Episode 5 - Women in Film

Host: David DesRoches, Quinnipiac University

Guests: Heather Elliot-Famularo, University of Connecticut / Karyl Evans, CPTV

"Select+CT" is a Digital Media Connecticut (DMCT) podcast series dedicated to Connecticut's Digital Media industry!

Why is it that women generations before us were able to secure jobs in the film production industry? The answer is not as simple as inclusivity: “women in film” were hired to be taken advantage of monetarily. 

David DesRoches interviewed two women in film themselves: Heather Elliot-Famularo, University of Connecticut, and Karyl Evans, CPTV. They’ve both won numerous awards for their film-making. 

“There’s less money involved in documentary film-making, so back in the day, women would be considered “safe” with less money.” Karyl said in reference to roles women play now and then in the film industry. 

Takeaways from Heather and Karyl: 

• If you plan to stick with filmmaking, you have to be persistent. It is a tougher industry because there is so much competition. Stay at that low-ranked position until a better opportunity presents itself, the wait will be worthwhile. 
• Though it has taken much time, women are a lot more respected through the lense. 
• What some productions will do now is build awareness around the potential that their female employees have to create.. Helping them believe that they are just as capable as their male colleagues. From there, companies make an effort to empower those women and encourage them whilst making sure everybody has equal time on the equipment. 

Giving male-dominated roles to women helps more women see that they too are capable of performing them.