Barbara Hall & Betsy Beers

Barbara Hall

"Madam Secretary"--
Tv series created by Barbara Hall

The launching of the tv show series “Madam Secretary” makes me feel curious about the people that work behind the scenes, and one of them is Barbara Hall, the tv series creator. The political drama tv series, “Madam Secretary”, talks about the former CIA analyst, Elizabeth McCord(who is then the secretary of States that drives international diplomacy) dealing with both global and domestic issues. At the same time, she also battles with the political conspiracy that happens in the office as well as home issues. I like how Barbara creates the plot because the first-lead character, Elizabeth McCord is a strong, fair and smart woman in running as the Secretary of State, she has the strength of dealing with both global issues and home office political issues which I think is outstanding. In one of Barbara’s interviews, she states “I want to create a character that when people watch her as she approaches her job, they might say “If I was Secretary of State that’s how I would get it done” and “somebody’s kid might say “What’s the big deal about a female president”, you know”. I like the way she creates this series because the female character is independent and capable of doing her job and most importantly, she is not the type of vulnerable characters who needs to rely on men all the time and stay behind man’s back. Also, she adds some entertaining materials into the drama so it doesn’t seems too dry or boring to most of the audience because people can get tired of political drama really often and especially when the first-lead character is female. Since Barbara has always been interested into political affairs so she is also the co-executive producers in other successful tv series like “Homeland”, law shows like “Judging Amy” and also this metaphysical shows which she is most noticeable for is “Joan of Arcadia”.  

Betsy Beers at the Marie Clarie New Guard
Luncheon

Betsy Beers is both tv and film producer who is mainly recognized in creating tv series like “Scandal”, “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Grey’s anatomy”. Some of them are considered as successful feminist dramas because of the strong and intelligent first-lead female characters and their lives are not only about men and being like housewives. “Grey’s anatomy” makes her and other great producers awarded for the “Producer of the Year Award” in 2007 and Emmy nominations. “Scandal” was awarded as “Television Program of the Year Award” by American Film Institute in 2014. I especially love one of her speeches at the Marie Clarie New Guard Luncheon which she addressed “As much as I was encouraged by the number of female-centric shows being bandied about, it feels like we’re being treated like a trend or a quota to be filled. Women on television are not a fad; we are a reality!..I hope girls all over can count on our shows to remind them it’s OK to be strong and complicated…And if we can have our own night, someday they can too”. I hold the same idea with her and I feel It’s time for women to take roles in their own lives, not to please other people and satisfy their needs. The majority needs to see women’s intelligence not by judging at their looks only and this is something that has been lacked for long time in this society. There are some drama series that have been cancelled simply because those are leading by female characters in politics and a lot of people don’t find it interesting when women are the ones who take controls. This stereotype needs to be changed and fortunately a lot of women-lead media works have been coming out nowadays and those female characters have the abilities to inspire and shape a lot of female audiences’ perspectives in their lifetime issues and encourage them to do whatever they are feeling comfortable with. I feel this is very important for women even young girls to reshape their ideas and go towards their own paths.