Our Story
The workplace sets the tone for the stories we tell. When people feel safe and respected at work, they can focus on what they’re there to do – bring their stories to life.
Every project relies on countless creative pros who work tirelessly to create magic. But many independent and low-budget productions lack the resources to address harassment, discrimination, or bullying. That’s where we come in.
Respect on Set helps producers prevent harassment, protect workers, and meet their responsibilities - so productions run smoothly and everyone can do their best work.
What happens behind the scenes matters.
Respect on Set is for anyone who helps set the culture:
Independent producers
Union productions under the I.A.T.S.E. Low Budget Agreement
Department heads and production leads
Non-union productions that want to follow best practices
Cast and crew who want clear rules and safe workplaces
What is Respect on Set?
Practical tools that make it easy to understand the expectations, how to implement them, and when to act.
Guidelines: A clear outline of the practices every production should consider.
Resources: Easy-to-use templates, guidelines, and training materials to support implementation.
Alignment: Guidance rooted in legal obligation and industry best practices.
What we’ve learned
from workers on independent projects:
4 of 5
have experienced sexual harassment.
Independent productions often don’t have strong protections or clear reporting options.
Many workers are afraid to speak up because they worry about losing their jobs.
— To learn more, read the Entertainment Industry Surveys. —
Our Partnership with I.A.T.S.E.
Raising the bar with low-budget signatories
We collaborated with I.A.T.S.E. and independent producers to support the anti-harassment requirements of the 2023 Theatrical Low Budget Agreement.
Our Commitment
Safer workplaces don’t just protect people - they fuel creativity, strengthen productions, and raise the bar for everyone involved.
Respect on Set is part of a broader effort to make safe, respectful production the standard. We’re helping productions meet their responsibilities from start to finish–and protecting the people who make the work happen.
We’re not just supporting individual productions–we’re working to transform systems across the industry. Independent productions are leading the way. We’re collaborating to build a new industry norm: one where respect, safety, and accountability are foundational.
Industry Partners & Endorsements
Working together to build Respect on Set
Respect on Set works with leading industry partners to promote a united commitment to respectful production.
Current Partners
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)
How We Work Together
Respect on Set is included in the 2023 Theatrical Low Budget Agreement, setting enforceable expectations for workplace conduct and reporting obligations.
Producers Guild of America (PGA)
How We Work Together
We deliver shared resources and recommend PGA’s Set Etiquette Training - free for eligible independent productions - as a trusted resource.