Female Video Directors Remain Rare In Industry

Just read a really cool article on female music video directors.

NEW YORK -- When it comes to making music videos, there's no shortage of female artists and producers. But women who are music video directors remain a small minority in the business.
Industry observers believe that this situation is indicative of a long-entrenched structure in which it is expected that most directors will be men and that the business lacks noticeable outreach in encouraging women to become directors. Of the approximately 450 music video directors represented by major U.S. and Canadian production companies, less than 9% are women.
"I think artists set the tone," Faris (video director) adds. "If there were more artists willing to take chances on having women direct their videos, we'd see more female directors."
Although today's top female music video directors come from varied backgrounds, professionals in the music video business say that three qualities are necessary for women to break through the directorial glass ceiling: talent, persistence, and a genuine love of music. - "All Business" online article, November 2009.

Fatima Robinson, who is best known for her choreography has directed a few music videos herself. She first became known to the music video business as a choreographer. Over the past several years, Robinson has choreographed videos for a diverse group of major acts, such as Michael Jackson, Backstreet Boys, Busta Rhymes, and Aaliyah.
Being a relatively new music video director, Robinson believes that "when you're in the beginning stage, the biggest obstacle is getting people's trust. It's a little harder for people to trust women with directing videos. At the same time she says she doesn't see herself competing with men.
Directed by: Fatima Robinson

Fatima Robinson


I would love to see the ladies make an impact in behind the scenes, especially in film. As I grow in this industry, I would love to inspire other women not only can we can embrace the screens with our beauty but we can also direct the videos too.