According to the Center for the Study of Women in Television and Film, of the top 100 grossing films made in 2017, women represented just 8 percent of directors. Statistics regarding female producers and writers also have a very low percentage score, with women composers only taking 3 percent in the same research.
As one of the female directors, Elizabeth said that she has enjoyed wonderful support from many mentors and is making sure that this percentage changes. She is very positive, ambitious and a bold film director who believes passionately in making things happen and not letting statistics get in her way.
In this interview, she talks about her inspirations, commitment to work and many new projects she is looking forward to doing in the future.
Sabina: How does it feel to be a successful female film director?
Elizabeth: I find the word “success” an interesting word. What is success? To me that means I get to wake up and spend every minute of every day doing what I love, making films. I am truly blessed to tell stories and have people see them. The best thing is creating an on-set family and affecting people through my stories. It’s the best feeling in the world.
Best projects to date
Sabina: What are your best projects to date?
Elizabeth: My latest film is always my best one. But each film has taught me something which then leads me onto the next one.
Each film has an amazing element to it. Whether it’s the cast or the locations or the equipment, each film offers something unique.
Inspiration
Sabina: Who inspired you the most in the film industry and why?
Elizabeth: I used to watch all the musicals when I was a little girl. I wanted to be Audrey Hepburn or Julie Andrews. When my friends were watching Freddie Kruger for their birthday parties I was in the other room with their younger siblings watching Mary Poppins!
Baz Luhrmann was an inspiration when I watched Leonardo DiCaprio's "Romeo and Juliet," but I also want to tell stories. I used to have a theatre company and have directed theatre productions for over 15 years. The film was a natural progression once I had been on set with my daughter for ten years. She started aged four in a British TV show called ‘The Green Balloon Club’.
I was still a theatre director, but over the years the directors would ask for my help and support. It just made sense. I also love a challenge and like to learn. This just felt right and so why wouldn’t I give it a go.
Study in 2017
Sabina: A study in 2017 conducted by San Diego State University found that female directors directed only 11 percent of the highest-grossing movies in the US last year. What are your thoughts on this issue?
Elizabeth: Hollywood is in a very interesting place at the moment. It is a time for diversity. Women are a hot topic - all day, every day. It is difficult to get a studio film because it has been a male-dominated industry for a while. However independent films can be directed by anyone.
I go out and make my own work. I have wonderful support from many mentors, and I am making sure that percentage changes.
Sabina: Did they ever treat you differently in the film industry because you are a female film director?
Elizabeth: I haven’t experienced anything to my face. But who knows what goes on behind closed doors. I have only ever had huge support. However, I am relatively new. Two years and I’ve shot seven features. It’s unheard of. I haven’t really given the industry the opportunity to treat me differently. I’m proving them wrong.
Advice to female film directors
Sabina: What would be your advice to female film directors who want to succeed in the film business?
Elizabeth: To make your own projects.
Work with other women and make it happen. Don’t wait around to be given opportunities. It’s a constant struggle, journey, and grind! I don’t stop. All day, every day I am knocking on doors, having meetings and making phone calls to get the next gig. But they are my projects which have led me to being hired. Don’t give up!
Sabina: Which film projects are you directing in the near future? What are your plans?
Elizabeth: I’m currently sitting on ten scripts written and ready to go. Funding is being put in place right now. But also I have been asked to direct three things that aren’t mine. “Morning Shine” featuring Katrina Bowden. “Fled” a Tom and Meg Keneally screenplay with Global Watch films and a comedy web series. It’s a busy year. I have several films in festivals and being bought as well as appearing on several panels. I will never stop making things happen!
