The Two-Way : NPR: SAG-AFTRA is calling for an end to auditions in private hotel rooms or residences, after a spate of sexual harassment allegations against powerful Hollywood figures.
"We are committed to addressing the scenario that has allowed predators to exploit performers behind closed doors under the guise of a professional meeting," the union's president, Gabrielle Carteris, said in a statement.
3 comments:
I am a little bit saddened to know it has taken so long to get rid of Hotel Auditions but I am also glad to see things like the me-too movement lead to change. I am so glad to see this change come from the Union leadership and not union members petitioning to get change done and having their requests met. I am sure people have protested against hotel auditions for a long time but there are definitely some union changes that only happen because of the union members but this article makes it seem like the leadership is actually in full support of the change. It is also good to see cross-union support. Hearing the quote from Lori McCreary of the Producers Guild of America about how they agree there should be no more hotel auditions is nice to see. Hopefully, this helps to cut on sexual harassment in the casting process. Unrelated to the topic of this article but when reading that the president of SAG-AFTRA was a woman, I was pretty glad. There isn’t enough female leadership across all industries and I am glad to see SAG-AFTRA has it.
Preventing auditions in which people are put in such vulnerable positions seems like an amazing idea to protect everyone’s safety. Though there will always be a need for private meetings, putting them in more neutral power places will help. However, this article seems to be more of an industry suggestion rather than any sort of regulation. I would hope that after all of the allegations that have come out SAG would have a better idea then to suggest that people do not have meetings in hotel rooms. That being said, this ideally would empower people to say no to meetings in private hotel rooms or to bring a friend with them. Also, I wonder what kind of a meeting has no reasonable alternative to meeting at hotel room. I can not imagine a situation where someone’s hotel room is the only option. Overall, I’m glad that SAG is taking more initiatives to protect its members by changing the industries standards.
It is warming to hear that action is finally being taken towards changing the way things have been and have led to sexual harassment and assault. I remember reading in the fall about how one of the biggest proponents for sexual harassment towards actors had been in hotel rooms or these personal auditions. There is no reason why the director should be the only one involved in this decision and I think it is smart to consistently change to location away from such an intimate setting and add more people to the decision making on these matters. I also appreciate that these women are being heard as actors and action is being taken but what is happening and changing for the female technicians and designers. They need protection too that is clear cut as it is becoming for actors. I know that this movement is only just beginning but hopefully people are moving towards creating solutions for all women, not just in the theater industry but in our community and country as a whole.
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