A man's world
Women, states actor Shylaja, can be extremely influential, both at home and at work. On the surface it seems as though their influence is particularly strong in the film industry. Acting is slowly becoming a more acceptable, respectable vocation for women, and innumerable actors are thriving the world over. Even so, the number of women behind the scenes in the industry remains pitifully small, a fact that is as true for the vast majority of male-dominated industries. The reasons for this gender imbalance seem consistent across most lines of work. French director Jean-Jacques Jauffret proposes that male chauvinism and favouritism dishearten women involved in film, while Shylaja suggests that the enormous time commitment required discourages women (and their families) from seeking work in the industry.
But women's involvement in the film industry is important in more than one sense. While one could argue that gender equilibrium should be maintained across all professions, women in film have the potential to change the nature of the industry. As more women begin to involve themselves in script writing, directing, producing and acting, the very character of film begins to change. Polish producer Aleksandra Biernacka is quick to point out the importance of films directed by women, which she believes bring different talents, stories and perspectives to the fore. Jauffret, a self-proclaimed feminist, has his own spin on the issue, claiming that “the world as represented by women is a world less violent”, and suggests that films made by women filmmakers, which rarely depict women deprecatingly, are better received by women viewers. If this is true, then, Shylaja hopes, the increasing number of women getting involved behind the camera might also have an effect on the number of women who actively participate and stay engaged with the art of film.
Smart money
As Tamil cinema prepares to launch itself before international audiences, current processes of sales and distribution may actually be prohibiting filmmakers from maximising their capacity for profit. As the nature of film distribution and the selection of film markets have evolved, so has the need for more relevant financial management methods. A high turnover is especially important for Indian filmmakers, who usually cover production costs through debt financing, rather than State funding. Media consultant Yogesh Karikurve stresses that it is imperative for filmmakers to take time to think about sales, distribution and marketing prior to making their films, all of which can make a significant impact on profit.
New Delhi-based film festival consultant U. Radhakrishnan explains that the distribution of Tamil films has traditionally been restricted to Tamil-speaking territories such as Malaysia and Singapore. This market has, however, recently expanded to include external territories where regional films may need more time and money to succeed. Karikurve explains that filmmakers could increase their films' profitability by offsetting commissions to pay professional sales agents, and encourage sales of films through both theatrical and non-theatrical avenues. Online distribution models, which can easily be adapted to one's own needs and creativity, have also become more popular, and can help filmmakers become more confident about their capacity for profit.
