The Video Production Industry
Is It Really a Man’s World?
I have been contemplating what it’s like to be a woman in a man’s industry – and more specifically, the video production industry.
Patty Mooney at Women Who Mean Business Awards
A few years ago I spoke to a college class of women who wish to enter the video production industry. But they had trepidations about the male-domination aspect. When there’s a room containing ten men and myself, all I can say is, I like the odds. But joking aside, video production is an industry that chose me. And now that I’ve been a part of it since 1982, I don’t even think about being in the minority as a woman. Maybe it’s because talent has no sex, no race, no creed. Talent is talent.
Dede Allen, Great Editor
I remember seeing a documentary about a female editor Dede Allen who died in 2010. She spent 60 years editing movies including “The Hustler” starring Paul Newman, “Dog Day Afternoon” and “The Addams Family.” 60 years! She loved what she did, and did what she loved. Learning more about her life and her passion for editing really inspired me to get more deeply involved in editing myself. I did not think to myself, “Gosh, I am now a woman editor.” I also operate a camera, a teleprompter, a boom pole and a mixer (although not all at once!) And when I do, I think of myself as a sound mixer, teleprompter operator or a camera operator. I simply do the work, and then go on to the next gig.
My Advice to Young Women
So my advice to young women who are interested in joining this “male-dominated” industry? Figure out whether working within the industry is going to fulfill your passion. If so, go for it. If not, keep on searching for that form of employment that is going to make you happy. Dede was an editor for 60 years because she loved it. And I’ve been involved in video production for all these years because I love it. Do something you love whether it’s male-dominated or not. Because by the time you get rolling, nothing will matter except for the fact that you are making money by doing something you enjoy.
