I went to film school and I can remember sitting in the office of the head of the film department my senior year of college. We were talking about my thesis film and he asked me what I wanted to do when I graduated and where I wanted to work. I said “I’d kill to work at The Weinstein Company”. He looked at me, shocked, then replied, “They’re crazy… but you’re a little crazy too, so…” I laughed. I knew what he meant. I’m an aggressive, ball-buster.
Flash forward to my career in Hollywood. I was an associate producer at a post production house that cut movie trailers. We did quite a bit of work for TWC. I vividly remember getting to work on the Scary Movie 5 campaign. The day Bob Weinstein showed up to go over the marketing ideas, was a dream come true for me. (Even after reading Down and Dirty Pictures, I still, for some reason, loved the “Brothers Weinstein”) Bob was a doll. Funny. Professional. I thought surely the universe was opening my dream door for me, but after the news about Harvey dropped this past week, I’m so grateful it didn’t.
It’s been a few days since the bombshell dropped. Truthfully, it’s made my mind race. It was no secret that Harvey was a ruthless bully and there were always murmurings of how he could make or break a woman’s career in this town. Hollywood has it’s dirty little secrets and I’m shocked that something like this was swept under the rug for so long. His actions over the last 20+ years were a complete abuse of power, disgusting, disheartening… One side of me wishes that these women hadn’t let themselves be paid off or ignored. The other side of me, however, completely understands why they didn’t blow the whistle sooner. It’s terrifying for someone to have so much clout in town, that they can literally ruin your career.
Let’s be real… he won’t go to jail — that’s just how our justice system works with celebrities. My hope is that he pulls a Roman Polansky and never sets foot in the country again. I also hope that all of his big male collaborators speak out against him. I’m looking at you Quentin Tarantino and Michael Moore. Denounce or be assimilated. The choice is yours.
The film industry, still today, is primarily dominated by men, but that shouldn’t stop women from knocking down doors with creative guns blazing. Currently, out of 4 producers in my department, I am the only female. I went through numerous classes in film school where I was the only female, so this doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Do I face challenges in getting the job done? Sometimes. But, I face them head on. Remember… I’m a ball-buster and if you’re a woman in this industry, you need to be.
The casting couch is as real today as it was during the early days of film. I’ve met women over the last 8 years here who have no shame lying on their backs for Hollywood elites. It’s gotten them agents, script options, fat alimony checks… Taking this approach to your career is what makes men like Harvey Weinstein. It emboldens men in power to think that they can then force themselves on other women in the industry– women who have no interest in sleeping their way to the top. Some of us want our careers to be based on talent and work ethic, which is why I’m so glad Harvey’s victims are speaking out. Many may have been “blacklisted” for turning down his advances, but at least they have their dignity.
I stand in solidarity with all of his accusers, hoping that this is the paradigm shift that Hollywood has needed for a long time. I hope that this scandal makes it easier for women to come forward WHEN the assault happens, not years later. It’s not just Harvey, it’s many high level executives, writers, and directors that abuse their power. Hollywood males are shaking in their boots right now and I’m happy to see them sweat. Maybe the future of film is female.
Au Revoir, Mr. Weinstein. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Related posts
27 Comments
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Today's picks
Recent Posts
Stay connected
Chickenless Noodle Soup is the Only Thing You Need to Stay Warm and Cozy this Winter https://t.co/3etQJrm5wy… https://t.co/3etQJrm5wy…
FollowNaughty List? Indulge in a Coquito-Inspired Overnight Oats Recipe that will Turn Breakfast into a Fiesta! 🎄… https://t.co/XENcHe7ezq
Follow
I went to acting school and while my focus was more on theatre (and my life led me in different directions), this was always my fear. I have been married for over two decades and it was a talking point in more than one interview and audition. I never got anywhere near a meeting with Weinstein but I would’ve loved to and yet, now I a thankful that life did not present that struggle to me. I appreciate you speaking out. We have got to start showing solidarity with women and creating safety in speaking out.
