Media industry and entertainment union pledge to end bullying on television

The UK performing arts and entertainment union Equity has issued a commitment against bullying, harassment and inappropriate behavior on television.

The statement was developed by 21 major UK and international organizations including AMC, Apple TV+, BBC, The Casting Directors’ Guild, Channel 4, Channel 5, The Co-operative Personal Management Association, Disney, Equity, HBO, Intimacy Directors & Coordinators , ITV Studios, Northern Ireland Screen, Pact, Paramount, Personal Managers Association, S4C, Screen Scotland, Sky, TAC and Warner Bros.

Equity called for these organizations to meet, and together they pledged to create a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect – and bullying and harassment will not be tolerated – with any issues that arise having prompt response and action be taken.

In practice, this means creating safe casting and auditing rooms where professional recruitment standards are adopted and audits are conducted in appropriate workspaces; and producers will have clear working policies that include a process for raising and addressing concerns and complaints about bullying and harassment.

In addition, information is shared with cast and crew on how to raise concerns if they are the victim of or see inappropriate behavior, e.g. the backup contact for each production; and anti-bullying and harassment training is completed by the cast and crew before starting work.

In addition, a protective point of contact will be designated: a suitably trained, senior member of the production team who can be contacted and proactively make any necessary adjustments; and for nudity and simulated sex acts, prior written notification will be given of the extent and extent of the nudity and/or simulated sex desired, followed by discussion and agreement with the artist. For scenes of an intimate nature, an intimacy coordinator will be used if acceptable to the actors involved.

Lynda Rooke, President of Equity, said: “On behalf of all cast members who have experienced bullying and harassment during their working lives on screen, I applaud this commitment by industry leaders to provide a safe work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect . But establishing an inclusive and respectful culture takes action, not just words, and I encourage everyone working in this sector to recognize their individual responsibilities, report inappropriate behavior and unite against any pressure to speak up on these issues not to mention.”