Hollywood producers issue anti-harassment guidelines

The guidelines are in response to the numerous revelations of misconduct that have shaken Hollywood

Hollywood producers, on Friday, outlined steps aimed at preventing sexual harassment on and off television and movie sets across the country, reported Reuters. This was done in a response to the numerous revelations of misconduct that have shaken the entertainment industry over the last few months.

The voluntary guidelines from the Producers Guild of America (PGA) recommend that all productions provide in-, anti-sexual harassment training for all cast and crew before the start of each season. They also urge producers to conduct meetings and casting sessions in a “professional, safe and comfortable” environment, among other steps.



“As producers, we provide key leadership in creating and sustaining work environments built on mutual respect, so it is our obligation to change our culture and eradicate this abuse,” PGA Co-Presidents Gary Lucchesi and Lori McCreary said in a statement.

The guidelines are initial recommendations from a task force the PGA created in October, after allegations of misconduct against entertainment industry figures including prominent producer Harvey Weinstein, who has been accused by more than 70 women of sexual misconduct, including rape.

Many of the accusations against Weinstein stemmed from female stars who said they were sent to meetings with him alone in hotel rooms. However, Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone. The PGA expelled Weinstein from the group in October.

The new guidelines are especially important for independent productions that are not being done at a movie or TV studio with a human resources department, McCreary said in an interview.

Lucchesi said the steps, which were unanimously ratified by the PGA’s board of directors, are meant to serve as “best practices” for the PGA’s 8,200 members. “It’s really just about setting the right tone and having the proper behaviour,” he said. “You don’t want people to be insensitive anymore.”

The recommendations also offer advice to victims of harassment, starting with going to authorities if they believe a crime was committed, and taking notes shortly after an incident. Most industry members have been backing the movement against sexual abuse, as seen from their decision to wear only black (as a sign of protest) to the Golden Globe Awards earlier this month. Bigwigs such as Oprah Winfrey have openly expressed their support for the #MeToo campaign, while even male actors such as Robert Redford claim that the movement is a “tipping point” for Hollywood. In fact, he believes it will bring “many more opportunities” for women in the future.



"I'm pretty encouraged right now. What the movement is doing is bringing forth more opportunities for women and more opportunities for women in film to have their voices heard and do their own projects," he said, reported Variety.

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