Lately, I have been thinking alot about the TV and Film industry and its pros and cons. For the purpose of this article, I am focusing on the cons.
Primarily, the lack of female representation within the industry. Specifically, here in Los Angeles, the hub of entertainment. The majority of prominent actors, writers, directors, and film crew are more often than not, caucasian men.
Within this past year, I have gotten the opportunity to be a part of a couple live television shows, music videos, and short films as a background actor. What I love about doing background acting is that I get to see what it is like to be on set with an entire production crew and cast in Hollywood.
It is a very enriching experience because I get to meet a lot of people in the industry, and really see what happens behind the scenes. I experience first hand the differentiating standards set on males and female actors as well as the overpowering male bias coming from directors.
Whenever I am on set for a project, I rarely see females in charge. I have yet to see a female cameraperson or director. You may ask why this is such a problem. Well...I don't necessarily want to call it a problem, but more of something that people are oblivious to and does need to be changed.
I've always thought that films should have both a male and female balance of views because otherwise certain films come out bursting with sexism and stereotypes.
Think of a major movie that has come out recently or in the past. Once you think of it, look up the writers and directors, I bet you they are primarily males.
This may not seem like a big deal, but it matters to me because the roles given to women are extremely stereotyped. And just to actors of color in general.
For instance, Latina actresses are given roles where they speak with heavy accents. They are often fiery, and spicy women. Think Sofia Vergara.
Latinas along with African American women are also portrayed as promiscuous, dealing with poverty, being single moms,or dealing with abusive men etc. They are also portrayed as housekeepers and maids.
Every day, whether I am walking down the street, on the freeway, or on my phone, I see advertisements and billboards promoting movies and shows.
I rarely see a billboard with an entire cast consisting of people of color unless it was like: 50 years a slave, Straight Outta Compton, Cesar Chavez etc. These stories are all very compelling and important in history, but they seem awfully forced to me.
Almost as if Hollywood is going: Oh look at me, i'm diverse, i'm making an entire cast consisting of people of color!" You know what I mean?
Meanwhile, if it is a white cast, it is simply a love story, or something trivial that is appealing to an audience.
Hollywood needs more females, writing and directing these films!
Hollywood needs more people of color writing and directing these films!
I myself am a woman of color and I'm working my way to that. But if you are a female or know any female skeptical about entering the tv and film industry...just go for it.
You really have nothing to lose. Yes, you are undoubtedly going to be outnumbered by men, but it only takes one female voice to enhance a story.
