Women Producers and Filmmakers on Telling Their Own Stories - and Making Room for Other Women to Do the Same

Several of Hollywood’s most successful filmmakers, producers, writers and showrunners appeared at TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on Friday to discuss the various ways they’re revolutionizing the industry by working their own perspectives into the mainstream — and making room for other underrepresented voices to do the same.

Historically, that hasn’t been the easiest thing to do in this business, said Skydance Television president Marcy Ross, who had to fight to get the Netflix comedy “Grace & Frankie” in front of viewers even with all of the proven talent attached.

“[When] we were developing it, Marta Kauffman, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and my brilliant partners at Skydance — All women, that was by design — We took it to an agency at that time, a room full of men,” said Ross. “We presented the package, where we’re going to go with it, the whole theme of disenfranchised older women, and they started to laugh.”

Also Read: Kim Kardashian's Former Assistant on Leaving the 'Mothership': 'That's All I Knew'

Five and a half years before the series would go on to become one of Netflix’s flagship comedies with multiple Emmy nominations to its name, Ross and company were told, “This is going to be such an estrogen-fest. You’re never going to sell it.”

Amy Ziering, the Oscar-nominated producer of “The Invisible War,” received similar pushback from executives when she and her partners were trying to sell the documentary about systemic sexual abuse in the military.

“We could get into any room,” said Ziering, who at the time already had a proven track record of multiple successful documentary features and even an Emmy nomination. “But what was so amazing to me was that what we heard was that no one cares about women’s stories. No one cares about women being raped. And of course, no one’s going to care about women being raped in the military. So we couldn’t get a penny.”

“I wonder if they would’ve said that today. I would hope there’s more consciousness,” said Ross. “Actually, I hope there’s more f—ing fear.”

Also Read: Hollywood Agents, Producers on Industry Misogyny: 'We Have to Be the First People' to Make Change

Such attitudes meant that not only were these women forced to carve out their own path to tell their own stories, but once they were given the opportunity, they felt a duty to give others the chance to do the same.

“I really wanted to create an atmosphere where people who were best for the job were getting the job,” said Carly Craig, creator and star of the YouTube Premium comedy “Sideswiped.” That meant taking chances on women — both in front of and behind the camera — who don’t have as much experience.

“My co-showrunner, Robin Schiff, and I just packed it full of women,” she said. “I wanted to create an atmosphere that was safe, not abusive and that was fun. I mean, we’re doing entertainment, and I really wanted to make the show entertaining while we’re doing it.”

“Jane the Virgin” creator Jennie Snyder Urman similarly made it a priority to bring other women into the room when she was developing her CW dramedy. And not just women, but Latinx writers and other people of color.

“I’ve always wanted to tell stories about women, because the more stories there are, the less we have to fit into one box, or one set of assumptions,” said Urman. “I had to really connect with who [Jane] was, and make sure to hire enough people to make sure that the stories and the voices in the room and behind the scenes can fill in the gaps of what I don’t know.”

Also Read: Hollywood Women Share How to Boost Representation: 'Diversity Is Not Charity'

She continued, “That opened up a whole new level of my consciousness and my commitment to increasing diversity … That’s one of the most important things you can do, is to help others on their way up.”

Urman spoke on a panel sponsored by CBS Eye Speak, a CBS initiative to promote female empowerment and help develop the next generation of leaders through insight and opportunities, which also included “Fruitvale Station” and “Sorry to Bother You” producer Nina Yang Bongiovi, “Manchester by the Sea” producer Kimberly Steward and “RBG” directors Btsy Cohen and Julie West.

Yang Bongiovi and her producing partner Forest Whitaker work exclusively with directors of color, often filmmakers who haven’t yet been given their first break. That roster includes Boots Riley, the rapper and activist behind this year’s critically acclaimed “Sorry to Bother You.”

“People say, ‘You guys are crazy for doing this,’ but our films are not just critically acclaimed, they’re profitable,” said Yang Bongiovi, adding that a proven history of success allows her to take big risks on movies like Riley’s.

But to this day, that hasn’t always been an easy road to walk, especially in an industry resistant to change and beholden to outmoded narratives like the idea that films anchored by actors of color don’t sell well overseas. “I had to yell at these two men and tell them to stop it,” she said, describing a recent meeting with potential new investors who didn’t were trying to cap the budget on a project because of its diverse cast.

“It takes a little bit of patience. I’d be mad all day if I took every grievance,” added Steward, explaining that people even underestimate her as a woman of color. “In those moments where I am patient, I try to teach … Being here is a representation of that. To show that this market is diversifying, that women are in positions of power, and now we can work to give that access to everyone.”

