As I plotted 'Blueprints,' I realized that ageism against women is most obvious in the field of entertainment - and that I needed a TV show in my book.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
The whole tone now of TV is under 35 and directed toward males.
I was interested in working on a show that was driven by women.
It used to be only on TV that women could lead, that a show could be based on a woman.
Comedy and drama are less ageist media for women than stuff like light entertainment. But in TV or film, women have to be more pleasing on the eye than men.
The 1970s were so wonderful for women writers. There were all these women, and they were seen as doing the most interesting, innovative and exciting stuff in science fiction. I was inspired by that.
I wanted to write a sci-fi story that would appeal to young women. Loads of girls like sci-fi, but it's more culturally associated with guys.
There's room for a diversity of ages on television.
What we need is more women writers, writing for older women. There are some actresses who have production companies and create their own material, and I truly admire that.
Women's stories are valid, and they need to be developed in a way that appeals to a broader audience. And what is 'women's television' other than TV that women would enjoy watching?
There are some fantastic roles for women and women of a certain age on television, whether it's 'Medium' or 'The Closer' or 'Damages' or 'Saving Grace.'