Los Angeles (AFP)
A record number of episodes of television programs have been directed by women or minority filmmakers, reports a report released Tuesday, signaling clear progress in a sector that seeks to be more inclusive.
This study, covering the 2018-2019 season and commissioned by the Directors' Union of the United States (DGA), reports that for the first time, half of all television episodes were made by women or Black, Hispanic or Asian directors.
A figure higher than the record recorded last year (42.5%). Five years ago, it was 21%.
"Inclusion has long been a priority for our union, and we have pushed studios, chains and producers to do better," said Thomas Schlamme, president of the DGA, in a statement.
"While the change has been very slow in the past years, we are pleased and greatly encouraged to see the recent industry commitments" in this area, he added.
The report examined more than 4,300 episodes produced in 2018-2019.
Female-dominated episodes accounted for 31% of the total, those made by persons with minorities 27%.
Despite this progress, however, the union cautioned that employers are increasingly offering the role of director to people who are not working, such as actors or writers.
"Producers have the power to give an opportunity that can put someone aspiring to be a television director on the road to a career of a lifetime, to do what they dreamed of," Schlamme said. .
"And while we are encouraged by the fact that nearly half of the first jobs went to women last year, and nearly a third to color-coded filmmakers, we are still very concerned about the practices that are -tenders hiring, and that reduce the number of jobs available for beginners or confirmed directors, "he explained.
© 2019 AFP