This article was written exclusively for The Film Magazine by Emma Kershaw.
Reel Women’s Network: A Streaming Platform Dedicated to Female Filmmakers
Reel Women’s Network is a new streaming platform that spotlights films, television, web series and documentaries created by women. Launched in April 2020, the service was developed by producers who identified a persistent gap in streaming: a dedicated home for independent projects made by female filmmakers and creators.
Founded by Experienced Producers
Reel Women’s Network was founded by Crystal Chappell of Open Book Productions and sisters Jessica and Linda Hill of Bella Productions. Together they bring many years of production and management experience to the platform, using their industry knowledge to create a place where women can showcase finished work and promote upcoming projects.
A Focus on Independent Women Filmmakers
The platform offers a focused catalog made up exclusively of content by female creators from around the world. By centering women’s creative voices, Reel Women’s Network aims to increase visibility for films, series and documentaries that might otherwise struggle to find distribution. The service not only hosts completed projects but also highlights upcoming work, providing filmmakers with exposure to a global audience of viewers who are specifically seeking content by women.
Why This Platform Matters
Industry-wide, women are underrepresented across directing, writing, producing and other key roles. Reel Women’s Network addresses this imbalance by creating a curated destination where audiences can easily discover and support work by women. The founders identified the need for such a platform while attending a conference, and the idea took shape as a response to the lack of tailored streaming options for independent women filmmakers.
Streaming behavior underscores the potential reach of a specialized service. As of July 2019, 205.9 million users were streaming content, with daily streaming habits reported among both women and men. Women, in particular, were shown to be avid streaming audiences, averaging more hours of streaming per week. Reel Women’s Network seeks to connect with this engaged viewership and expand opportunities for women-led storytelling.
How the Service Works
The platform operates on a subscription-supported model, offering on-demand viewing for a library of films, series and documentaries. Subscribers have the choice to stream included content, and the service also offers options to rent or purchase premium titles. Among the available premium offerings are well-known award-winning web series on which the founders have collaborated, providing subscribers access to acclaimed independent work.
Pricing is structured to offer both monthly and annual plans. Annual subscriptions start at £60.36 (approximately $79.99), while monthly plans are available from £6.03 (approximately $7.99). These tiers aim to make the service accessible for regular viewers while providing sustainable support to creators.
Planned Features and Accessibility
Looking ahead, Reel Women’s Network plans to expand platform accessibility with dedicated iOS and Android apps so that subscribers can stream content on the go. The introduction of mobile apps will broaden the ways audiences can engage with the catalog and follow new releases, festivals and special programming focused on women’s voices in film and television.
The Platform’s Mission
At its core, Reel Women’s Network exists to promote independent women filmmakers and to grow their audiences. By creating a space that champions the unique perspectives and stories of women, the platform aims to foster a diverse and inclusive streaming ecosystem. As co-founder Crystal Chappell noted, the goal is to advance the unique voice of women filmmakers and to bring a fresh perspective to the world of streaming.
Written by Emma Kershaw
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