Silent Women: Pioneers of Cinema

Surprisingly, more women were working at every level in the early years of the film industry than at any point since. Early pioneers, such as Alice Guy Blaché, directed hundreds of films, invented techniques, ran businesses & set up distribution but with the rise of the studio system, their significant contribution to the dawn of the movies has long been forgotten. With chapters on the writers, directors, producers, stars, film editors, cinematographers, critics & fans of the silent era this book acknowledges & celebrates the many talented women who were significantly involved in the rise of the industry. Why did the coming of the talkies & big business lead to the inequality which exists today?

Melody Bridges studied English & Drama at Cambridge University & has written, acted & directed for theatre before working in TV where she developed, wrote, produced & directed two television series. In addition to contributing to Celluloid Ceiling, she writes a weekly page for a newspaper, & is Artistic Director of Worthing’s WOW Festival. In 2014, she was a Finalist as Influential Woman of the Year at the NatWest Venus Awards. She has recently given a TEDx talk about inspiring change. www.melodybridges.com
Cheryl Robson is a producer/director of several short independent films, most recently Rock ’n’ Roll Island which was nominated for Best Short Film for Raindance, London 2015. She worked at the BBC for several years & then taught filmmaking at the University of Westminster, before setting up a theatre company. www.cherylrobson.net