Well done.
Traci
I hadn’t heard about the Harvey Weinstein Scandal so I had to look it up. A bit shocking! It’s always sad when people we look up to end up being people we’d run far away from.
That’s why people are constantly saying “don’t meet your heroes”… you’ll always be let down.
It is scary to think what this guy was doing to women, to people who had gone to him in the hopes of bettering their career, he really did take advantage of his place.
I always heard about the casting couch but thought that it was something that happened infrequently. I shamefully admit that I walkways thought that it happened to people who maybe “asked” for it. I am so sorry that sexual aggression/assault/ is happening. It is shameful that this culture exists AND that people, I, fins ways to gloss over the horrific nature of it. Perhaps this will start more conversations?
Although I try not to let the hollywood lives or gossip take up too much of my energy, I do hope Karma comes around and bites him in the butt. We all know Hollywood usually doesn’t see Jail time, you sure are right about that
This story is making front page everywhere and that’s good. It might be the first time shame is changing side and that the guy is actually being punished for what he’d done. For once no one is doubting the word of the victims.
It really disturbs me that he and other men in Hollywood have gotten away with this kind of act. He isn’t the only one and to be truthful, it probably won’t stop. Its been going on for so long
I saw this on the news and i didn’t even know who he was o_O. Shows how much I know!
And wouldn’t it be wonderful to make a film about this – and put all those losers in the spotlight in the worst possible way? They deserve it. Just expose them all!
harvey or not, hollywood or elsewhere, no woman should ever be put in this situation and im sure there are lots that we still have not heard of. it makes me so angry to be honest 🙁
This is such a sad situation for all these women. I’m so glad they’re speaking up. No woman should have to go through this.
Oh man, ick, this guy sounds so gross. I hope he’s fired and goes away forever. It’ s a shame how women are treated and I’m glad they’re telling their stories.
I think, sadly, this occurs in every single industry. Maybe now that more of this is coming out, it will finally change. I agree – I hope he gets locked up for his disgusting actions, and I hope the future truly is female.
It makes me sick that he just ran rampant all these years. My thoughts are with those who were victimized!
It hard to hear things like this and very disappointing. I had a boss who frightened me during my first job out of college and I quit this dream job within seconds. I didn’t report it, because everyone praised him, and I was s newbie,
I heard about it and it’s really one of the worst. I hope they have some protection on women so that it won’t happen again.
I stumbled upon this news a while ago and had no idea who this person is. There should be a serious punishment for bullies. Period!
I have been hearing a lot about the Harvey Weinstein Scandal. I am glad these women are speaking up. I think we would all be shocked if we knew how much this happens.
I’ve heard about it in passing but don’t know much about this story. Will have to take a closer look. My thoughts are with the victims. This is disturbing to say the least!
it’s good that there is light shed on this issue, and that you’re doing your part to bring awareness to the topic. i can’t believe he’s gotten away with it for so long. i hate to think about all the other people who have yet to be found out.
I don’t think a female dominated field is the answer either per se, but a culture overhaul is what is needed. That the culture of power domination and manipulation gets an overhaul to a culture of respect, and integrity.
I haven’t heard the Harvey Weinstein Scandal and I’m not even familiar with him. But this is a serious matter. My thoughts are with the victims.
I think what is more scary about this scandal is how so many people knew and turned a blind eye. Another scary thing is I think he will not be reprimanded enough to make up for what he has done.
There are a lot of people who play dirty especially in the show business. Literally, most of the time, everything is for a show. To Mr. Weinstein and to his allies, I say, you are all going down one day.
this entire convo is disheartening. Even with the Me Too movement its super sad. but WE need to do something. Americans need more laws against sexual abuse and harassment in any form this has to stop!
That scandal is awful and it’s amazing to hear about all of this we never knew about. I really hope he gets what he deserves.