The WGA West Hollywood Writers Report has reported gains for minority and women TV writers but a decrease in employment in films.
The full study is titled “Turning Missed Opportunities into Realized Ones” is a a series of semi-annual reports commissioned by the Writers Guild of America that is expected to be published in June.
First reported by Deadline, a summary was released today and here are the key changes that have occurred for writers in the TV and Film industry:
· Women remained underrepresented by a factor of nearly 2-to-1 among TV writers in 2012, claiming 27% of sector employment, and they earned about 92 cents for every dollar earned by white males in 2012 — up slightly from 91 cents in 2009. Women screenwriters accounted for 15% of sector employment (down from 17% in 2009) , and they earned 77 cents for every dollar earned by white male film writers in 2012, down from 82 cents in 2009.
· Minority TV writers posted an increase in employment share (from 10% in 2009 to 11% in 2012), also closing the earnings gap “a bit.” Data also show that minorities watch a disproportionate share of television and theatrical films, while increases in their consumer spending outpace the rest of the nation. On the film side, the minority share of film employment was steady at 5% compared by 2009.
· Older writers — especially ages 41-50 — claimed the largest share of employment in TV and film, as well as the highest earnings in each sector. The relative status of older writers tends to decline “rather rapidly” beyond 60.
As time passes you would expect more progressive attitudes towards minorities and women. But, it is tough to learn that women were closer to reaching equal compensation in the workplace 5 years ago in comparison to today.
What do you think of the gaps and changes in the TV and Film industry? Share with us your thoughts in the comments below!
