Strong female characters - even if they don't necessarily make the same decisions that we might - make such great narrative material, especially when there's an equally strong male character in the mix.
What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky' by Lesley Nneka Arimah blew my mind.
We haven't evolved a hero story that's female. We're always trying to fit women's stories into this male structure, which is this rising action, this powerful conflict, and this falling action. And I think a female hero story is not that. It's something else.
I think the Hindi film heroine is stereotypical. It is nice to have an opportunity to have that freedom to not to do that anymore.
The audience just doesn't care. They are just as interested in women-centric stories as they are in stories about men.
I am very interested in female characters and bringing a new perspective to mediums where not necessarily that's been valued at all.
I like characters and stories that challenge the status quo. Lately, I'm really interested in history because I find that in my public school education, I didn't learn about women in history. I want to introduce the world to some great stories and incredible heroes.
I've wondered if 'Harry Potter' would have been as big if it was 'Harriet Potter.' Now that I've written a screenplay - and raising a son in particular - I'm looking at story content and realizing how limited women are onscreen.
It's important for me to play women who can overcome adversity, make change, and take control of their lives. I think it's a great time for women in TV and film in general, and I want to help tell these stories.
Every show that comes out that's female driven is compared to the last female-driven show, as if it's taking over.
For me, the triad of 'Harry Potter,' the 'Hunger Games' and 'Twilight' feature strong women, and as a declared feminist, it's a wonderful thing. These women have really opened up this particular world of storytelling, which I'm very grateful for.
I tend to lean toward strong female stories. I want to make things that don't already exist out there.
