What's needed is women around the table with influence and a route to getting their voice heard. If that's a female producer with the respect of an all male team, it can work. If it's an ambitious female actor teaming up with a male writer, it can work. If it's a successful female writer in the driving seat, she can join forces with male studio execs, and it can work. We have to bring the gender walls down and unite as fellow creatives. We have to mingle, challenge, and remain open minded. We have to build an environment where a 5ft5 110lb highly introverted woman can walk into the room feeling confident that her opinion, experience, and contribution matters just as much as anybody elses. We need to act like artists, not like corporate executives.

CJ, I couldn't agree more. I include women producers, editors, DPs, crew and executives in the mix of what needs to change. And it's ironic, because a woman producer responded to my query tonight for my latest script and she has produced sci fi, supernatural and fantasy, which is what I write and genres women are typically not invited to the table to help create. But that is changing; I mean to change it, and the producer is clearly doing it too! I read an interview where she said she never feels that her gender gets in the way when she enters the room, and I thought that was great and very encouraging. That doesn't mean her gender doesn't ever get in the way, but in this point in her career, and as the kind of woman and producer she's chosen to be, she does not FEEL that it matters. That wonderful attitude is part of what will help bring down the barrier/wall of the biases that hold us back from interacting better, from giving a man or woman a chance, or assuming a man can't understand a woman, or that a woman can't write a male action hero. You are absolutely right, CJ, that we need to unite as fellow creatives. First and foremost, I think we need to dismantle the internal wall made up of the inner voices that tell us "I can't do that; they don't want me; a woman will never be allowed to do that; she won't want to work with a guy; I can't direct this woman's story because I'm a man." I have faith that the right creatives will work together to make it happen and make great work, across gender (and racial) lines.. Look at HURT LOCKER. Bigelow and Boal collaborated to create great work. Duvernay, Winfrey and Pitt got it together to make SELMA. There are many other examples of solid, fair collaborations between men and women in the industry working well. It needs to be heralded more, and we need more of it. I get frustrated because I see the endless possibilities of collaboration and sharing of power and stories that men and women working together could bring, including (heaven forfend) great box office! But I'm also encouraged by those of us who see the need and are making changes that are exciting, meaningful, fun and profitable.

Great post, Melody. I was also thinking of Bigelow and Boal. In my short time writing I've only collaborated with women so far; 3 female directors, one producer, and two actors. I love it.

Wow. Great comments! :) If interested, I just posted an article/video from the Women in the World summit; "How Hollywood is failing female directors." Moderated by Jon Stewart. Panel included Meryl Streep, Ava DuVernay, and Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.

Sorry, here's the post. I moved it over to "Filmmaking." https://www.stage32.com/lounge/screenwriting/We-all-have-to-start-again-...

Yeah, Beth a great panel that I tried to go to, but missed. Thanks for posting!