Reporting Abuse on Film and TV Sets: Your Guide to Taking Action

Your Pathway to Justice

Reporting abuse in entertainment can feel particularly challenging due to the industry's project-based nature, complex hierarchies, and tight-knit communities where reputations matter. Many workers worry about being labeled as "difficult," facing retaliation, or being excluded from future opportunities. However, federal and state laws provide strong protections against retaliation for reporting workplace abuse in good faith.

You have multiple reporting pathways available: internal reporting through production management or human resources, union grievance procedures if you're a member, external complaints with government agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or legal action through employment attorneys. Each option has different processes, timelines, and potential outcomes.

The decision to report is deeply personal and depends on your specific situation, comfort level, and goals. Some workers choose to document incidents without immediately reporting, while others prefer to address issues through informal channels first. There's no "right" way to respond to abuse—only the way that feels safest and most appropriate for your circumstances.

If you're considering reporting abuse, remember that you don't have to navigate this process alone. Professional guidance can help you understand your options, prepare for potential outcomes, and access the support you need throughout the reporting process, regardless of which path you choose to take.