tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post7528539936554488380..comments2023-09-29T12:16:41.907+01:00Comments on Deadlines and Diamonds: FInd The LadyLisa Holdsworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-66963879832825092562014-04-07T07:25:31.532+01:002014-04-07T07:25:31.532+01:00I think you're quite right. I think there are ...I think you're quite right. I think there are many sections of society being let down by both the BBC and other channels., LxLisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-31814504669768743492014-03-02T12:16:11.717+00:002014-03-02T12:16:11.717+00:00What's more - do the BBC not realise there are...What's more - do the BBC not realise there are more mature people out here - AND there are something like 8 women to every one man in higher age groups - unlike in Ireland where there are 8 men to every woman - I think I'm emigrating... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-74811310625535303002013-12-19T10:51:28.564+00:002013-12-19T10:51:28.564+00:00Hi Tracey,
Thank you for that (sorry I didn't...Hi Tracey,<br /><br />Thank you for that (sorry I didn't see your comment earlier). It's great to hear about people consciously writing characters that break the mould. Keep up the good work and come and find me (and many, many other writers) on Twitter for back up and banter. LxxxLisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-43603972350418807222013-11-25T22:13:07.961+00:002013-11-25T22:13:07.961+00:00Hi LIsa, I'm a jaded psychologist who recently...Hi LIsa, I'm a jaded psychologist who recently jacked in the day job (many reasons, don't ask) and found that once I freed up my creativity I was desperate to write - well I was once I found a project and invented some characters that mattered to me. As it happens, what I'm writing has strong female characters (more of them than males, though not by conscious design) and carefully crafted (if I may sound so up my own arse) main protagonists with significant disabilities. I've been following an internet trail from the BBC writers room and found your vid, then this blog, which really intrigued me for all the above reasons, plus I'm female myself would you believe? I know, how dare I. I would be very interested in chatting about writing, women in writing, a female Dr Who, all that good stuff. If not, perhaps it's just good to let you know I'm out here, taking in your observations, receiving the challenge and suiting up. And I bet I'm not alone. :-) TraceyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-1862892465603641632013-09-06T12:36:45.084+01:002013-09-06T12:36:45.084+01:00Actually, Martin. I think if you say something you...Actually, Martin. I think if you say something you should be prepared to defend it properly when it's challenged. That doesn't mean turning on the person that has challenged your opinion.<br /><br />By the way, the whole 'you're just being too sensitive' thing is an accusation that is often levelled at women speaking up for better representation. We are told to 'calm down' and 'move on' all the time. It's reductive, insulting. unhelpful and doesn't further the discussion. <br /><br />Representation is an emotional area of discussion and people are entitled to feel strongly. Basically, play the ball not the woman or man.Lisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-50235163816055685172013-09-05T14:29:07.002+01:002013-09-05T14:29:07.002+01:00Deary me. Drop it and move on. You're making a...Deary me. Drop it and move on. You're making a thing out of it, whether you realise it or not. And regardless if you only replied to me. What a silly thing to say. If you thought what I said was an insult (when in-fact it was merely an observation, you're just being too sensitive), I dread to think what you make of what's said across Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Why don't you go and single those people out first, before trying to lay down the moral high ground law here.Martin Grantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-17659495440947480562013-09-05T11:43:53.234+01:002013-09-05T11:43:53.234+01:00Martin: I am calm, not making a thing out of anyth...Martin: I am calm, not making a thing out of anything, I only replied to you! I know it's your own opinion, that was my point - an opinion you're basing on a few interviews to insult someone, which doesn't help us convince anyone that we're right on this issue of the need for more female writers/lead roles.James Moranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11949906302217025023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-75883155078220235892013-09-05T01:50:49.113+01:002013-09-05T01:50:49.113+01:00Yeah, alright James, calm down there. It was obvio...Yeah, alright James, calm down there. It was obviously my own opinion, speculative or not. You clearly don't share it, but did you have to make a thing out of it on here? No. And there was no need either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-49129884217493976622013-09-03T14:55:05.415+01:002013-09-03T14:55:05.415+01:00I don't think the blame can be