When it comes to workplace bullying, harassment, and violence: Ignorance is not bliss.
At least not according to members of the local and national film and television industry.
After decades of silence and misbehaviour being swept under the rug, this past year has seen the entertainment industry’s behind-the-scenes workplace culture take the spotlight.
The industry north of the border hasn’t escaped notice though, and now, a Canadian campaign called So Not Cool is looking to tackle these issues head-on.
The campaign — launched by the Directors Guild of Canada this month — aims to empower cast, crew, and bystanders to create safer, more respectful environments on-set.
“For all the historic work done on this issue in the last year, long-term results require fundamental changes to the day-to-day culture in our industry,” explained Kendrie Upton, the guild’s lead on respectful workplaces, in a release. “It’s not just about knowing that you can report an incident. Each and every one of us should feel empowered to speak up when we see something unwelcome.”
For Christine Rochon, a local producer, the campaign is an unfortunately necessary move.
“I think it is sad that we need a website to guide people on how to treat each other. But my own history, and awareness of the truth in which we live, tells me it is a good thing,” said Rochon. “It is empowering to know I do not have to tolerate any type of harassment, discrimination, bullying, and violence.”
The campaign specifically involves the creation of two- to five-minute videos to educate industry professionals, along with the development of a creative industry code of conduct.
Rochon said it's in-line with other changes she's seen over the past year.
She's seen more comprehensive language being used in employee contracts, professionals in harassment and discrimination brought in to do seminars, and more advertising and access to help and information.
Rob Riselli from Music and Film in Motion (MFM) sees the campaign as “a step in the right direction.”
MFM is a division of Cultural Industries Ontario North (CION), which is dedicated to growing the local film and music industries as well as connecting industry professionals to educational resources, training, and advancement opportunities.
While 30-plus organizations like MFM and CION have signed onto the campaign’s “Code of Conduct,” Riselli would like to see more private companies get on board.
Overall, Riselli and Rochon agree that the campaign is a positive move, but they both expressed that they suspect workplace bullying, harassment, and violence are common in other industries and need to be addressed there as well.
“Film, TV, and music industries, entertainment as a whole is such that it’s under the microscope,” said Riselli. “As a society, people go to the movies, listen to music, read blogs… people don’t necessarily want to know about the fishing industry, the restaurant industry…”
For Rochon, that means her industry has unique opportunity, and responsibility, to lead by example.
“With the film and television industry always being in the spotlight, the platform to create change was always there and it is now being used and people are paying attention,” said Rochon.
“I am proud to be in an industry where the conversation and prevention is on-going ... This was not always the reality, and many people were ignorant. But ignorance is not bliss, education is.”
Ella Jane Myers is a freelance writer in Greater Sudbury. She's fuelled by good grub, old sci-fi and long walks with the dog. Visit her at EllaJaneMyers.com.
