Women in Film CEO Sounds Off on Exec Ousters and Declining Representation: ‘We Have a Real Problem’
Kirsten Schaffer also previews a "maybe a little fiery" speech from former Warner Bros. film chief Pamela Abdy at Thursday's WIF Honors The post Women in Film CEO Sounds Off on Exec Ousters and Declining Representation: ‘We Have a Real Problem’ appeared first on TheWrap .
At the Women in Film (WIF) Honors, former Warner Bros. film chief Pamela Abdy will accept the Inaugural Vanguard Award on Thursday. Abdy, along with her co-founder Michael De Luca, were ousted following Skydance's acquisition of her studio. WIF CEO Kirsten Schaffer expressed disappointment in Abdy's departure, stating that she had a budget to use for making films that were important to the culture and industry.
Schaffer emphasized the importance of having 50% women, nonbinary and transgender people in every job, from entry level to the top decision-makers, noting that the industry should reflect the population it serves. The recent decline in representation of women, nonbinary and trans people in leading roles, both in films and series, is a cause for concern, with only 39 such individuals in the top 100 series of the 2025-26 season, down from last year.
UCLA research also found a 5% decrease in the percentage of women directors behind theatrical films in 2025. Schaffer highlighted the impact of corporate consolidation and a shrinking job market on the industry, with many WIF members currently out of work. Despite the challenges, Schaffer encourages those in higher positions to advocate for representation and diversity within their companies, as it benefits both culture and business.
The WIF Honors will also honor Salma Hayek Pinault with the Jane Fonda Humanitarian Award and recognize other notable women in the industry.
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