She Makes Comics

She Makes Comics is a 2014 documentary film about the history of women in the comic book industry since the medium's beginnings in the early 1900s.[1][2] It features interviews with key industry professionals, including artists, writers, editors, and retailers, as well as with prominent members of the surrounding fan culture.

She Makes Comics
The Key Art for the Film
Directed byMarisa Stotter
Produced byPatrick Meaney
Jordan Rennert
Marisa Stotter
Karen Green
Mike Phillips
Julian Darius
StarringClare Grant
Rileah Vanderbilt
Milynn Sarley
Chris Claremont
Felicia D. Henderson
Amy Dallen
CinematographyJordan Rennert
Edited byMarisa Stotter
Patrick Meaney
Production
company
Respect Films
Sequart Organization
Distributed byXLrator Media
Release date
  • December 9, 2014 (2014-12-09)
Running time
73 Minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$60,000

Background

She Makes Comics is the fifth co-production between Respect Films and Sequart Organization.[3] The film was directed by Marisa Stotter, who began working with Respect Films during the summer of 2013.[4] Production began in October 2013, with several interviews conducted in the Southern California region.

Kickstarter campaign

On February 3, 2014, Sequart Organization launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund the film. Over the 31-day funding period, the campaign raised $54,001, nearly $15,000 more than the initial goal. This surplus allowed the project to announce several stretch goals, including a mini-documentary about the first female African-American cartoonist, Jackie Ormes, that would be a companion to She Makes Comics.[5]

Production

The filmmakers traveled to several cities, including New York and San Diego, to conduct interviews with notable figures in comics. Among the creatives interviewed are writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, X-Men writer Chris Claremont, Elfquest creators Wendy and Richard Pini, artist Becky Cloonan, and Tits & Clits artist Joyce Farmer. The industry professionals interviewed include former executive editor of DC Comics' Vertigo imprint Karen Berger, former president of DC Comics Paul Levitz, former DC publisher Jenette Kahn, Comic-Con International organizer Jackie Estrada, and Comics Beat's Heidi MacDonald.[6] Additional interviews were filmed with various scholars, journalists, entertainers, and prominent members of the fan community.

Release

The film had its festival premiere at the Comic-Con International Film Festival in 2015, where it won the best documentary award.[7] The film was subsequently acquired for distribution by XLRator Media.[8]

Plot

The film traces the history of women in comic books as industry professionals and as fans. It begins with the early days of comics and follows the rise of women in the emerging comic book industry of the 30s and 40s. It tells the story of women's contributions to mainstream comics, featuring such figures as artists Ramona Fradon (who drew for DC Comics) and Marie Severin (who worked at Marvel Comics). The film also focuses on the underground comics movement of the 70s, the rise of women into prominent positions at mainstream publishers in the 80s, and the flourishing of female creators in independent comics and webcomics.[9]

References
  1. McMillan, Graeme. "'She Makes Comics' Crowdfunds the Oral History of Women in Comics". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  2. Matheson, Whitney (February 6, 2014). "Kickstart some art: Cool-sounding projects in need". USA Today. Retrieved 18 June 2014.
  3. Rayworth, Melissa. "Damsels in Distress No More: Women Can Be Heroes in Comics". Take Part. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  4. "She Makes Comics: Interview with Director Marisa Stotter". Rhymes With Geek. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  5. MacDonald, Heidi. "She Makes Comics documentary funded". Comics Beat. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  6. McMillan, Graeme. "'She Makes Comics' Crowdfunds the Oral History of Women in Comics". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  7. Phillips, Mike. "She Makes Comics Wins Best Documentary at the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival". Sequart. Sequart. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
  8. McDonald, Heidi. "She Makes Comics to be distributed by XLRator". Comics Beat. Retrieved 27 May 2016.
  9. "Finally, A Documentary Will Explore The Untold History Of Women In Comics". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
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