With long-running series like “Mysteries at the Museum” and “Worst Cooks in America” under her belt, Silver has high hopes for “The Employables,” which tracks the job-hunting efforts of people with Tourette syndrome and autism. Silver landed a deal to adapt some of the UK’s Chalkboard TV’s popular formats. “We’re very fortunate at Optomen in that we’ve had a couple of high volume, long running series over the last 10 years,” she says. “This has given us the opportunity to nurture talent and really grow careers.”
What specifically does your company do to support and elevate the women who work there?
We’re very fortunate at Optomen in that we’ve had a couple of high volume, long running series over the last 10 years. This has given us the opportunity to nurture talent and really grow careers. For example, Ro De La Rosa, an Executive Producer on our long running series “Worst Cooks in America,” started as a story producer on the first season and worked her way up to her current title, which she has held for several seasons. And, our current Vice President of Production, Tamar Kuznick, began her career at Optomen as a Line Producer on the same show.
How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
Our industry is infamous for long and irregular hours and short-term contracts. That’s not easy for anyone trying to build a career, particularly women who are working to nurture a family at the same time. I think we have to be more flexible with work schedules, particularly working from home, which is happening as younger people are demanding it more and more now.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
Slow down and just enjoy being a kid for a couple more years. You’re going to have to be an adult for a very, very long time.
Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
“Fleabag,” because she’s so relatable and very f*ing funny.