Also Read: Vice News Correspondent Antonia Hylton Says Sexism Is Rampant in 'Messed Up' News Industry

Having that access and telling a wide range of women’s stories can make a real difference in lives of people even outside the industry. Ziering saw that first-hand when she made her followup to “Invisible War,” the acclaimed documentary about campus rape, “The Hunting Ground.”

“Not everyone, but I would say 60 percent of the students who spoke to us said, ‘I’m only talking to you because I saw that woman in the military get up on screen and talk. And because I saw her, I have the courage to do this,'” said Ziering.

And maybe that went even further than Ziering’s own work. When “The Hunting Ground” earned an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, dozens of young sexual assault survivors took the stage at the Oscars alongside Lady Gaga in a show of solidarity and hope.

“Consciously or unconsciously, maybe that helped infect the Hollywood movement. All these actresses could say ‘If these kids can stand up, why can’t we tell our stories?'” said Ziering. “That’s the power of women. That’s why we need to represent [ourselves] and tell our stories.”

The Scene at Power Women Summit 2018: Anita Hill, Alyssa Milano, HAIM and More at TheWrap's Leadership Event (Photos)

TheWrap's 2018 Power Women Summit, which is dedicated to The Road to 50/50 gender parity in the workplace by 2020, was held Nov. 1-2 at the Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles hotel. Powerful female leaders from entertainment, media, politics and more converged at the event.
Alyssa Milano sits down with Barbara Boxer and Nicole Boxer for the live "The Boxer Podcast."
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Anita Hill gives the keynote remarks, "Changing the System," during Day 2 of the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Actress Felicity Jones speaks with USC's Dr. Stacy Smith about her film "On the Basis of Sex."
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The HAIM sisters discuss gender pay inequality.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Barbara Boxer and Nicole Boxer arrive at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Actress and activist Zoe Saldana during the Activism and Empowering the Next Generation panel during Day 2 of the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shopshire
Anita Hill delivers her keynote speech.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Model and activist Emily Ratajkowski at the second day of the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Tarana Burke, #MeToo movement founder, and Mira Sorvino during the #MeToo and Tribute to Survivors panel at the second day of TheWrap’s 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Sharon Waxman introduces the first day of events at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The Kaplan Twins pose with their displayed artwork at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Artwork by Connecticut artist Nina Harris in the lobby during the networking cocktail party on the opening night of the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Artwork leading into registration at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Registration for the Power Women Summit 2018 at the Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Registration for the Power Women Summit 2018 at the Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2018.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Artwork in the lobby during the networking cocktail party on the opening night of the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Artwork in the lobby during the networking cocktail party on the opening night of the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety set up a booth at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety set up a booth at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Moms Demand Action and Everytown for Gun Safety set up a booth at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Artwork in the lobby during the networking cocktail party on the opening night of the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Neon light artwork by Roxy Rose at the Power Women Summit at the Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles on Nov. 1, 2018.
Photo by Lisa Connor
The Kaplan Twins pose in front of their featured artwork.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Artwork from Jana Cruder at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Artwork from local Los Angeles artist Olga Lah in the lobby during the networking cocktail party on the opening night of the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Attendees with their Power Women swag bags.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Artist Meghan Quinn poses with her artwork at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Attendees at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Attendees pose for a photo in the lobby at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
TheWrap founder and CEO Sharon Waxman introduces the evening program of Day 1 of the Power Women Summit inside the 50/50 Ballroom.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Hollis Wong-Wear recites a poem at the Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 1, 2018.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Hollis Wong-Wear shares her poem at the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Hollis Wong-Wear in the 50/50 Ballroom at Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Former Senator Barbara Boxer during a live recording of "The Boxer Podcast" at the Power Women Summit on Nov. 1, 2018.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Nicole Boxer during a live recording of "The Boxer Podcast."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Nicole Boxer (left) and former senator Barbara Boxer speak at the Power Women Summit 2018 during a live taping of their Boxer Podcast.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Former senator Barbara Boxer speaks at the Power Women Summit 2018 during a live taping of her Boxer Podcast.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Alyssa Milano during a live recording of "The Boxer Podcast" at the Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Alyssa Milano sits down with Barbara Boxer and Nicole Boxer for the live The Boxer Podcast.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Rock band HAIM performs at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Lead guitarist Danielle Haim of HAIM performs at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Este Haim of HAIM performs at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Alana Haim of HAIM performs at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Sister band HAIM played hits like "The Wire" and a cover of Tom Petty's "Won't Back Down" at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Ella DeGea
