Time’s Up’s mission includes striving to protect women and marginalized communities in the workplace — in Hollywood and beyond. Now the organization is focusing on supporting women considering a career in film production. Time’s Up has introduced a new awareness campaign “to encourage people of all backgrounds — especially those who have been historically underrepresented in entertainment — to consider the exciting possibilities that exist behind the camera in television and film as viable career options,” a press release announced.
The org has published a resource guide for those interested in embarking on a career in production, including information on what these jobs entail and how to land them. Time’s Up has also released a public service announcement video, narrated by Ava DuVernay, featuring actual women who work in film production, which will play in select theaters through February 29.
“Join our crew,” DuVernay says in the spot. “Be a part of our stories.”
“We know that diverse workplaces are safer workplaces and, as part of our commitment to improving safety in the entertainment industry, Time’s Up is advocating to make sets more inclusive and equitable,” said Tina Tchen, president and CEO of the Time’s Up Foundation. “This PSA and our new resources work hand-in-hand to show people the world of possibilities that are out there, and that women are capable of excelling at jobs that have traditionally gone to men.”
The idea for the PSA came from the Women’s Production Group, a self-organized sect of Time’s Up that includes executives, cinematographers, casting directors, film commissioners, below-the-line agents, line producers, production designers, union reps, and more.
“We’re so pleased to see the attention paid to the need for more women directors and cinematographers, but let’s be clear: when it comes to diversifying our sets, you have to also focus on the production roles on set,” said Sara Fischer, Women’s Production Group co-founder and head of physical production for Solstice Studios.
“On any given project, there’s only one director and one director of photography, but there could be 10 grips, 10 electricians, 20 drivers, and 15 carpenters,” added co-founder Debra Bergman, who is also executive vp of production for Paramount Television Studios. “These are good, well-paid jobs that more women should know about and be hired for.”
Earlier this year Time’s Up published the Guide to Working in Entertainment, a resource for those who are experiencing or witnessing workplace misconduct.
Check out the new Time’s Up PSA below. You can access the resource guide by going to the Time’s Up site or texting FILMJOBS to 306-44.
