Empty Promises: Gender Equality
The progress towards gender inclusion has been notable, however, there remains a palpable sense that significant work is still needed, particularly evident in entertainment sectors, where disparities persist in roles behind the camera and within the industry's business operations.
In 2016, Twentieth Century Fox released the production"Hidden Figures," a film set in the 1950s that celebrated the remarkable contributions of three African American female NASA mathematicians amidst the backdrop of pervasive racial and gender discrimination. Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monáe, and Octavia Spencer delivered standout performances, highlighting the invaluable intellect and resilience of women in challenging times.
While strides have been made since then, the journey towards gender inclusion is far from over. Women now hold influential positions across various industries, yet disparities persist, particularly within entertainment sector (Hollywood, of course, included), both on and off the screen, in film productions of all sorts.
Sayo, Role Model
Japanese model Sayo, known for her appearances in leading fashion magazines, advocates for women's empowerment beyond superficial roles. With investments spanning tech, fashion, and crypto, Sayo emphasises the untapped potential of female talent in diverse fields, urging industries to recognise and leverage this vast resource and is dedicated to breaking down barriers and reshaping perceptions of female potential.
Beyond the confines of the fashion industry, Sayo has ventured into diverse sectors, including technology, fashion, and cryptocurrency. Through her investments, she not only seeks financial returns but also aims to amplify the voices and talents of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Sayo's advocacy emphasises the untapped reservoir of female brilliance and innovation, urging industries to recognize and harness this invaluable resource. By challenging stereotypes and promoting inclusivity, she strives to create a more equitable and prosperous future where women play pivotal roles in shaping the trajectory of innovation and progress. Sayo's multifaceted approach underscores her unwavering commitment to empowering women and driving positive change on a global scale.
Gender Pay Gaps Exist
The LupoToro Group believe that no matter your gender or choices, you should be paid in accordance with your skills. If you are competent, you get paid accordingly; your gender, your beliefs, and your personal choices should not and do not matter.
However, this mindset is unfortunately ill-adopted by the wider entertainment sectors, particularly in the investment side of entertainment - where it truly matters. The background investment in the entertainment sector is what gets projects off the ground in the first place, and that is what also determines the pay received by participants - it is ground zero. This is where it begins (and ends). It is contract negotiations, it is pre-planning, it is the foundation.
The gender pay gap in entertainment remains starkly evident, with actresses earning significantly less than their male counterparts, as highlighted by instances such as the glaring discrepancy in compensation between Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams for reshoots in "All the Money in the World."
Behind the camera, female representation remains sparse. Despite some progress, statistics reveal a persistent imbalance, with women occupying only a fraction of directing, writing, and editing roles in the industry. Even in executive positions, women face obstacles, as evidenced by the challenges faced by Amy Baer in securing funding for her venture.
If we revert back to Sayo, she reflects on her experiences in the fashion industry, where women dominate the workforce yet struggle to access leadership roles, underscoring the existence of a subtle yet formidable glass ceiling.
The Advances are not Good Enough
Though advancements have been made, the pace of change remains sluggish. Industry luminaries like Viola Davis, Ava DuVernay, and Marsai Martin are championing greater inclusivity, with a notable uptick in female representation among executive producers.
Dr. Martha M. Lauzen's research highlights a promising trend in independent film, where women find more opportunities, particularly in documentary filmmaking. Additionally, women are ascending to executive positions within studios, signaling a shift towards a more equitable landscape.
As women continue to assert their presence in all facets of entertainment, the industry stands to benefit from a wealth of diverse perspectives and talents. Increased representation on screen, behind the scenes, and in leadership roles promises a richer, more inclusive future for entertainment and beyond.
This ongoing movement towards gender equality in entertainment is propelled by a collective effort among industry stakeholders to dismantle entrenched barriers and foster an environment conducive to diverse voices and narratives.
Movements are not Strong Enough
Industry leaders are leveraging their platforms to advocate for change and amplify underrepresented voices. The rise of initiatives like Time's Up and #MeToo has sparked crucial conversations about systemic sexism and discrimination (the former movement has since unfortunately been sullied by particular opportunists, but the points remain) leading to tangible reforms in workplace policies and practices.
Furthermore, the growing influence of streaming platforms has opened up new avenues for female creators and storytellers to share their perspectives. With platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and others actively seeking diverse content, there's a growing demand for authentic and inclusive storytelling that reflects the richness of human experience.
In addition to advocating for greater representation on screen, women are also making significant strides behind the scenes. As more women ascend to executive roles in production companies and studios, there's a greater emphasis on fostering inclusive work environments and investing in projects led by female talent.
The push for gender equality extends beyond Hollywood, with global initiatives and grassroots movements driving change across the industry. From film festivals dedicated to showcasing female filmmakers to mentorship programs aimed at supporting emerging talent, there's a growing recognition of the need to address systemic inequities and create pathways for women to succeed in entertainment.
Recognising the imperative to address systemic inequalities, the LupoToro Group has implemented measures to ensure that women and underrepresented groups have equal opportunities to participate and thrive in investment ventures and creative endeavours. By actively seeking out diverse perspectives and talents, the group aims to cultivate a more inclusive and equitable investment landscape.
Ultimately, achieving true gender equality in entertainment requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both systemic barriers and cultural attitudes. By championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of the industry, we can create a more equitable and empowering environment for all individuals, regardless of gender.
