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Initiative to address lack of female crew in Reality TV

NSW initiative finds not one female camera operator or sound recordist working in the reality & unscripted genres.

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A NSW initiative to lift the number of female crew working in commercial unscripted camera and sound departments, is hoping to address a gender gap.

A 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics report found hat more than 90% of all sound technicians, camera operators and directors of photography in the genre were male.

She Shoots is an initiative of AFTRS, Screen NSW, Women NSW and Executive Women’s Television Group, a group of NSW-based senior women from production companies and broadcasters, is hoping to address the problem.

Kylie Washington, Director of Unscripted Content from Matchbox Pictures and founder of the Executive Women’s Television Group said: “We have not identified a single female camera operator or sound recordist working in the reality and unscripted genres within Australian TV. We want to support women coming into these roles and provide new opportunities in the industry.”

She Shoots will facilitate a free 2 week course for NSW applicants, leading to paid attachment positions.

Courtney Gibson, Chief Executive of Screen NSW, said: “Screen NSW, together with Women NSW, is committed to achieving equity for women in all aspects of the screen industry in NSW. This bespoke project displays the joint resolve of the State and Federal Governments to work with the private sector to open doors and create opportunities in workplaces that effectively remain closed to women.”

Neil Peplow, CEO of AFTRS, said: “AFTRS is excited to be part of this industry initiative to address the lack of women in key production roles. By linking training with actual production jobs in factual TV we intend to kickstart careers, demonstrate the value of diversity and shift the existing paradigm.”

She Shoots will be multi-faceted program:
· AFTRS will facilitate a free short course (2 weeks) to train female screen industry practitioners in sound and camera skills;

· In addition to practical instruction and classroom teaching, set visits to reality TV productions will give participants exposure to the inner working of this genre;

· Industry partners including Matchbox Pictures and Foxtel will then facilitate 4 – 6 week paid attachments in camera and sound roles for the participants on leading Australian commercial reality programs with VA Digital Hire sponsoring equipment hire.

As part of the course, Women NSW will offer support to graduates, through its partnership with the support network SALT – Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen. The project aligns closely to the work of Women NSW, especially to the agency’s women in trades strategy.

The course, which commences Monday June 20, will be open to NSW-based women only. Women living in Regional NSW and Greater Western Sydney are encouraged to apply. Information about the course is here https://www.aftrs.edu.au/she-shoots

aftrs.edu.au/she-shoots

Disclaimer: AFTRS advertises at TV Tonight.

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