It was another highly productive year for Southworth, who negotiated large deals for San Diego Comic Con encompassing AMC’s third-party producers, social media hosts and partner agencies, and oversaw outreach to the press. Coming up, she’s working on securing deals for AMC Premiere and brand extensions for AMC, SundanceTV, IFC and partnership deals. To better recruit women to the industry, Southworth says “companies should also take a strong stance against sexual harassment, have clear and written policies, and believe women when they courageously speak up.”
How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
Companies need to rethink their maternity and paternity leave policies to help families better adapt to balancing careers and childcare. Companies should also take a strong stance against sexual harassment, have clear and written policies, and believe women when they courageously speak up.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Your nerdiness will be an asset to you one day. Keep working hard.
Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
I am loving “Fleabag” and “Killing Eve.” The why is obvious—women are the leading roles and stand in no man’s shadow.
