Ep 2. Women in Hollywood

In season 2, episode 2 of Makers, the focus is on the women of Hollywood. The episode explores the struggles and triumphs of women in the film industry, specifically during the early days of Hollywood through to the present day.

The episode begins with a brief history of women in the film industry. It examines the early days of Hollywood when women were not allowed to direct or produce films and were only cast in stereotypical roles. Despite this, women like Mary Pickford and Dorothy Arzner managed to break through and make names for themselves. However, their successes were often met with backlash and discrimination.

The episode then moves on to discuss the feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s, which led to an increase in female filmmakers. Women like Barbara Streisand, who broke through as both a singer and actress, went on to direct her own films. Along the way, they faced numerous challenges, including sexism and a lack of funding.

The episode also looks at the struggle of women of color in Hollywood. Actresses like Hattie McDaniel and Dorothy Dandridge faced even greater obstacles due to the racism prevalent in the industry at the time. Despite this, they persisted and carved out successful careers for themselves.

The episode then moves on to discuss the present day. While there have been strides made towards greater gender equality in Hollywood, the industry still has a long way to go. Women like Ava DuVernay and Shonda Rhimes have broken through as directors and showrunners, but they are still the exception rather than the rule. The episode examines the challenges they face, including bias and a lack of opportunities.

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating look at the history of women in the film industry. It celebrates the successes of women throughout the years while acknowledging the challenges they have had to overcome. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood and the ongoing fight for gender equality in the entertainment industry.