HAIM performs at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Seating area outside the 50/50 Ballroom and Marketplace at the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Outlines of various panelists and speakers at the 2018 Power Women Summit drawn by artist Jen Wilde.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Attendees pose at the Power Women Summit on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018.
Photo by Ella DeGea
March for Our Lives co-founder Jaclyn Corin coloring in the outlines of the Summit's featured women.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Pamela Green introduces a screening of "Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blache."
Photo by Ted Soqui
Pamela Green introduces a screening of "Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blache."
Photo by Ted Soqui
Attendees at the Power Women Summit 2018.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Attendees during the first day of events at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Comedians during the Power Women Showcase, as curated by Kourtney Gleason.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Attendees during the evening Comedy Showcase, as curated by Kourtney Gleason.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Attendees had the opportunity to sit in the director's chair while learning about "Inequality in 1,100 Popular Films," a study by Dr. Stacy Smith at USC Annenberg.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Artist D.J. Kami posing in front of her artwork at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Felicity Jones poses in front of photography by Georgina Cates featured in the marketplace at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Attendees start Day 2 of the 2018 Power Women Summit with flow yoga at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Kristin Calabria instructs attendees in flow yoga at the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
#MeToo movement founder Tarana Burke arrives at the 2018 Power Women Summit on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Anita Hill at the 2018 Power Women Summit on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
Photo by Jen Lowery
TheWrap CEO and founder Sharon Waxman shares opening remarks for the Day 2 of the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Attendees listen to the #MeToo panelists.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Anita Hill during her keynote speech at the 2018 Power Women Summit on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
Photo by Ella DeDea
Attendees applaud Anita Hill during her keynote speech.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
"Transparent" creator Jill Soloway and "Steven Universe" creator Rebecca Sugar during the Leading by Example panel on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
Photo by Ted Soqui
"Transparent" creator Jill Soloway at the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Rebecca Sugar, "Steven Universe" creator and showrunner, at the 2018 Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
"This Is Us" actress Melanie Liburd at the Coming Soon: Great Roles for Women panel .
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Zoe Saldana in the 50/50 Ballroom with Dolores Huerta and Katie Hill.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Hilary Rosen moderates the Activism and Empowering the Next Generation panel.
Photo by Jen Lowery
The panelists of the Activism and Empowering the Next Generation panel at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018
Photo by Ella DeGea
Julie Cohen and Betsy West give a documentary spotlight on "RBG" at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Felicity Jones talks about her film about Ruth Bader Ginsburg "On the Basis of Sex."
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Felicity Jones talks with USC's Dr. Stacy Smith.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Dr. Stacy Smith talks with Felicity Jones at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
A booth display at the Power Women Summit's Open Marketplace.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Attendees gather at the Power Women Summit's Open Marketplace.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Attendees gather at the Power Women Summit's Open Marketplace.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Artwork by Raghubir Kintisch (left) and Lola Del Fresno (right) at the Power Women Summit's Open Marketplace.
Photo by Ella DeGea
A booth display at the Power Women Summit's Open Marketplace.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Tina Tchen talks with Broadly's Ariel Wengroff about the Time's Up Defense Fund in a breakout session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Tina Tchen talks about the Time's Up Defense Fund in a breakout session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Tina Tchen talks about the Time's Up Defense Fund in a breakout session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Ariel Wengroff talks about the Time's Up Defense Fund in a breakout session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Diversity and Inclusion breakout session at the Power Women Summit, featuring Nicole Brown, Niija Kuykendall, Tanya Lopez, Trace Lysette and Sue Obeidi.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The crowd at the Diversity and Inclusion breakout session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Stephanie Allain moderates the Diversity and Inclusion breakout session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
From left to right, Ivy Kagan Bierman, Nina Shaw and Beatriz Acevedo at the breakout session "Equal Pay - How to Get What You're Worth."
Photo by Jen Lowery
From left to right, Ivy Kagan Bierman, Nina Shaw and Beatriz Acevedo at the breakout session "Equal Pay - How to Get What You're Worth."
Photo by Jen Lowery
