Anchorwoman

By following the dramatic rise and
sensationalised ‘fall’ of one of America’s first
women of authority in the spotlight,
ANCHORWOMAN offers a frank and riveting
portrayal of the spectacle made of an unlikely
feminist icon at the intersection of gender,
power and the media.
From the affirmative action of the 1960s and
‘70s to the backlash of the ‘80s and ‘90s, Jessica
Savitch’s career is framed within a period of
dramatic flux for the Women’s Movement and
the broadcast news industry. Today, when
women’s rights and representation is taking a
big step backward, Savitch’s story offers us
much needed insight if we are to recognize,
support and sustain an effective image of
women in authority.

Our film aims to deconstruct the myth of Jessica Savitch and the spectacle made of her legacy by the media– by exposing the structures that made her both icon and scapegoat. Rather than a traditional biopic, the documentary operates as a portal into the world of anchorwomen and a cultural critique of what still holds women back today. With this aim we intend to work with organisations in Australia and internationally who promote women’s leadership and representation of their agency in the Media. These organisations can both guide and promote our film, using it as a tool for public discussion and educational outreach on issues of gender discrimination and exploitation and women’s empowerment. In this way, our film can help reinforce and progress women’s voice in the Media as a fundamental tool of the democratic process.

We believe gender discrimination and biased representation of women in the Media is a systemic issue that requires both public policy change and individual awareness. Anne and Jeff have long achieved critical and commercial success with their story-based, character-driven documentaries about impactful yet unconventional and misrepresented women. Jessica Savitch’s career is a gripping and inherently dramatic story of rise and ‘fall’ of America’s first solo anchorwoman. With this compelling narrative we have a priceless opportunity to show the double standards and impossible expectations women in leadership have long suffered in our society to a broad audience. This opportunity allows us to portray hard truths about sexism’s pervasiveness with sensitivity and nuance through the support of an ethnically and sexually diverse cast of participants who were deeply involved in Savitch’s personal and professional life.

We have connected with a few organisations whose work revolves around equity in women’s leadership and examining representation of women in the Media. Through these connections we aim to meet other people and organisations committed to this work and eager to partner with our film as we build an effective impact campaign.

Challenging the systemic and individual factors that perpetuate across generations discrimination of women as voices of authority.