| by Andee Kinzy |
It’s no secret that women comprise only 26% of the creators in the film industry. In the 1980s, psychologist Carol Dweck conducted a series of studies on 5th grade girls and boys. Subsequent research proved that “bright girls believe that their abilities are innate and unchangeable, while bright boys believe that they can develop ability through effort and practice.” Thus, the higher the girls’ IQ, the more likely they were to give up when presented with something particularly challenging or complicated.
The girls from this study are the players in today’s industry. Perhaps our brilliant girls are defeating themselves? When confronted with the challenges and obstacles inherent to filmmaking, perhaps our girls simply feel they’re not smart enough to do it.
According to the Pew Research Center, nearly ¾ of US teenagers have or have access to a smartphone. 85% of African American teens have access to one, Hispanic and white teens come in at 71%.
Utilizing this readily available technology, the Girl Improved Project will teach the participants to craft their stories using what they have: smartphones and/or tablets, apps, themselves and each other.
Unlike film school, which results in the need for a large amount of funding for equipment and specialized equipment operators, the girls will emerge from the program equipped to make their stories economically and efficiently.
By giving girls the skills needed to craft original stories easily, economically and efficiently, the Girl Improved smArt of Filmmaking Project will begin to tackle the doubt that comes with filmmaking challenges and prepare the generation of creators needed to break the glass ceiling in the entertainment industry.