The buzz around Starz’s series “P-Valley” is real, and that’s largely thanks to Lewis, who played a key role developing and overseeing its production. This past year she also acquired drama series “Dublin Murders.” Prior to joining Starz in 2018, Lewis had producing roles at AK Worldwide and shows across the industry. “The industry can do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions by changing the narrative around how we work and what it takes to be successful,” she says.”When women are forced into certain jobs within the industry it ensures that they will never receive the type of corporate experience necessary to get senior positions and this has to change.”
How can the industry do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions?
The industry can do a better job of recruiting women and ensuring they have a path to senior positions by changing the narrative around how we work and what it takes to be successful. Women are capable, multi task successfully every day and are creative while also knowing how to run businesses. When women are forced into certain jobs within the industry it ensures that they will never receive the type of corporate experience necessary to get senior positions and this has to change.
What advice would you give your 13-year-old self?
The advice I would give to my 13-year-old self would be to believe in myself; study harder and focus more on math (!); and remember that life is full of unanticipated twists and turns, and the trick is to remain open, dream big and always stay calm.
Which current shows best reflect the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?
There are several current shows that best reflect the kind of women’s roles I like to see, among them are “Succession” and “Glow.” “Succession” revolves around a major media dynasty family and the one woman in the family who may or may not take over the family business. Watching this character navigate corporate boardrooms and the family dining room while having her own complicated relationships is entertaining and illuminating. We are all Shiv Roy, to some degree. “Glow” also reflects the experiences of several different women from a diverse set of backgrounds at a certain time in our history, which parallels today. It’s another window into the world featuring characters who mirror the audience.
