To help protect actors in Hollywood from sexual misconduct and coercive contracts, here’s a policy framework that could be effective:
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Mandatory Code of Conduct & Safe Workplace Certification
• Require all production companies to adhere to a standardized Code of Conduct that covers respectful treatment, harassment prevention, and clear boundaries. Companies would need to undergo annual third-party audits and obtain a “Safe Workplace Certification” as a condition of operation.
• This certification process should assess the company’s adherence to anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, and worker protections. Certified studios would also be ranked publicly, incentivizing higher standards. -
Strengthening Accountability & Reporting Mechanisms
• Establish a robust, independent reporting body where actors and crew can safely report misconduct anonymously. This body should have the power to investigate claims and impose penalties on individuals or companies found in violation.
• Implement a “one-strike” policy where any actor, director, or producer found guilty of sexual misconduct is immediately suspended and barred from working within the industry until they complete remedial actions, as prescribed by the governing body. -
Contract Transparency & Legal Representation Rights
• Mandate that all contracts clearly outline actors’ rights, including a clause that they are not required to perform any scenes or participate in any activities they did not initially agree to in writing.
• Require production companies to provide legal representation (separate from studio legal teams) for all actors to review contracts to ensure that actors fully understand their rights and obligations without fear of repercussions. -
On-Set Safety Liaisons
• Require productions to have an independent on-set “Safety Liaison” who monitors interactions and is available to receive complaints. This person would be trained in handling reports of misconduct and ensuring respectful treatment on set.
• Introduce mandatory closed-set policies for all intimate scenes, ensuring that only essential personnel are present and that actors have consented to scene details well in advance. -
Penalties and Public Accountability
• Create a system of financial and operational penalties for studios or individuals found to violate safety standards. Repeat offenders would face fines, project halts, or revocation of certifications.
• Introduce a transparency clause requiring studios to report violations publicly, which would encourage a culture of accountability and make it easier for actors to make informed decisions about who they work with. -
Empowering Union Protection and Safety Education
• Empower unions to enforce strict adherence to this policy. They would provide regular workshops for members on recognizing, reporting, and protecting themselves from misconduct.
• Educate actors and crew on their rights and provide them with resources to recognize and report inappropriate behavior.
These measures collectively create a safer, more transparent, and respectful environment for all actors, strengthening accountability for all parties in Hollywood and prioritizing actors’ well-being.