Ombuds: Your Confidential Resource for Workplace Concerns

Reporting abuse in the film and television industry is a critical step toward creating safer workplaces and protecting yourself and your colleagues. Whether you've experienced discrimination, harassment, bullying, or other forms of workplace abuse, knowing your reporting options and understanding the process can help you make informed decisions about taking action.

Your Partner to Freedom

Unlike human resources departments that primarily protect organizational interests, ombuds are specifically designed to serve as impartial resources for workers. They don't investigate formal complaints or make binding decisions—instead, they provide a safe, confidential space to discuss concerns, understand options, and explore potential solutions. This neutrality allows workers to speak openly without fear of retaliation or unwanted disclosure.

In the film and television industry, ombuds services are particularly valuable due to the unique challenges workers face: short-term project contracts, complex hierarchies spanning multiple production companies, intense deadline pressures, and power imbalances that can make traditional reporting channels feel risky or ineffective. The industry's reputation-based hiring system often makes workers reluctant to raise concerns through formal channels.

An entertainment industry ombuds can help with various situations: understanding workplace policies across different productions, clarifying rights for freelance vs. employee workers, navigating union vs. non-union protections, addressing conflicts between departments or crew members, and exploring options when experiencing discrimination, harassment, or unsafe working conditions.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, unsure about your rights, or simply need someone knowledgeable to discuss a workplace concern, ombuds services provide confidential support without requiring you to commit to any particular course of action.