laid at one doo...I don't think the blame can be laid at one doorstep in particular. I think it's combination of ingrained attitudes to gender, cultural norms and a lack of desire to change it. We can only work on the latter of those things, but we face the 'women just don't write genre' trope and often a lack of imagination when it comes to female characters. It will change, it's just taking a hell of a lot longer than I expected.Lisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-42427857457716013582013-09-03T12:02:20.989+01:002013-09-03T12:02:20.989+01:00Very good points as always. It’s quite tragic. Hav...Very good points as always. It’s quite tragic. Having just gone to Frightfest, I can also confirm that the Horror genre is still heavily-weighted in the male contingent (although it’s getting better), with 2013’s crop of horror having very few female-penned or directed scripts. <br /><br />Thankfully there were a lot of strong, female protagonists on display this year, many of whom didn’t have to get sexually assaulted before becoming ‘strong’ (which is a nice change…).<br /><br />Some will argue women don’t want to write this ‘kind of thing’, but exactly what DO they want to write if it isn’t drama, action, horror or sci-fi? <br /><br />Period drama? Romantic comedies? Yeah, because that’s not sexually stereotyping women…<br /><br />I’m not 100% clear where the fault / issues lie and who is struggling to properly address this problem (whether it be the agents, producers, production companies etc…) but it’s getting embarrassing, as that testosterone-fuelled BBC trailer shows.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08461726836841916924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-49458162752700098632013-09-02T18:51:28.847+01:002013-09-02T18:51:28.847+01:00Martin, there's plenty of evidence that there ...Martin, there's plenty of evidence that there aren't enough female writers given chances in genre TV, so there's no need to make up unpleasant things about public figures based on a few interviews - interviews in which they're supposed to be positive and proud of their show. I've been on the receiving end of that sort of speculative nonsense and there's no need for it.<br /><br />Everyone else: yes! There's a long, long list of female writers who would kick ass at any genre show, and I hope to work with them some day.James Moranhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11949906302217025023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-84849243698621094002013-09-02T17:55:21.170+01:002013-09-02T17:55:21.170+01:00Good point. All anyone, irrespective of gender, is...Good point. All anyone, irrespective of gender, is asking for is a chance to prove themselves.Lisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-26455992028790487802013-09-02T17:54:37.595+01:002013-09-02T17:54:37.595+01:00Exactly. It's the same argument they use for w...Exactly. It's the same argument they use for why women don't get a fair crack of the whip at Comedy.Lisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-62991442460340026652013-09-02T16:58:13.746+01:002013-09-02T16:58:13.746+01:00Perhaps these male writers feel threatened by fema...Perhaps these male writers feel threatened by female ones. I've seen Moffat in interviews, and he doesn't seem the type that would get along with them. Don't ask me why, just a vibe he gives off. Arrogance maybe. But I'm all for female writers, and they can handle even the most male-driven genres like action. <br /><br />One of the best episodes of "Airwolf", arguably one of the strongest shows of that genre, was penned by one of the recurring actresses on the show. She later became the Co-Exec. Producer and Head Writer of a completely different series, that beared similarites to "Doctor Who" in some respects. "Quantum Leap". Regardless if the creator of both shows was her husband (Don Bellisario), she still proved that women could write for the more exciting genres, and "Quantum" dabbled in pretty much every genre and period with its time-travel concept.<br /><br />Then later on during "Airwolf's" third year, another solid hour was penned by a freelance female writer, and when the show relocated to Canada for its final low-budget season, the head writer was a woman. And some of the best scripts of the entire series were written under her. Proof's in the pudding.Martin Grantnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-28636233576862729312013-09-02T16:02:38.552+01:002013-09-02T16:02:38.552+01:00Love Scott and Bailey because the women are strong...Love Scott and Bailey because the women are strong without being men in dresses, complex and the relationship between them is far more realistic.<br /><br />And I can't believe I am still hearing that women don't write/like genre. I think I might collect up all my female friends and "enlighten" them.Rachael Howardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14222766940882747671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-88669040096147753522013-09-02T15:45:12.665+01:002013-09-02T15:45:12.665+01:00Ain't that the truth.
