We all know it's a little bit more competitive for females to "make it" in the photography and film industries. Yes, it is. The gender gap is real, and I'm not being a feminazi. There are studies about this — science. Even women who are the main characters in films don't get paid as much as their male counterparts (Jennifer Lawrence in the Hunger Games, anyone?). It's even worse for women who are behind the screen, the creators of these big projects. The team over at Vimeo isn't having it anymore, so they are doing something about it.
Studies have shown that only 19 percent of the behind-the-screen positions of the top-grossing films in Hollywood last year were held by women. I know, you're all as equally outraged as I am. And no, it's not just because less women have jobs either. While some positions were "more open" to females, the roles of directors and cinematographers were less than 10 percent. Maybe you think that doesn't sound too bad, but let's spin the perspective a bit:
Yeah. Let that sink in.
Now, I am not just sitting here crying about this. I've always known I have to be slightly more competitive to get that contract or job. Even in undergrad, I had to think a little quicker to beat out the male-dominated department (four women in the program when I graduated). Most women in the industry feel the same; it's just something that we deal with, and those who are successful do it damn well. But that is why I am really excited about the news Vimeo just released, announcing their new initiative, "Share the Screen," to help give women filmmakers an edge.
Hell to the yes, Vimeo. Through this initiative, the staff will select and finance a minimum of five projects from women filmmakers this year. Vimeo will select the projects through their current "Staff Picks" process, as well as other in-house acquisitions. Also, if you're at Sundance, they will be setting up a bid system to become a candidate.
"Share the Screen" kicks off February 18th with the short, "Darby Forever," from SNL cast member Aidy Bryant. Vimeo will continue to share more stories on their blog, and you can also use the hashtags #ShareTheScreen and #behindthevid on social media so they can see your work.
To all you ladies out there in the industry, keep kicking ass.
[via Wired and Vimeo]
Photo used with permission of Bekah Marie Photography.