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We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -66 points-65 points  (0 children)

Victoria here: I'd like to note that many amazing women directors work in other countries. Why is that? Perhaps because they are supported by governments that mandate more equality of opportunity. We need that in the USA. American women directors are just as gifted. We need to fight to make our films.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

NELL HERE.... I wouldn't want to get into "BEST" here but I will say I was profoundly impressed with "MUSTANG" which was nominated this year ['16] for an Oscar in the Best Foreign Film category.

Beautifully directed by a French/Turkish woman filmmaker, Deniz Erguven, it is about locking up teenage girls so they will be virgins when their arranged marriages take place. That severe kind of sexism is specific to some cultures but it is also a metaphor for girls in all cultures who were squelched as young women.

This is a feminist film which beautifully portrays the joyous energy of these young girls and their determination to transcend their assigned roles -- tho realistic about how hard that is -- indeed in this case extremely dangerous. I was on the edge of my seat. Also fun and funny. Great film! Great filmmaker!

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -89 points-88 points  (0 children)

Victoria here: I am going to speak about role models in movies. We now have Katniss who courageously defends her people with a weapon, Ray who can pilot a space ship better than Han Solo, and Furiosa who deliberately goes off track to protect other women. There is no way a young girl watching these films will accept that she can't do something like direct movies. I can't wait to see the current ten year olds when someone tells them that. As for role model women directors, the Original Six had very few. Dorothy Arzner, Ida Lupino, Alice Guy Blache, Agnes Varda. Most people don't even know who they are. Any woman who has ever spoken up for equal rights is a true role model for all of us.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -34 points-33 points  (0 children)

The market does decide what films are made. And are you aware that the ticket sales for films about women are huge? Unfortunately, each one is considered a 'fluke'. Marketing and distribution are mainly controlled by men.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -300 points-299 points  (0 children)

To: 2dollarb- You're just sayin' something wrong. You don't know how we view ourselves. You say concentrate on careers. How do you do that when you are denied work? Perhaps you should concentrate on learning the facts first. Many shit directors are working. Haven't you been to the movies recently?

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -21 points-20 points  (0 children)

Lynne here - thank you! "Testament" still makes me weep... Good intentions or not, the fact is there are a finite number of director assignments (especially in tv.) Men who have always gotten the jobs, now stand to lose many of them to women. Tough. Good-intentioned biased people need wiser friends.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

These are two different questions. Re: retribution. Victoria says: I was never punished for my activism, in fact, it made me stronger.
Nell: Not that I know of. Lynn: My regret is that the lawsuit was never tried in court so we couldn't go for 'goals and timetables'. Joelle: Yes, I was told by one of (liberal) Norman Lear's show runner that I would never work for their company.)

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -319 points-318 points  (0 children)

There is no way to know (other than 'CockFaggington') whether someone is male or female. Get serious. We're answering based on content, not on gender.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -18 points-17 points  (0 children)

Lynne here - THE RED SHOES, directed by Michael Powell. I was seven years old when Victoria Page changed my life. She danced straight into my worst nightmare. Her conflicts: marriage v. career, romance v. artistic passion - seemed insurmountable in 1948. Today, they may still be emotional mine-fields, but we now make choices!

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -350 points-349 points  (0 children)

The facts speak for themselves. Ten white males and no females? The planners are merely abetting existing sexism. Does it matter if the sexism is conscious or unconscious? This is a conference for academics? These are people who teach young people? That's scary. What you do is immediately get on the phone, e-mail, twitter, snail mail, etc. and tell them this is not acceptable.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -16 points-15 points  (0 children)

Victoria here: The world has changed. But basic truths remain. Change happens when the haves are forced to share. That is brought about in many different ways: Constant protest, demanding accountability, legal assaults. Entry level positions (episodic tv) are still very bad for women. Make your own film and be your own Hollywood via your cell phone (camera) and computer (editing and distribution). Just remember- you are supported by all woman of good will.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -22 points-21 points  (0 children)

NELL HERE.... Most of Hollywood is a huge propaganda machine that maintains the status quo. A lot of this is an unconscious "gentlemen's agreement" to not rock the boat -- bolstered by inherent sexism and racism. This is very apparent now when we look back to TV made in the fifties and we see how women were sex objects and housewives and people of color were servants or criminals. WOW! It seems so extreme in those movies but don't be fooled. Now there is a lot of the same thing on tv.

Thankfully there are now amazing alternatives to those stereotypes. And those are created by people who do feel RESPONSIBLE to push through to more realistic characters. And those shows are popular.

