Want to see more women in the film industry? Focus on girlhood.
Girlhood is an immensely creative time. It is a time when close friendships are formed, identity starts to emerge, and events happen that shape the lives of women forever. This period of life is also the source for some of the best literature that we have, from Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye to Elena Ferrante’s Neopolitan Novels to Sandra Cisneros’ The House on Mango Street. And now, we’re starting to see girlhood take over the big screen.
It’s not just Greta Gerwig’s Barbie fever, either. For a long time, women have been making movies: great movies, bestselling movies, compelling and innovative movies.
So if there’s a girl in your life who aspires to be an actress, screenwriter, director, producer, or any one of the myriad roles that women find themselves excelling in, it’s important to give them the support and knowledge that they need to start their movie-making journey. Remind them that their voices are important and insightful and that their experiences are crucial. Then have them use the activity sheet below from Girls Make Movies: A Follow-Your-Own-Path Guide for Aspiring Young Filmmakers by Mallory O’Meara to begin making the film they’ve always wanted to see!
Girls belong in the world of filmmaking. While we see them acting on-screen, there are also countless women working every single job possible behind the scenes as part of the film’s crew. Are you a girl who is interested in film making? Do you wonder how you actually make a movie? Well, this is the book for you.
Girls Make Movies puts you in the driver’s seat as you create a fictitious zombie blockbuster and are guided through each stage of production and learn about the processes, techniques, and people involved in making a Hollywood hit. Luckily, every path through this nonfiction book results in the film being made, but you will be asked to make choices that will affect the outcome of the movie. Will you shoot on location or on a studio lot? Use practical or special effects? Hire a greensperson or a someone to do pyrotechnics? The choices are up to you!
Written by critically acclaimed author Mallory O’Meara and paired with eye-catching, graphic illustrations by popular comic book artist Jen Vaugh, this unique, practical book provides young girls with advice and inspiration while offering a sense of adventure as they learn how to create a movie!