Women in Film president Iris Grossman points out that, in an industry created and dominated by men, women can do far more than just fax and file.
As we enter 1996 and begin taking a critical look at our roles in the film industry, the direction it is moving toward and the positions each of us is involved in day-to-day, we must remember to acknowledge the strides and growth women have made in all areas of the industry, both in front of and behind the camera.
In an industry founded and dominated by men, women like Sherry Lansing, Geraldine Laybourne, Kathleen Kennedy, Oprah Winfrey, Penny Marshall and Amy Pascal to name a few have broken through the glass ceiling, paving the way for other women to follow. Our presence and strength in Hollywood and beyond over the last several years has lead many of us to believe that we have finally arrived.
1995 proved to be a banner year for strong women's roles, female executives exerting their power and influence and for creative, talented women taking their places behind the camera. Whether we point Demi Moore, Jodi Foster, Amy Heckerling, Alicia Silverstone, or Sandra Bullock, or Sandra Bullock, the industry has given many of us the opportunity to reach above and beyond our wildest dreams professionally.
As president of Women in Film, the leading non-profit professional organisation for women in the communications industry, we hope through various programmes, forums and special events to continue this trend in making the industry a more viable and equal place for female executives, production personnel and talent. But Women in Film must have the support of not just a select few, but of every woman and man who is willing to take a stand in support of affirmative action.
It is the responsibility of each of us who is established in this business to make a concerted effort to educate, train and mentor those women who are either new to the business, or struggling to climb the next step up the ladder. We must help them to acquire the skills, contacts and confidence to succeed.
We are seeing more and more qualified women coming from academic programmes in film and more women with outstanding liberal arts backgrounds seeking opportunities in the industry. From marketing to international sales, we owe the future Sherry Lansings the opportunity to do more than just fax and file.
And it's not just women helping women that will lead to greater roles for females in this business; our male counterparts equally play a role in the development and growth of women in film and television.
- Iris Grossman is vice president of talent and casting for Turner Pictures and Turner Network Television (TNT). Apart from being president-elect of Women in Film, this New York native is also a member of the Casting Society of America
