We see it in industry statistics and the disappointingly low number of awards nominations; the fact is, there are not enough opportunities for women behind the camera in Hollywood.

From this year’s Golden Globes entirely male best director category, to the news that less than 4% of major studio films being released this year are directed by women (the lowest percentage of female-helmed movies in at least half a decade), it’s clear that something needs to change to create a future generation of female filmmakers.

In an attempt to contribute towards this change, Variety recently brought together some of the best in the business to discuss what can be done to encourage girls and young women into these career paths, and how the industry can better support them.

The panel boasted some of the brightest minds behind many of our favourite shows, including Pamela Adlon (Better Things), Jodie Foster (Black Mirror), Linka Glatter (Homeland), Mary Harron (Alias Grace), Helen Hunt (Feud), Melina Matsoukas (Insecure) and Tracee Ellis Ross (Black-ish).

But while these intelligent and experienced women had many a gem of wisdom to share for future filmmakers, there was one huge, overwhelmingly noticeable elephant in the room that Adlon couldn’t help but point out.

While sitting with her six fellow panelists, Adlon referenced that the discussion they were having was being filmed…and in doing so, highlighted a pretty major clanger.

“Look around this room,” Adlon started. “Every single camera except one is manned by a guy. Sorry, no offense, but I’m just saying!”

Adlon continued to explain that the only way to change this is to consciously give stereotypically male roles a chance to be done by a woman, saying: “In season three of my show, I said, ‘I need a female key grip. There is no f**king way that this doesn’t exist.’

“There are so many jobs that young women don’t know about. My focus puller, my camera department — I just want people to learn about the jobs that are available. Why is it a guy thing?”

Panel of female directors nail why women aren't getting opportunities