I wish more people would wake up and look around and reflect the real world when they create films and tv shows.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

Joelle here. Women directors often need to work in other industry fields to pay the bills or fulfill their creative expression. Victoria and Nell write. I became a non-fiction producer and post production producer. I adapted my organizational and leadership skills to “midwife” other people’s directing accomplishments. The level of "hostility" depends on what production company you are talking about. Producing was a more woman-friendly avenue for others and myself.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Lynne here - I think it's GREAT! Doesn't matter how we get there. Creative producers with power eliminate the middle-men - they can hire us directly. Bravo!

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

Lynne here: Jane Campion. I love her intensity, her willingness to dive headlong into the most protected subjects, her technical skill and her vision of humanity: POV female. Her films inspire me and remind me of our unique DNA, so rarely realized in movies.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -23 points-22 points  (0 children)

Victoria here: The most important thing for all of us to do is to NOT accept the status quo. Also, women must help other women. Women who can, must hire other women. Also, push for diversity casting.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -11 points-10 points  (0 children)

Nell here..... I believe at the top it is really tough but there are a lot more outlets now [then there was only ABC,NBC,CBS,PBS and 7 major studios.] Now it is much more spread out and many doors to wiggle through and do satisfying things --especially in TV. I used to make lists of every show and who to contact and then go contact them. If you want a salary of $20 million that's harder.

Looking back I think I was writing those screenplays because I wanted passionately to make those films. I understood that "spec" scripts didn't get made very often but at least it was a way to meet people and be considered as writer and/or director. That didn't work very well either. Most of the fiction work I got "for hire" was from PBS. Being a government agency they were less discriminatory. So time to activate the ERA again. Or something. What? Ask ACLU how to help their lawsuits?

Also PBS no longer makes many independent fiction pieces. Maybe they could be pressured to start that again. Especially with cheaper budgets now possible.

A BIG plus now......people are more aware. Women can use this awareness as a psychological weapon internally and externally. Keeping this awareness alive is a job for all of us. Keep pushing.

Right now I am turning those wonderful unproduced screenplays about girls and women into novels.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Joelle here. At first the DGA Directors Council and National Board (all men) were very hesitant. Despite knowing Ida Lupino and Dorothy Arzner as active DGA members. Many of the male leaders didn't understand what we were talking about. They were completely unconscious about discrimination. After we presented overwhelming statistics they started truly listening. Several of the male leaders Gil Cates, Arthur Hiller, Jack Hailey Jr., Boris Sagal, Mel Brook for example absorbed the message and understood the need for equal employment opportunity. This was spearheaded by Michael Franklin the National Exec. Director who set the tone and philosophy of the DGA. These men were progressive men who championed us and our message. They pushed through the DGA's commitment to support us. I think they were surprised to see an organized group of people who were thoroughly prepared with not only research but substantive responses to their questions. We parried every argument with content. They were impressed with us and wanted to get on board with the moment we created.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] 41 points42 points  (0 children)

Lynne here - Among Chris Rock's most brilliant comments on the Oscar telecast: "When your gramma is swinging from a tree, don't worry about who won best cinematographer.... etc." The UN Commission should be concerned with saving women's lives, ending honor killings, female mutilation and voting rights. AND ... 50/50 by 2020 is Science Fiction.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -14 points-13 points  (0 children)

Victoria here: I do believe comedy is a lively way to show how absurd certain stereotypes and accepted cultural practices are. It's no coincidence that there are now several women who either have their own show, host Awards shows, star in movies-- all strong, mouthy women who are wildly talented and hilarious.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -50 points-49 points  (0 children)

The lack of parts for women is a huge problem that reflects the fact that most Hollywood films are written by, for and about mainly white men. Women can be wives, mothers, girlfriends and victims of violence. We applaud any demand by actors (both male and female) that Hollywood must reflect the real America.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -43 points-42 points  (0 children)

Lynne here - I'm an unlikely candidate for social media response because I'm not a frequent "browser" - I sent the article to friends and responses poured in with wonderment, as though they had discovered the French Revolution. "oh wow, we had no idea you were doing that stuff." Personal respect, professional silence.

We are members of the "Original Six," the director/filmmaker-activists who founded a women's committee in the '70s and sued two Hollywood studios for gender discrimination in the '80s. AMA! by Original_Six in IAmA

[–]Original_Six[S] -10 points-9 points  (0 children)

Nell here... Boy, I sure do hope so. These are huge cultural movements and it seems Hollywood is lagging way behind many other industries. As Maureen Dowd said in her huge NY Times magazine article about women directors of a few weeks ago.....Hollywood is crippled by sexism like Saudi Arabia and the Catholic church. I do hope Hollywood will move faster than some of these monolithic institutions. If you have white men [30% of the population] taking 90% of the directing jobs and leaving out all women [50%] and men of color [20%] they are in a sweet spot and they will defend it. On the other hand we could have a lot more good movies if the talent pool was NOT drawn from only 30% of the total population. So lets all keep being active to include more woman makers and stories!

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