Earlier this month, many across the globe celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) and the progress that women have made in breaking down barriers and achieving equality. But this day also provides an opportunity to reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve true gender equity. By working together, we can create a world where every woman has the chance to reach her full potential.
In honor of IWD, Show Group spoke with two exceptional women from their film and TV travel team, Lorraine Ashdown and Devi Bywater.
As integral members of this dynamic team, they expertly coordinate all travel arrangements for film productions, ensuring a smooth and seamless travel experience for clients. With 30 years of individual experience in the travel industry and a combined experience of over 30 years in managing travel for the film and TV industry, Lorraine and Devi have overcome many challenges to establish themselves as leading professionals in their field.
Read on as Lorraine and Devi share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned as women in the industry.
What are the key challenges and barriers you have faced as a woman in this industry, and how have you overcome them?
Lorraine: It’s a similar challenge faced by women across all industries, and it’s the usual situation of women finding that they must work twice as hard and be twice as prepared to be given equal consideration.
Devi: I have had many challenges along my path, juggling motherhood and a demanding job. I have overcome these by being extremely organized and working for a great company like Show Group, who encourage and support a great work-life balance.
Does the travel industry need to improve diversity and inclusion for women and other groups? If so, how?
Lorraine: The travel industry is very well represented by women, as are most service industries. If Covid taught us anything, it’s that service industry workers across the board should be more appreciated. Perhaps society needs to shift our perception that “women’s” work is “lesser” and value the important services provided predominantly by women. Recognition and appreciation, especially through equal pay, would help attract more people of all persuasions into the industry.
Devi: I feel women are recognized in the travel industry these days and don’t feel excluded. I think the airlines need to recognize personal pronouns as this is becoming more of a common request these days.
Can you share any projects or initiatives you have worked on that you are particularly proud of?
Lorraine: I’m particularly proud of working on an Australian reality TV program. Getting the crew and contestants into a location in the Polynesian islands when the country was officially closed and no commercial airlines were flying into the country required some out-of-the-box thinking, but we did it!
Devi: I have worked on many projects in film and TV, ranging from small to large. I take great pride in providing a seamless service from start to finish and dealing with the daily challenges the industry now faces.
What advice would you give young women aspiring to work in this industry?
Lorraine: It’s a fun industry! And a rewarding one, but as in all professions, be prepared to work hard, pay attention to detail and support one another.
Devi: It’s a fun, energetic industry to work in with lots of variety… no day is the same. Choose wisely and pick a company that will support your needs as a woman.
How has the Show team supported your professional development and growth?
Lorraine: Show Group has always fostered a real collegiate culture within the company. There’s a genuine friendship between colleagues and clients, which comes from feeling supported and knowing that everyone helps each other out and shares knowledge and experience.
Devi: The opportunity is always there for growth and development; the company has always given my colleagues and me equal opportunities.
Lastly, what is your all-time favourite film?
Lorraine: The Sound of Music. It’s the first film I recall being taken to see in a cinema as a child, and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it since. I never tire of watching it and can recite most of the dialogue. As well as sing all the songs!
Devi: I have many, but one of my faves is Moulin Rouge!
Show Group is proud to have these dedicated women on their team, whose wealth of experience guarantees that the travel arrangements for film and TV clients are seamless from start to finish.
Contact Show Group today for more information on how their team of experts can assist with your next production.
Level 7, 175 Liverpool St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: 1800 221 027
Fax: +61 2 9352 9911
Australia
showgrouptravel.com