Composing : One of the Best-Known Film Composers In the World Is Calling Out Sexism by Brandi Thomas

I have noted this several times, the top 5-10 are usually white and male (not inherently American though). I'm glad someone at the top is saying something!!!

Great article Brandi.

The issue is bigger than composing - it permeates the whole film industry (except acting of course). We have great film producers/directors here in Houston that have seen the competitive issue first hand and constantly keep the 'locals' aware of the need for fairness and equality. And BTW, before I even read the article I was long a fan of Rachel Portman and I like her Cider House Rules score the best. I remember hearing her interviewed once saying she was petrified scoring her first feature and had a 2 week deadline which she met.

I did miss her last film since I didn't care to see the film about a dog who keeps dying (A Dogs Purpose) good to see she is also working in TV film as well. I have seen film composers moving into alternative media a lot over the last few years. Some of Marc Shaiman's recent works have been in TV (a really liked "Smash" and of course Hairspray which he initially scored for Broadway). Also Alan Silvestri did a wonderful job scoring the documentary "Cosmos" in 2014.

Point is here that yes, let's push against the glass ceiling, but also try simultaneously moving in directions of less resistance.

I agree with most of your comments, Joel, but I have to ask about your last comment. When you said, "... but also try simultaneously moving in directions of less resistance," did you mean to imply that women should do something easier? If so, I unfortunately have to disagree with this statement as I don't believe that women just "going where they fit better" is the way to progress.

Glad everyone is enjoying the article!

Sadly Shirley Walker is gone due to cancer but yes, she was outstanding and her career never got the traction it deserved. Thanks for posting Brandi!

Brandi - I meant that neither women or men should focus in on feature length studio films and just concentrate on that. Sometimes while pitching for studio features it could be useful and sometimes profitable to look at other media including but not limited to TV, documentaries, and the Internet (such as those Internet films - single or series) and films of any length. Others stay fresh but looking at corporate training videos and commercials as well. Our talents are needed for everything. Heck, there is a filmmaking demand in theme parks and museums and let's not forget video games.