Thelma Schoonmaker

Worked mainly as an editor for Martin Scorsese, who had tried for years to convince her to work for him. She was unable to work in Hollywood, however, because she couldn't get into the union. When Scorsese called to ask her to work on Wie ein wilder Stier (1980), she again demurred because of lack of union membership. However, she believes that Al Pacino got her into the union. To this day, she does not know what influence was used to gain her union membership.

I think the women have a particular ability to work with strong directors. They can collaborate. Maybe there's less of an ego battle.