Post #MeToo Hollywood: From off-screen changes to on-screen content

• In Event: Sociology of Culture Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): 11. Fandom & Media Consumption

Abstract

This research investigates the relationship between the increased presence of women in leadership positions in filmmaking and the decreased portrayal of non-consensual sexual encounters in recent films. Data was collected from the top ten highest-grossing comedies from 2012-2024, representing the six years immediately before and after #MeToo (n=130). Using a descriptive quantitative data analysis, I catalogued the sex of the director, writer(s), cinematographer, producers and executive producers of each film, as each of these crew members has a significant influence in determining how a scene is crafted. I then conducted a content analysis of sexually intimate encounters of each of the 130 films, focusing on depictions of nudity and consent communication. Preliminary findings of the quantitative analysis show an increase in women in positions of power as well as the inclusion of Intimacy Coordinators on sets; while preliminary findings of the media content analysis indicate a decline in prevalence of nudity or scenes making light of non-consensual sexual encounters. Using these mixed methods, this paper aims to examine the following: To what extent has the #MeToo movement activated shifts in Hollywood workspaces? Further, to what extent have those shifts altered media content, particularly the way intimate scenes are portrayed in film? Finally, given that the sample is selected based on box office sales, to what extent does this indicate a shift in audience attitudes towards these portrayals?

Author

• Courtney Bell, George Mason University