Major U.S. studios, streamers and British broadcasters have combined to launch a Statement of Commitment Against Bullying, Harassment and Inappropriate Behaviour in TV.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 also rolled out a similar Pledge to all of its shows last week.The pledge also includes “notification to be given in advance” around any nudity and simulated sex acts followed by discussion and agreement with the artist.
For scenes of an intimate nature, an intimacy co-ordinator should be engaged if acceptable to the actors involved, it says. BAFTA-winner Sean Bean attracted criticism last week for saying intimacy co-ordinators “spoil the spontaneity of sex scenes.”The BBC, ITV Studios, Channel 4, Channel 5, Sky, Disney, HBO, Apple TV+, Warner Bros, AMC, Paramount, indie trade body Pact and other major associations signed up to the Commitment, numbering 21 in total.
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