Another week, another first-pumping campaign in development. We are currently doing the market research on women in film both regionally and globally and our findings are pretty stark in their skewed representation. As part of our culture changing efforts in the Desert Rose Films and Nancy Paton campaign, we are driving new (and renewed) narratives of the Middle East and bringing the unheard voices and untold stories in a compelling and representative way to dispel hardened misconceptions of the region.

Also featured in the newsletter this week is an IG live chat between our Comms Director Georgie and a clinical psychologist on the topic of narcissistic abuse in the context of relationships. From the different types of narcissistic personality traits to the damaging consequences on using mental health disorders as an excuse for abuse, the discussion offered information to build awareness around the topic.

In 'Shaping Tomorrow' we share the world's most visited websites (before scrolling down to the infographic, can you guess which one is the most popular?) and in 'Diversions' we get an insight into why Greeks live longer. After watching the idylls of island life in the Mediterranean nation, we might just be relocating Evoke's HQ there!

If your night stand is looking a little bare, we've also shared the 20 best books to boost your brain from The Sunday Times UK. Happy reading all round!

Team E.

Where Are The Women in Film?

We're in the middle of conducting research in the state of women in film – both regionally and globally – for our client, Nancy Paton (more on her campaign launches next month!) and it's come to our attention that there is a systemic problem. Here are some stirring statistics for starters...

Almost nine in 10 films (89%) have more men in their 10 or so most senior roles, both acting and non-acting. Only 15 films (6%) have more women, and 11 (5%) have an equal gender balance. None have a 100% female leading line-up, although 15 films are exclusively male. As far as the crew roles, they are most heavily male-dominated: Directing (12% female), cinematography (8%), and film-music composition (6%).

Based on these damning digits, it's astonishing what a boy's club the film industry is. The thing is, the female talent exists – but so do the multiple barriers that they face. We are working with screenwriter, producer and director Nancy Paton who is also the founder of Desert Rose Films to elevate female film-makers in the region and globally. DRF's content is decidedly female-driven and deeply compelling in its story-telling. With all her brilliant work, strong moral code and endless creativity, she is on her way to being the next best Shonda Rhimes meets Reese Witherspoon.

SHAPING TOMORROW

We’re always on the look out for dynamic change makers, disruptors and new information to fuel our own dexterity and creativity. So, this section sees a few of our recent picks on how the world’s outlook is changing. We hope these little nuggets will help you land on that 'aha!' moment you were looking for!

OUR DIVERSIONS

We know everyone says it's not all work, it's about play, too – and as much as we don't want to sound like a broken record, there is truth in the truism. Like we said earlier, we are all about ingesting the complex and the trivial in equal measure. In fact, we love nothing more than thinking deeply about the more 'playful' things in life. Read ' em and ponder away.

TODAY'S QUOTE

We all have a touch of organizational control at Evoke, so BF's words ring so true.

THE OUTLOOK

We're still clinging onto some winter wonderland dreaming. Luckily, some countries are knee-deep in it.