Walking the walk
Video production blog
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Women in film & TV
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Video production blog — Women in film & TV —
Championing Gender Equity and Respect on Set
As a female film producer and director in an industry that remains largely male-dominated, I’ve always believed in taking action rather than just talking about change. It's not enough to claim support for women in the industry; we must actively create safer sets, open up opportunities, and challenge outdated norms. In Brisbane, where gender equity on set further to go than our counterparts down South, this commitment is even more vital to changing the landscape of our industry.
Equity is about more than just increasing representation in roles traditionally held by women, such as costume, hair and makeup, or production management. It’s about ensuring representation of female filmmakers across all departments, including camera, lighting, grips, and sound. This change starts with those in charge—producers, directors, and department heads—who must set a precedent for respect and inclusion.
Two very different depictions of female film producers on set
The Importance of Allyship Behind the Lens
I’ve often spoken about the importance of navigating the film industry with gender equity in mind. We've all heard of the male gaze, and the #MeToo movement has brought much-needed attention to the injustices in our industry. As we see systemic changes in who gets to tell stories and how women are portrayed, I’m hopeful that both the treatment and representation of women will continue to improve. There is a pressing need for gender parity on set, but it’s not just about engaging more women and non-binary practitioners—it’s also about engaging allies. When I say I’m proud of the men I work, I mean they are respectful, inclusive, and genuinely engaged in telling female-driven stories. After having negative experiences on set in the past, not only as a director but also when I was working my way up the ranks, I’ve become intentional in my crewing process.
So you can imagine my shock when I reviewed stills from a recent shoot to see two very different portrayals of me and my female co-producer? These images weren’t just a reflection of the male gaze—they were starkly different examples of allyship versus, in my view, disdain for women in above-the-line positions. Both photos were taken by men, but one of them clearly demonstrated the level of respect that anyone should have for their coworkers. Filmmaking and photography are powerful tools through which we tell stories, document life, and make sense of our world. While these photos might seem like simple moments captured in time, they opened my eyes to how important it is who’s behind the lens. Moving forward, I’m committed to working with allies—not because I’m concerned about looking unflattering in photos, but because I want the presence of female filmmakers on set to be respected by all.
Refusing to be complicit
Some might call it career suicide, but I also actively choosing not to attend the BADC Awards. This decision wasn’t made lightly, but I have made a commitment as a Brisbane producer to "walk the walk”. While agencies and production companies have critiqued Campaign Brief for its sexist and exclusionary list of top creatives, a deeper look at the Brisbane Advertising and Design Club past winners and the corresponding credits reveals a glaring gender imbalance. Despite the presence of talented female directors in Brisbane, we see the same faces continue to receive recognition, even when those that are revered are also well known for instances of sexual harassment and poor behaviour towards women. To make matters worse, this year’s event was promoted a resurfacing a misogynistic relic of a commercial that sexually humiliates a woman to sell milk. In 2024, I asked myself, how is Brisbane’s industry still so behind the times?
Sure, not going to an event seems like such a small thing, but, in my own way, I felt that I was making another step towards a future where gender equity is the standard, not the exception.
Actionable Change
Creating safer sets requires more than just speaking out; we need clear and accessible reporting channels for anyone who feels unsafe. These channels shouldn’t rely on a single person—there must be options, whether due to personal preference or availability. When people know they have clear line of communication and support from production, they’re more likely to feel empowered to speak up about any inappropriate behaviour, such as sexual harassment, discrimination or bullying.
I also think that as a producer, it’s essential to recognise the more subtle signs of misogyny. If a male practitioner ignores your requests, refuses to answer your questions, or raises his voice at you, those are red flags. While these actions might not always appear as overt sexism, they make for working environment hostile to female creatives. While you might not fire someone on the spot, you have every right to refuse to work with someone who disrespects your authority in the future.
In the end, change begins with accountability. The industry’s power dynamics won’t shift overnight, but every decision we make—from the crews we hire to the standards we uphold—matters. By calling out misconduct and fostering equity across all roles, we can ensure that film sets become spaces where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive.
Producing films is not just about storytelling or recognition—it’s about having fun, and to do so we must create a culture of respect, safety, and opportunity for all. That’s the legacy I want to leave as a filmmaker.
