Although parity is a major societal issue, progress is slow, particularly in certain areas. In its latest study published on Thursday, September 16, 2021, the INA combats inequalities between the sexes in decision-making and technical professions.
In the world of television drama, it seems easier for a woman to be a headliner than to just have her name in the credits. According to an INA study, unveiled Thursday, September 16, large disparities remain between men and women in the audiovisual sector. This report, drawn up in collaboration with the association “For women in the media” (PFDM), demonstrates through figures that they are under-represented in so-called technical and power professions. To come to this conclusion, 440 series and TV films broadcast in prime time on the six major national channels (TF1, France 2, France 3, Canal +, Arte, France 5 and M6) were analyzed. “Almost half a century later, women represent, on average, only 38% of the teams of films and series, moreover in a role that keeps them away from the main decision-making within productions.“, denounces the INA.
The compositions of these 440 teams revealed obvious inequalities. When it comes to filming, the male dominance is undeniable: 83% of men are behind the camera. The results are similar among cinematographers (92%) and sound engineers (96%), or more than nine out of ten cases. The result is also blatant for film composers who are 94% male. The findings are slightly more nuanced on the side of chief editors and chief decorators, with 63% and 72% respectively of men. The professionals are trying to tip the balance in other types of jobs in the sector.
Where are the women ?
Historically, the job of scriptwriter has consisted of a majority of women. This habit is confirmed: 98% of the small hands of the shootings are female, 2% of men occupied this position in 2019 on the big chains. On the production side, parity is on track since 41% are producers. As for the question of the screenplay, 47% are signed by women but one important point is to know: they are often co-writers with men. They represent a quarter of unique authors. In 2020, the INA had already denounced a glaring problem with the interpreters: “Between 2008 and 2018, female characters had only 35.4% of speaking time, compared to 64.6% for male characters. ”