Olivia Wilde, one of the few actresses in Hollywood to successfully transition into directing, shares her insights on the industry and the challenges faced by women. She emphasizes the importance of messaging given to children and the need for a cultural shift to encourage more female directors.

Uncovering the Path from Acting to Directing

Reasons for the Small Number of Female Directors

Olivia Wilde believes that one of the reasons for the small number of female directors in Hollywood is the messaging given to children. When little girls express an interest in cinema, they are often told to be actresses. In contrast, when little boys express the same interest, they are encouraged to be directors. This disparity starts at a young age and can have a lasting impact on a woman's career choices.She said, "I think for many young women, when we love movies as little girls, we’re told, ‘Oh, you should be an actress.’ I think when little boys say they love movies, people say ‘You should be a director.’" This shows the need for a change in the way we encourage and support young people in their creative pursuits.

Female Directors and the Financiers

Wilde also addressed the issue of female directors and the ongoing domination of men behind the camera. She believes that movies directed by women don't make less money. The problem lies with the financiers and the studios. They need to take risks and support more female directors.She said, "Movies directed by women don’t make less money. It’s not the audience’s problem. It’s the financiers, it’s the studios. They need to take what they perceive as a risk." A cultural shift is also needed to change the way we think about female directors and give them the opportunity to shine.

Raising Women to Believe in Themselves

Wilde believes that we need to raise women to believe that they are allowed to take up space and be leaders. She said, "I think we need to raise women to believe that they are allowed to take up space, that they’re allowed to be leaders. It’s difficult to run a production, and it’s difficult for men too. But as women, we’re sort of told that we should, in many ways, constantly apologize for our existence. And as a director, you can’t do that." By instilling confidence and self-belief in women, we can help them succeed in any field, including directing.

Wilde's Journey from Acting to Directing

Wilde also discussed her own journey from being an actress to a director. She wanted to be an actress from the age of three and moved to Hollywood at the age of 18. Her first job was as a casting assistant, and her first role was in the TV show "Skin." She then went on to star in "The O.C." and "House," which helped her profile grow dramatically.Her first feature as a director was "Booksmart" at the age of 34. She said, "The O.C. would be Wilde’s first break, but it was the five years she spent starring in “House,” which she claimed was reaching an audience of 27 million per episode, that would see her profile grow dramatically." This shows the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one's goals.

The Impact of Fame on Creativity

Wilde also discussed the impact of fame on creativity. She said, "The damage that does to an artist is profound, because you stop being as fearless. I think once you fear that you will be judged, you become self conscious in a way that has never been good for any artist." She was lucky to have good mentors who showed her the "meaningless" of it.She added, "I director mentor recently said to me that directors have to decide at a certain point, do you want to be a celebrity or an artist. Because of social media, it’s become even more combined." This shows the need for artists to stay true to themselves and not be influenced by fame and social media.

Transitioning Behind the Camera

Wilde's transition behind the camera began as a producer on the 2015 feature "Meadowland." She said, "Part of Wilde’s transition behind the camera, which began as a producer on the 2015 feature “Meadowland,” she said was realizing that “acting is the only job where the more experience you have, the less valuable you become… with actresses, the older you get, the less valuable you become.” She wanted to become "more celebrated" for her growing wisdom and experience.She said, "For me, it was such a boost in confidence to know that I can actually walk into a room and sell a movie, get a movie financed, because I know what I’m talking about." This shows the importance of having confidence and knowledge in one's field.

Upcoming Projects

Wilde is next appearing in Gregg Akari’s provocative erotic thriller “I Want Your Sex” alongside Cooper Hoffman and Charli XCX. Her next turn as director is expected to be the feature adaptation of “Avengelyne,” with Margot Robbie tapped to star.She said, "Wilde is next appearing in Gregg Akari’s provocative erotic thriller “I Want Your Sex” alongside Cooper Hoffman and Charli XCX, while her next turn as director is expected to be the feature adaptation of “Avengelyne,” with Margot Robbie tapped to star." This shows her continued success and her ability to take on different projects.