Behind the Camera: It’s a “She” Story Directed by “He”
摘要
This chapter analyzes gender representation in 628 Hallmark films produced from January 2015 to December 2023. Building on the research of Martha M. Lauzen, Stacy L. Smith, the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, and the Geena Davis Institute, it explores the roles of directors, writers, and producers to examine the link between behind-the-scenes (BTS) gender dynamics and female character portrayals on screen. The analysis spans two periods: 2015–2020 and 2021–2023, reflecting shifts in industry practices and cultural expectations. Two hypotheses guide this chapter: first, that male-dominated teams shape most Hallmark storylines; second, that women-led productions lead to greater female character representation. The findings show that men still dominate key BTS roles, aligning with industry trends, although Hallmark has a higher-than-average female presence in production roles. Interestingly, the second hypothesis is disproven. Female character representation remains consistent, regardless of the gender of directors or writers. Hallmark films feature characters predominantly aged 31–40, aligning with the network’s demographic, and maintain a balanced gender ratio on screen, irrespective of the crew’s composition. This challenges the notion that women-led productions significantly impact gender representation, highlighting Hallmark’s adherence to its established storytelling conventions.