by Alyssa Di Rienzo

     Ever wonder if discrimination happens behind the cameras of major productions? The American film industry severely discriminates against women, specifically behind the scenes. An egregious gender gap plagues the industry and diminishes the value of the work produced in Hollywood.  The film industry has and continues to be thoroughly male dominated.  The statistics are troubling:

• Last year, a mere 5% of films were directed by women.
• Only 7% of the top 250 grossing films of 2011 employed more than 6 women behind the scenes 
• Just one woman, in the history of the American film industry, has won an Oscar for Best Director
• No woman has ever been nominated for best cinematographyin the history of the Oscars.
  

  Kathryn Bigelow, the first woman to ever receive the Oscar for Best Director

     As a TRF major, I am pleased to report that I have not noticed any gender disparities here at Newhouse.  The Television, Radio & Film major is full of talented individuals, both male and female.  The female students in my classes have achieved incredible accomplishments during their time here.

     I hope that one day the film industry will look more like Newhouse, with equal gender representation.  My peers at Newhouse have proven to me that females are extremely apt to be successful in the film industry.  In no way are women less qualified or capable of achievement in this industry.  I hope the female Newhouse graduates will be able to ignite change in the industry and to correct the unfair gender gap behind the scenes in Hollywood.

Here is a great video from 2010 that describes the situation, slightly dated with statistics and facts that are quite interesting: Celluloid Ceiling: Women Directors