Actress and philanthropist Sophia Bush is taking steps to increase the number of women producing in Hollywood. And the former “One Tree Hill” star just signed a deal with 20th Century Fox to develop content for the studio and make that happen. Bush told Cheddar that she would like to see more women in the driver’s seat for television and that she’s looking change the narrative around gender roles on the big screen. “I think we need more women in [producer] roles and executive leadership,” she said. Bush noted that her experience has helped cultivate a desire for complex characters and storylines. She says that she wants to tell stories that resonate, adding "strong women resonate with me." Telling layered stories is also important for Bush. She points out that male characters do not always have to be "steely superheroes," but they can be allies and advocates for women, too. “Shows exist in entire worlds,” she says. “I think that you have to assess the complexity of all characters.” The producer is a known advocate for women. She recently joined other female cast and crew members of “One Tree Hill” to accuse showrunner Mark Schwahn of sexual harassment. The conversation started when, in a series of tweets, writer Audrey Wauchope recounted her experience with Schwahn. In support, the group wrote an open letter where they all shared the psychological impact that being groped and and sexually harassed over those years had on them. Many say they are still in treatment for post-traumatic stress. The American television series aired from 2003 to 2012. According to the letter, Schwan’s behavior was an “open secret” the entire time.