"Orange Is the New Black" actress Alysia Reiner speaks during the "Telling Our Stories" breakout session at the Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown's Westwood room.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi during the Telling Our Stories panel at the 2018 Power Women Summit on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Left to right: Jenniffer Gómez, Beatriz Acevedo and Jen Hollingsworth before the "Hollywood and America" breakout panel.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Actress, model and activist Emily Ratajkowski speaks at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Emily Ratajkowski speaks with Crystal Patterson during the breakout session "How Woke Women Are Leveraging Social Media for Good," presented by Facebook.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Breakout session "ReFrame: Male Allies Leaning In On Gender Equity," with panelists Chris Andrews, Harley Copen, Cassian Elwes and Kevin Iwashina, moderated by Cathy Schulman.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The panelists during the "Women On the Front Lines: Leading VICE News" breakout discussion. From left to right: Antonia Hylton, Isobel Yeung, Elle Reeve and Cindi Leive.
Photo by Jen Lowery
TheWrap's Debbie Emery (left) moderates a breakout discussion with ESPN stars Cari Champion (center) and Julie Foudy (right) on "Women in Sports."
Photo by Lisa Connor
Lisa Stone introduces the breakout session "How to Be a Boss: A Financial Workshop."
Photo by Jen Lowery
Debbie Wissel gives the presentation "How to Be a Boss: A Financial Workshop" presented by Ellevest.
Photo by Jen Lowery
Stephanie Shepherd and Claudia Carasso talk during the breakout session "Betting on Yourself."
Photo by Ted Soqui
Sharon Waxman moderates a breakout session with Masih Alinejad, "#MeToo, Hijab and Women's Rights."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Masih Alinejad before the conversation "#MeToo, Hijab and Women's Rights."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Lunchtime at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Actor David Oyelowo speaks with guests at the Power Women Summit during lunch.
Photo by Lisa Connor
Author Joanne Lipman moderates the discussion "Working Together: Bringing Men into the Conversation" with Scott Budnick (left) and David Oyelowo (center).
Photo by Ella DeGea
Producer Scott Budnick speaks on "Bringing Men Into the Conversation" during a lunchtime session.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Actor David Oyelowo speaks during the lunchtime conversation "Working Together: Bringing Men into the Conversation."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Author Joanne Lipman moderates the discussion "Working Together: Bringing Men into the Conversation."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti makes a surprise appearance at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Marisa Corvo and Diane Warren perform in the 50/50 Ballroom at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Diane Warren performs at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Marisa Corvo performs at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Marisa Corvo and Diane Warren at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Trace Lysette gives a speech at the Power Women Summit, "Coming Soon: Great Roles for Women."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Vice Media's Nancy Dubuc speaks in a Keynote panel, "Women at the Top - The Decision Maker," in conversation with Sharon Waxman.
Photo by Ella DeGea
The Keynote panel at the Power Women Summit, "What It's Like to Be First," moderated by Jo Ling Kent.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Sherry Lansing speaks on the keynote panel, "What It's Like to be First."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Maria Contreras-Sweet speaks on the panel discussion, "What It's Like to Be First."
Photo by Ella DeGea
American sabre fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad speaks on the panel discussion, "What It's Like to Be First."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Christine Simmons of the WNBA LA Sparks speaks on the panel discussion, "What It's Like to Be First."
Photo by Ella DeGea
Bria Smith and Jaclyn Corin of March for Our Lives accept the Voice of the Future Award.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Bria Smith and Jaclyn Corin of March for Our Lives accept the Voice of the Future Award.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The scene at the SAG-AFTRA Guild Roundtable discussing "Picture Gender Equality: How Fair Pay and More Roles for Women in Hollywood Can Shift Culture."
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The scene at the SAG-AFTRA Guild Roundtable discussing "Picture Gender Equality: How Fair Pay and More Roles for Women in Hollywood Can Shift Culture."
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The scene at the SAG-AFTRA Guild Roundtable discussing "Picture Gender Equality: How Fair Pay and More Roles for Women in Hollywood Can Shift Culture."
Photo by Randy Shropshire
The scene at the mentorship session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ted Soqui
The scene at the mentorship session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ted Soqui
The scene at the mentorship session at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Attendees at the closing of the Power Women Summit and Kickback Party.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Political Activists, Paulina Luco and Patricia Leiva, at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ella DeGea
Artist Anne Bray interacting with attendees at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Attendees at the closing of the Power Women Summit and Kickback Party.
Photo by Randy Shropshire
Artwork by Lila Hawk at the Power Women Summit.
Photo by Ted Soqui
The scene at the closing of the Power Women Summit and Kickback Party.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Attendees at the closing of the Power Women Summit and Kickback Party.
Photo by Ted Soqui
Attendees at the closing of the Power Women Summit and Kickback Party.
Photo by Randy Shropshire

1 of 139

Power Women Summit: The Road to 50/50 by 2020 is held Nov. 1-2 at The Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles

TheWrap's 2018 Power Women Summit, which is dedicated to The Road to 50/50 gender parity in the workplace by 2020, was held Nov. 1-2 at the Intercontinental Downtown Los Angeles hotel. Powerful female leaders from entertainment, media, politics and more converged at the event.

View In Gallery

The Scene at Power Women Summit 2018: Anita Hill, Alyssa Milano, HAIM and More at TheWrap's Leadership Event (Photos)

7DAYFREETRIAL

7
DAY
FREE
TRIAL