The Struggle and Triumph of Women Filmmakers in a Changing Industry
The film industry has faced a series of challenges over the past few years, with many creators finding themselves at a crossroads. After the disruptions caused by the pandemic and the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes, many hoped for a return to normalcy. However, instead of rebounding, production in and around Los Angeles dropped by roughly 25 percent this year. Rising costs, media consolidations, and the end of “Peak TV” have created a difficult landscape for filmmakers. Many have left the industry altogether, but a growing number of women are taking matters into their own hands.
Tina Vonn and Susan Rudick, who met in acting class, noticed a common issue among women in their 40s: a sense of invisibility in the entertainment world. Determined to change that, they co-created a TV pilot called Bad Alice, a dark comedy about a woman who relentlessly targets scammers preying on the elderly. The project was born from a desire to create roles that reflect their own experiences and challenge the industry’s norms.
Another filmmaker, Ellen Ancui, took a different approach. As a writer and director, she witnessed an incident that deeply affected her: an elderly man abandoned at a grocery store. This inspired her short film Saverio, which highlights the phenomenon of “granny dumping.” By blending humor with a serious message, the film gained widespread attention, being accepted into 27 festivals across the U.S., Mexico, Italy, and New Zealand. It also earned four Audience awards. Ancui is now working on a feature-length version of the film and using her platform to promote her podcast, Filthy Milfs, which focuses on sexual health and wellness for women.
Navigating New Challenges
As the industry evolves, so do the concerns of filmmakers. AI has become a major topic of discussion, especially among those involved in the Writers Guild. Tatiana Blackington James, a Writers Guild member, expressed her anxiety about the technology during the strike. Her recent film, Lawyered Up, explores this theme through a dramedy about a woman who unknowingly hires an AI divorce attorney and falls in love.
“I like to turn my anxieties into art,” she says. “It allows others to deal with them as well.” For Blackington James, producing her own work not only helped her express her fears but also gave her the opportunity to direct. She credits this experience with helping her grow as a writer and a person. Lawyered Up will premiere on October 17 at the Newport Beach Film Festival.
Lisa Steadman, an USC Film School graduate and screenwriter, is also exploring the impact of AI. She recently left her corporate writing job to create AI-Tented Love, a short film about a dinner party gone wrong when a power outage reveals some guests as glitchy androids. Her shoot is set to begin soon, and she sees this project as a way to engage with the evolving landscape of storytelling.
Overcoming Financial and Creative Hurdles
Despite the challenges, these filmmakers have found ways to bring their visions to life. Grants, crowdfunding, and personal savings have played a crucial role in funding their projects. However, the financial uncertainty of the industry means that each filmmaker had to make tough decisions.
For Rudick, the motivation was both professional and personal. “I wanted to generate my own work to get more work,” she explains. “But as the process went along, I realized I loved being my own boss and making the decisions.” The goal for Bad Alice is to eventually go to series, and the festival circuit is a key step in finding producers and securing a home for the project. Rudick also recently landed a great manager, further solidifying her position in the industry.
Blackington James notes that the support from talented, unemployed professionals has been essential. “You look around and ask, ‘What resources do I have?’” she says. “In my case, I knew a lot of very talented people willing to work on a low-budget short just to practice their craft.” Her production designer had worked on The Morning Show, and her director of photography had shot episodes of The Lincoln Lawyer. Both agreed to join Lawyered Up because they believed in the story.
Looking Ahead
Ancui, after her success on the festival circuit, is already planning her next short film while also accepting opportunities to direct indie shorts and features. “As long as I keep collaborating and creating art, I’m moving forward,” she says.
These women represent a growing movement within the industry—one that values independence, creativity, and resilience. As they continue to push boundaries, they offer hope that even in uncertain times, new stories can still be told.
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