LxAin't that the truth.<br /><br />LxLisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-86238024387493549122013-09-02T15:44:44.558+01:002013-09-02T15:44:44.558+01:00That's exactly it, Debbie. It's a appallin...That's exactly it, Debbie. It's a appallingly vicious circle and makes it look like sci-fi/fantasy/horror etc are one big boys club. <br /><br />Of course, the best women eschew the club and make their own series. Like you're good self!<br /><br />LxLisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-65291168762499049752013-09-02T15:37:08.107+01:002013-09-02T15:37:08.107+01:00Well, you know how we women will go on and on and ...Well, you know how we women will go on and on and on. <br /><br />:-)<br /><br />LxxxLisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-35229151188466782032013-09-02T15:04:19.919+01:002013-09-02T15:04:19.919+01:00Bang on Debbie Moon! As usual, well said Lisa, agr...Bang on Debbie Moon! As usual, well said Lisa, agree with you - the Dr Who franchise is notoriously male orientated, both in terms of directors and writers. There are women at the top in telly, but sadly not enough working as directors and writers. There are women producers in telly (quite a few notables) but this is not reflected in the programmes commissioned. However, we have Sally Wainwright, Kay Mellor and Lucy Gannon. We don't have enough of them though. Onwards and upwards....yvonne gracehttp://www.scriptadvice.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-59875930979968090862013-09-02T13:20:27.255+01:002013-09-02T13:20:27.255+01:00So many complex issues involved here, but I'll...So many complex issues involved here, but I'll comment on one, the supposed lack of female SF/fantasy/action etc writers.<br />I'm pretty sure there are dozens of them out there. But they're all writing Eastenders and Silent Witness and whatever to pay the bills. (As, indeed, are many male writers with similar interests.) if you judge a writer only by what genres they've worked in so far, and not what they want to do in the future, you're bound to limit your talent pool...debbiemoonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12793936598749605992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-19265295668672705862013-09-02T13:19:24.322+01:002013-09-02T13:19:24.322+01:00have you seen this? Too hard-core Whovian for me t...have you seen this? Too hard-core Whovian for me to make it to the end, but worth taking a look at. And apparently there's a website for female Dr. Who fans called Dr. Her. http://ofdiceandpenblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/sexism-in-steven-moffats-doctor-who.html<br /><br />Also, when I asked the National Lampoon editors why there were few to no women contributors, I got the same answers: they couldn't find any, nobody applied, etc. How little has changed over the decades! I may have to put the chapter dealing with this up on my blog so people can access w/out buying whole book.<br /><br />Speaking of which, an Amazon commenter said I "devoted more space than necessary to the magazine's supposed sexism. In fact, one wonders, slogging through long pages of this stuff, if it wasn't the main reason she got a book deal." Yeah, one chapter out of 24 - far too much. Sigh.Ellinhttp://www.thatsnotfunnythatssick.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-26844206160217444812013-09-02T13:14:02.237+01:002013-09-02T13:14:02.237+01:00That looks great. And I believe that Lake Bell wro...That looks great. And I believe that Lake Bell wrote and directed it as well as starring in it. Lisa Holdsworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03698897564460943227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3926835221308398866.post-47566312901815955802013-09-02T13:11:17.744+01:002013-09-02T13:11:17.744+01:00Slightly off the point, but there's a great-lo...Slightly off the point, but there's a great-looking movie coming about a woman battling to make it as a trailer voice artist in Hollywood, In a World:<br /><br />http://youtu.be/NuxApRnekWc<br />DAVID BISHOPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17342376036664282348noreply@blogger.com