Hollywood Commission Unleashes New Tools to Tame Industry's Harassment Epidemic

In a bold move to shake up the entertainment industry's long-standing problem of harassment, the Hollywood Commission has launched a suite of innovative online resources designed to empower workers on independent and low-budget productions. Dubbed the Respect on Set initiative, this groundbreaking program is the brainchild of the commission, which has been working tirelessly to create a safer and more inclusive work environment for all. Behind the scenes of Hollywood's glamour and glitz, a disturbing reality has long been hidden in plain sight. For years, workers on low-budget productions have been disproportionately affected by harassment, with many feeling powerless to speak out or seek help. A recent survey conducted by the Hollywood Commission revealed that compared to their major-studio counterparts, workers on low-budget productions experience more sexual coercion and assault, but have fewer tools and support to report or prevent these abuses. The Respect on Set initiative was born out of a desire to address this glaring gap in support. Developed in close collaboration with INDIEn, a collective of producers committed to creating positive change, the new resources bring industry-aligned best practices, templates, and implementation tools together in one place. This digital toolkit is designed to empower producers to create a safer and more inclusive work environment, where everyone feels valued and respected. At the heart of the Respect on Set initiative is a simple yet powerful idea: that harassment is not just a personal issue, but a systemic problem that requires a collective solution. By providing producers with the tools and support they need to create a safe and respectful work environment, the Hollywood Commission is taking a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable industry. "We're not just talking about creating a safe space for workers," says Jeanette Volturno, one of the producers behind INDIEn. "We're talking about creating a culture of respect and inclusivity that permeates every level of the industry. That's what Respect on Set is all about." For producers like Monica Levinson, who has worked on a range of independent films and TV shows, the Respect on Set initiative is a welcome relief. "As a producer, I want to create a safe and respectful work environment for my team," she says. "But I also want to know that I have the support and resources I need to do that. Respect on Set provides me with everything I need to create a positive and inclusive work environment." As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with the legacy of MeToo, the Respect on Set initiative is a powerful reminder that the work is far from over. By providing a suite of innovative online resources and a supportive community of producers, the Hollywood Commission is taking a crucial step towards creating a more just and equitable industry. As Bart Rosenblatt, another producer behind INDIEn, puts it, "Respect on Set is not just a toolkit – it's a movement. It's a movement towards creating a culture of respect and inclusivity that will benefit everyone in the industry, from workers to audiences to the bottom line." With the Respect on Set initiative, the Hollywood Commission is sending a clear message to the entertainment industry: that harassment will no longer be tolerated, and that workers will be empowered to speak out and seek help. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, one thing is clear: the Respect on Set initiative is a game-changer that will have far-reaching consequences for years to come.