This article summarizes a stream of research examining the role of women behind the scenes in the film industry and on screen and behind the scenes in the television industry. Results are culled from a study of films released in 1987, 1992, and 1997 and studies of the 1995-1996 and 1997-1998 prime-time television seasons. Overall, the findings indicate that women remain underrepresented in both industries. However, the studies also found a quantitative link between women working behind the scenes and the representation and portrayal of women on screen. In prime-time television, female executive producers exerted influence at a macro level, increasing the percentage of female characters and hiring more female writers. These writers, in turn, provided female characters with more powerful dialogue.
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