Once dominated by men, the film industry is experiencing a shift as a new generation of young women are looking to break the status quo. From aspiring directors to hoping to star in movies, young women are pushing past barriers and changing the face of the industry.
The Celluloid Ceiling Report by Dr. Martha M. Lauzen has tracked women’s employment in the 250 top-grossing films for the last 27 years, offering the most extensive and longest–running record of women’s representation behind the scenes in the industry.
“As directors, women accounted for just 16% of those working on the 250 top (domestic) grossing films in 2024, remaining consistent with the percentage achieved in 2023,” according to Lauzen. “Women made up 11% of those working on the 100 top-grossing films, a decline of 3 percentage points from 14% in 2023.”
Despite these challenges, the progress being made is more evident than ever as more women are stepping into creative roles throughout the film industry and making their marks from behind the scenes.
“I think [ inclusivity in the industry is] getting better as we’ve seen the growth of people like Greta Gerwig and Sofia Coppola,” said Olivia Marcum ‘26 who starred in “The Exorcist” as Katherine West. “There has definitely been more representation for women … I hope it becomes a field women can expand in.”
One of the best ways for teens to infiltrate the industry is through internships. With Westlake being in such close proximity to Los Angeles, there is a wide variety of both paid and unpaid internships available. These opportunities allow people to work directly with professionals offering invaluable experience.
“I got an internship, and it started off as doing busy work in the office and getting food, but it paid off as I ended up as a production assistant on [A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter] on Netflix,” said Grace Keatts ‘25.
Breaking into the film industry as a woman can be intimidating, especially when entering into the film process for the first time. Many aspiring filmmakers and actors can feel anxious at times on sets but despite this, confidence and persistence helps people overcome these fears.
“I felt shy. I felt like I was scared to do anything because everyone is at least in their mid–20s,” said Keatts. “I also felt powerful that I got to be there along with older people and people who have been working on their career, so it showed me what a great opportunity I was given.”
WHS offers a uniquely perfect opportunity for teens looking to get into film with its Women in Cinema club. This provides a welcoming environment to grow and nurture cimena skills and collaborate with like-minded peers.
“I think [the club] provides a good community or a place to just belong to,” said Women in Cinema member Sayuri Muto ‘26. “I think it provides a good place for collaboration … and to share your ideas and aspirations.”
Through these challenges, women and young women alike have persevered and have established themselves in the film industry. Fighting against the lack of representation and gender biases, women are continuing to push through barriers and follow their passions.
“I would say push limits,” said Marcum. “I know it’s going to be hard, and you’re going to have to prove yourself more, but consume as much film as you can and get involved in any way you can. If you work hard, you can get anywhere.”
