1st Edition
African American Female Leadership in Major Motion Pictures From Marginalized to Mainstream
This book explores the factors contributing to the under-representation of African American female directors in mainstream cinema leadership. It also unmasks the potential strategies African American female film directors might pursue to reduce this inequity.
Author Tracy L. F. Worley draws on research around ethics to conclude that there are specific consequences of the male gaze on women in cinema leadership, especially African American female directors of box office cinema. Combining extensive analysis of ethics and ethical stance relative to the motion picture industry with perspectives from working African American female directors, the text discusses the ethical considerations and historical inequities, including the male gaze, and uses those findings to define how the inequities can be opportunities. The efficacy model for cinematic leadership is presented as a mechanism for viewing obstacles through the lenses of gender, ethnicity, and culture so they become drivers for African American women to achieve success.
Ideal for students of directing and filmmaking, as well as aspiring professional filmmakers wishing to gain a better understanding of the industry as it stands today.
Introduction 1. As We Begin... 2. The Need to Call It Our Own 3. Is There A Black Feminist Discourse? 4. Historical Landscape 5. The Spectatorial Gaze 6. Leadership Foundations 7. Female Filmmakers in Mainstream Cinema 8. The Oppositional Gaze 9. Implications for African American Female Directors 10. Conclusions and Recommendations Appendix
Biography
Tracy L.F. Worley, DM, PMP, is a scholar and educator, writer, researcher, project manager, and independent motion picture producer. Dr. Worley has produced and directed numerous films and stage plays, and she is currently in pre-production on her latest feature-length motion picture, Behind Church Doors. Her writing has been published in peer-reviewed journals and monographs, and her grounded theory research (http://www.blackwomencinema.us) reveals the importance of self-determination and access. She is a peer reviewer for Feminist Media Studies and her participation in the media and performing arts gives foundational significance to her research.
