New “Celluloid Ceiling” Report Shows No Growth in Role of Women in Entertainment Industry

Contact:
Lorena Nava Ruggero
Media Relations Specialist
San Diego State University
(619) 594-3952 office
lnava@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO (Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008) -- According to a new report released by a researcher at San Diego State University, women comprised only 15 percent of all directors, producers, writers, cinematographers and editors working on the top 250 domestic-grossing films in 2007.

The latest "Celluloid Ceiling" report by Martha Lauzen, a professor in the SDSU School Theatre, Television and Film, found a decline of 4 percentage points in the role of women in Hollywood since 2001 and no change from 2006. In the study, 21 percent of the films released in 2007 employed no women directors, producers, writers, cinematographers or editors.

According to the report, women accounted for 6 percent of directors in 2007, a decline of one percentage point from 2006. This figure is approximately half the percentage of women directors working in 2000, when women comprised 11 percent of all directors. In the other roles considered, women accounted for 10 percent of writers, 22 percent of producers, 17 percent of editors and 2 percent of cinematographers last year.

For more than a decade, Lauzen, Ph.D., has conducted academic and industry research on the role of women in television and film. The findings of her annual studies have been featured in several trade publications and in the popular press. She has authored numerous scholarly articles on the topic, as well.

The SDSU School of Theatre, Television and Film's primary focus is on the relationship between the moving image arts and live theatre disciplines. Through innovative curriculum, interdisciplinary initiatives and research into evolving technologies in film, video and theatre production, the school is committed to preparing the next generation of entertainment arts professionals. For more information, visit theatre.sdsu.edu.

San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the university has grown to offer bachelor’s degrees in 81 areas, master’s degrees in 73 areas and doctorates in 16 areas. SDSU’s  approximately 35,000 students participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.

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