The following study examined a range of TV programmes and provided a snapshot of employment patterns and practices on programmes transmitted up to December 2012.
Key findings:
- 0% women directors have ever worked on many popular dramas and entertainment shows.
- Gender stereotyping of the programmes directed by women is particularly visible in factual TV.
- Women are more likely to direct programmes concerned with body isues, food or homes.
- “Fast track” credits which allow progression to high end productions are largely only available for male directors.
Key reasons:
- Decisions on hiring are influenced by the opinion (or perceived opinion) of commisioners, in a risk-averse culture that keeps hiring the same directors.
- Production executives responsible for hiring are unaware of low figures for women directors.
- There is no uniform or consistent monitoring of the freelance workforce throughout the industry.
- Beyond a trusted few, there is a lack of awareness of the large number of highly qualified and experienced women drama directors.
- Gender stereotyping is prevalent when hiring in specific genres in drama, factual and comedy.
Key actions:
- Setting a minimum 30% target for women directors across all broadcasters’ programming output, to be achieved in 2017.
- All production companies to monitor levels of freelance directors.
- Broadcasters and production companies to work with Directors UK to provide regular networking events for directors and executives.
The report was released in May 2014 and can be downloaded here
More information on Directors UK website: http://www.directors.uk.com/
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