A Statement of Commitment against Bullying, Harassment, and Inappropriate Behavior in Television has been launched by major U.S. broadcasters, streamers, and studios.
Organized by actors’ union Equity, today’s flagship pledge includes creating safe casting and audition spaces, a requirement for producers to have clear respect at work policies and anti-bullying and harassment training to be completed by cast and crew before they start work. The Commitment, which can be read in full below, is similar to the BBC’s on-set guidelines for overcoming bullying and harassment, which were updated last year. BBC Studios issued a similar Pledge last week to all its shows.
It also includes “notification to be given in advance”Discuss and agree with the artist about any nudity or simulated acts of sex. It states that scenes of intimate nature should have an intimacy coordinator if the actors are willing to engage one. BAFTA winner Sean Bean received criticism for stating that intimacy co-ordinators are not acceptable. “spoil the spontaneity of sex scenes.”
The Commitment was signed by the BBC, ITV Studios and Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky TV, Disney, HBO. Apple TV+, Warner Bros., Paramount, Indie Trade Body Pact, Warner Bros., Paramount, Paramount, Paramount, Paramount, Paramount, Pact, and other major associations. There are 21 total. It was not signed up by Amazon and Netflix.
“On behalf of every performer who has experienced bullying and harassment during their on screen working lives, I welcome this commitment by industry representatives to create a safe working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect,”Lynda, Equity President, said:
“But to establish an inclusive and respectful culture requires actions not just words, and I encourage all those working in this sector to recognise their individual responsibility to report inappropriate behaviour and unite against any pressure to remain silent on these issues.”
After high-profile incidents like the Noel Clarke allegations (which Clarke denies), the UK TV agenda now includes the resolution of bullying and harassment.
Deadline reported that the BBC had continued to commission Chatterbox Media, a production company. This despite finding out that its owners had received at least 12 complaints, including bullying, over a 12-month period.
The Full Commitment
- Safe casting and audition spaces: Professional recruitment standards must be followed and the auditions conducted in safe workspaces.
- Policies: Producors must have clear respect policies at work. These policies should include a process for addressing bullying and harassment concerns.
- Accessible information is information that can be shared with cast and crew to help them raise concerns about inappropriate behaviour or if they have been the victim. Information on call sheets, displayed in communal areas, access and whistleblowing helplines, and details of the safeguarding contact.
- Cast and crew must complete anti-bullying training before they can start working.
- Contact safety: A suitably qualified, senior member of production who can be reached and can make any adjustments proactively.
- Intimacy and simulated acts of sex: notification to be given in advance. Intimacy coordinator to be used for scenes of intimate nature if agreed to by the actors.