Interview with Stella Dimadis

What is She Shot TV?

She Shot TV was created as a response to the gender differences in the film and entertainment industry. She Shot TV is a program that showcases women in the film and television industry, and the work that they do. The other interesting aspect to the program is that the producers of SheShot TV try and engage an all female crew, and where it is possible train crew in various positions.

Can you tell us about your involvement in She Shot TV?

I am one of the producers of She Shot TV, alongside Chris Keogh who is also the director and Visionz In Picture Productions Pty Ltd. Chris Keogh and myself also write and research for the show.

What is the involvement of WIFT VIC in She Shot TV?

WIFT VIC, is Women in Film and Television, Victoria. WIFT VIC supports and encourages women in the film and television industry, and hold events throughout the year. The first episode was a celebration of International Women’s Day, by showcasing women female filmmakers, and their films from Deakin University, as each year for International Women’s Day, WIFT VIC, work alongside a film school and together coordinate a screening of women who have studied or are still studying at that particular film school.

Can you describe the first two episodes?

The first episode was an hour long program that focused on the women filmmakers from Deakin University and clips from their short films were also shown. The discussions were varied and interesting. The women that were showcased in the first ever She Shot TV were as follows: Taryn Logan, Sheersha Perrera, Nova Weetman, Maria Theodorakis and Jessica Batsas.

The second episode of She Shot TV airs May the 16th at 9.00 pm on Channel 31. This is a St Kilda Film Festival special, showcasing three women from the Top 100 selected shorts, Bec Peniston-Bird, Rach Moors Chantry, Elle Marsh and Carmela Baranowska. Peniston-Bird's film Goodnight Sweetheart will be discussed, Moors Chandry’s, Hunter, and Marsh’s Vacant and Pup Culture. Baranowska, has come on the show as a writer and founder of a new platform which aims at 50 50 gender balance in showcasing various voices in the arts and culture.

What type of feedback have you received so far about She Shot TV?

Generally the feedback has been very positive. Audiences have switched on to watch the program or continued at a later date to watch it online. Perth WTV also screened the first episode to a great response.

Audiences have been interested and ecstatic to hear women directors, writers and producers talk about their work. Looking towards the future it would be amazing to incorporate the talent that works in the film and television industry, distributors, crew, post production crews, and the list can go on and on.

Audiences love stories, and there is always a buzz finding out how these stories are made, with She Shot TV, we want to show the women that work behind these stories.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The past few months have been very busy, and as more people find out about She Shot TV, the more people are bringing forth ideas and supporting the program. It is growing in popularity.

What this has shown me is that audiences are keen to know about women in the film and television industry and want to engage in the gender balance discussion. Diversity and the stories that come from this background is what audiences want to see more of.

What are you looking to achieve by having She Shot TV more visible on this platform?

Acknowledgement of the talented women that are working hard to bring stories to the various platforms for audiences to enjoy, and if some of these women can find employment and put their talents to use for the enjoyment of audiences then this has been a great achievement.

What type of impact would you like She Shot TV to have?

It would be phenomenal if through She Shot TV, more production companies became aware of the talented women in the industry who would then be given an opportunity to work on various projects.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about She Shot TV?

The key question that is being asked, is why are there not enough women directors being employed, when there is a fifty fifty ratio of women and men studying at film schools. She Shot TV is trying to bring to light that there are some wonderful women directors practising and who should be recognised for their work.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I would like to thank the many people that have supported She Shot TV and who have worked hard to make sure that each episode is able to be aired. Channel 31 who have been wonderful, Deakin University for believing in the project, WIFT VIC for their support and the myriad of volunteers who dedicate their time and enthusiasm to promote more women in the film and television industry. None of this can be possible without everyone’s passion.