TCM Launches Final Year of Trailblazing Women

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) announced the final year of Trailblazing Women, a three-year initiative in partnership with Women In Film Los Angeles (WIF) to raise awareness about the historical contributions of women in the film industry. This year’s programming event will examine the substantial impact that female writers, editors and producers have held within the film industry. Hosted by actress, producer and director Illeana Douglas, Trailblazing Women premieres Oct. 2 and airs every Monday throughout October.

The theme of the 2017 programming slate - Trailblazing Women: Creators That Made a Difference
- highlights female creative influences during the early days of cinema through modern times with more than 20 films being shown. Joining Douglas as co-hosts will be:

• Writer and producer Leslie Dixon (Limitless, 2011), will discuss the careers of 1920s and 1930s writers Bess Meredyth (Ben Hur, 1925) and Dorothy Parker (A Star is Born, 1937), as well as Hollywood legends Frances Marion (Camille, 1937) and Anita Loos (The Women, 1939)

• Screenwriter Callie Khouri (Thelma and Louise, 1991), will examine the influence of female writers during the Classic Hollywood period and beyond including the work of Leigh Brackett (The Big Sleep, 1946), Ruth Gordon (Adam’s Rib, 1949) and Betty Comden (Singin’ in the Rain, 1952)

• Oscar-nominated editor Maryann Brandon (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, 2015) will discuss early editors who opened the door for women in editing positions and will showcase works from Anne Bauchens (Madame Satan, 1930) and three-time Oscar nominated editor Dede Allen (Bonnie and Clyde, 1967)

• Oscar-nominated editor Lynzee Klingman (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, 1975) will highlight the works of contemporary editors Anne V. Coates (The Elephant Man, 1980), Susan Morse (Hannah and Her Sisters, 1986), Thelma Schoonmaker (Casino, 1995) and Carol Littleton (Places in the Heart, 1984)

• Producer Stephanie Allain (Hustle & Flow, 2005) will discuss female producers who handled the writing, casting and styling on their own accord including June Mathis (The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, 1921), Kathleen Kennedy (Back to the Future, 1985) and Julia Philips (Taxi Driver, 1976)

“This years Trailblazing Women initiative allows us to feature a variety of writers, producers and editors who challenged gender stereotypes while carving out successful careers,” said Charles Tabesh, senior vice president of programming for TCM. “We are excited to showcase their work, their impact throughout history and how these women paved the way for the future of our industry and culture.” 

“We are truly honored to present the third year of Trailblazing Women with TCM,” said Kirsten Schaffer, Executive Director of Women In Film. ”By shining a light on the historic accomplishments of these extraordinary women behind the camera, we hope to catalyze greater momentum toward achieving gender parity in the entertainment industry.” 

For a complete a programming schedule and talent bios please visit: tcm.com/trailblazingwomen

About Women in Film (WIF)
Women In Film (WIF) advocates for, and advances the careers of, women working in the screen industries – to achieve parity and transform culture. Founded in 1973, WIF focuses on advocacy and education, provides scholarships, grants and film finishing funds and works to preserve the legacies of all women working in the entertainment community. For more information visit www.wif.org.

About Turner Classic Movies (TCM)
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is a two-time Peabody Award-winning network that presents great films, uncut and commercial-free, from the largest film libraries in the world highlighting the entire spectrum of film history. TCM features the insights from Primetime host Ben Mankiewicz and Saturday daytime host Tiffany Vazquez, plus interviews with a wide range of special guests and serves as the ultimate movie lover destination. Currently in its 23rd year as a leading authority in classic film, TCM offers critically acclaimed series like The Essentials, along with annual programming events like 31 Days of Oscar® in February and Summer Under the Stars in August. TCM also directly connects with movie fans through events as the annual TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, the TCM Big Screen Classics series in partnership with Fathom Events, as well as through the TCM Classic Film Tour in New York City and Los Angeles. In addition, TCM produces a wide range of media about classic film, including books and DVDs, and hosts a wealth of material online at tcm.com and through the Watch TCM mobile app.

TCM is a division of Turner, a Time Warner company, Turner creates and programs branded news, entertainment, sports, animation and young adult multi-platform content for consumers around the world. Turner brands and businesses include CNN/U.S., HLN, CNN International and CNN.com, TBS, TNT, TCM, truTV, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Adult Swim, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report, FilmStruck, Super Deluxe, iStreamPlanet and ELEAGUE.