Silver Screen Safety: Industry Standards for Film Production
The Challenge
After successfully establishing our workplace investigation service, we identified a specific need in the film industry. Film productions operate as intense, temporary workplaces (8-16 weeks) with a higher risk of misconduct due to power dynamics, close working conditions, and project-based employment.
No standardized protocols for prevention or response to workplace issues were in place, and there was limited accountability mechanisms within the industry. Film productions needed ongoing support rather than just reactive investigation services.
The Solution
I designed an integrated safety standards system for film productions with the following service design elements:
- Industry-Specific Standards: comprehensive guidelines addressing casting and hiring practices, on-set conduct protocols
- Reporting mechanisms, power dynamic management, intimacy coordination requirements, and clear accountability chains.
- Weekly Support Model: a service delivery system matching production schedules, that included on-set presence during critical filming phases, weekly check-ins and reporting, rapid response protocols, and documentation systems adapted to production workflow.
- Certification Badge Program: a visible accountability mechanism with a recognizable certification badge for credits, clear standards for qualification, am audit process to maintain integrity, and a public registry of certified productions.
- Training: for directors and producers, department heads, cast members, and crew at all levels.
Impact
Industry Adoption: Badge featured in 59 film and TV productions.
Business Growth: Successfully transitioned to an industry-specific service model with a weekly fee structure.
Cultural Impact: Established a visible standard for production ethics in the Latin American film industry.
Stakeholder Value: Productions received marketable certification while enhancing workplace conditions.
Prevention Success: Reduced incidents through the implementation of proactive standards.