SAG-AFTRA Calls for an End to Auditions and Interviews in Private Hotel Rooms or Residences

Union Issues Guideline No. 1 as Part of SAG-AFTRA Code of Conduct on Sexual Harassment

LOS ANGELES (April 12, 2018) – To help protect members from potential harassment and exploitation, SAG-AFTRA released today a Guideline that calls for an end to the practice of holding professional meetings in private hotel rooms or residences.

This is the first expansion of the Code of Conduct, which the union published in February as part of its Four Pillars of Change initiative to confront harassment and advance equity in the industry. Following input from members, experts and industry stakeholders, Guideline No. 1 reflects SAG-AFTRA’s dedication to upholding professional standards and addressing the unprofessional and unlawful workplace culture that too many of our members face. Click here to read. 

"We are committed to addressing the scenario that has allowed predators to exploit performers behind closed doors under the guise of a professional meeting,” said SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris. 

Guideline No. 1 calls upon producers and other decision makers to refrain from holding professional meetings in hotel rooms and private residences. It also urges members and their representatives not to agree to professional meetings in these high-risk locations. In the rare event that there is no reasonable alternative to having the meeting in such a location, Guideline No. 1 establishes the concept of a “Support Peer” to accompany the member during the meeting. 

As emphasized in SAG-AFTRA’s Code of Conduct, Guideline No. 1 is equally applicable to SAG-AFTRA members when acting in the capacity of a producer or decision maker with influence or control over decisions that can impact another’s career. All professionals, including SAG-AFTRA members, are expected to refrain from engaging in harassing conduct and support efforts to eliminate this scourge from the workplace.  

As part of its Four Pillars of Change initiative, the union will periodically issue additional Guidelines to provide further insight into steps that members and industry partners can take to expand workplace safety in our industry.