Thomas Edison is not the first person I think of when it comes to advice for women, but this one rang true. Women, we know, are not afraid to work. But often, particularly in the film industry, women function as support staff. They work in development (the "D-girls"), or as agents, publicists, casting agents, executive assistants, designers. The women who currently have the most potential to change the face of the movies we watch are the most familiar faces -- the actresses who can use their star-power currency to "fund" projects.
Some actresses vote with their choices of roles; some create their own production companies; and some step up behind the camera. Here are three who have made great strides for women in movies by bringing terrific and varied female images to the screen.
more »