Actors' union leaders demand on-set 'observers' following the Harvey Weinstein scandal
ACTORS’ union leaders are demanding on-set “observers” to oversee sex scenes being shot for all major Hollywood films, TV shows and commercials. The move is part of a new code of conduct drafted by a group which represents more than 160,000 performers in America in the wake of the Harvey Weinstein scandal.
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The seven-page guideline, aimed at curbing “workplace sexual harassment” in the entertainment industry, has adopted the slogan “Stop. SUPPORT. REPORT.”
But some stars believe measures should be even tougher and extend to auditions where inexperienced hopefuls are desperate to land a plum role.
Actress Emmy Rossum said: “These are sensitive situations, especially for young actors looking for a break.
“We also need to be discussing simulated sex, sexuality and nudity in our storytelling.
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“There are guild protocols in place and contracts designed to protect actors, but we can do better.”
Equity, which represents more than 38,000 members in the UK, launched its own report titled Agenda for Change last month in a similar bid to stamp out “sexual predators, harassers and bullies.”
The actors’ union said it would reiterate existing provisions for auditions where “people should not be asked to undress unless a mutually agreed observer is present” and “auditions should not include requests to perform simulated sex acts”.
The American initiative will also include training for members on how to handle workplace harassment and concludes: “To end the pervasive culture of inaction and silence we must not look the other way.”