Technical jobs aren’t just for the men

The current and welcome focus on diversity in the television industry ensures that we assess all forms of representation in all stages of production.

I am certain my production teams are representative, but I feel as though we are failing in one particular area: women in post-production.

According to Creative Skillset, across the industry, women made up only 18% of the editing workforce in 2012 - up from 14% in 2009, but clearly some way to go.

I’ve only ever worked with three female editors and one female dubber, compared to dozens of men. Why is this? Are women simply not wired to edit or sound mix? Or is it assumed from the outset that these roles aren’t for them because they make for better producers?  Are they really not equal to men in editorial judgement, creative skill and technical ability?

Personally, I think it’s about confidence from the outset: for the women themselves and the educators moulding the next generation. I often give talks to students, and from informal conversations I hear stories illustrating the roots of the issue. It is apparent that in some universities, female media students are often directed into the production roles by the assumption that they want to produce, while male students seem to dominate the camera and editing roles.

Due to the structure of some media courses, students can specialise quickly and choose to ignore certain disciplines, such as post-production. Without active encouragement from the tutors, and perhaps a lack of self-confidence, many girls will naturally fall away from the technical side for fear of getting it wrong, especially in front of their confident male counterparts. Universities need to ensure participation in all television skills from the outset and make sure the girls get the same creative and technical opportunities and encouragement as the boys.

As it stands, this assumption that boys do the technical roles continues on into the professional industry. Once a woman puts her head above the parapet, she finds herself working in a mostly male environment. She will always stand out amongst her colleagues and be different.

I can’t remember every editor I’ve worked with but I do remember the women. It takes a particular kind of confidence to believe you deserve your place in a boys’ only domain. Not all of us have that self-belief and I admire that. Mentoring is an excellent way to ensure support, but is there more we can do?

Finally, employers should look outside of the traditional, familiar television gender roles. We need to ensure we give the next generation of young women the opportunities and most importantly the confidence to explore all possibilities within our industry. At the end of the day, the most important factor, regardless of gender, is about harnessing creativity, and getting the job done.

• Kate Beal is chief executive and joint creative director of Woodcut Media