QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

 What are the program requirements? 

To receive this free program, IPSI requires that every production:

• Implement a Code of Conduct sample can be found in our IPSI Content Library
• Identify two Responders who will address any allegations of harassment on set
• Allow one hour on-set at the start of production for harassment training

Do I qualify for IPSI? 

If you have at least 20 cast and crew members on your production that is based in the United States and are willing to commit to IPSI’s requirements as listed above, you qualify! 

What is an “independent production?” 

For purposes of this program, an independent production is any production that is not directly produced by one of the large studios. Typically, an independent production does not have the infrastructure or budget to set up a formal Human Resources function. 

I am not a Producer. Can I apply? 

Yes, others may apply for IPSI on behalf of the Producer, or the Producer may assign a point person to act on their behalf. However, the Producer or production company head is ultimately responsible for completing IPSI-related paperwork.

I am not a member of the PGA. Can I apply? 

Yes, anyone can apply for IPSI; you do not need to be a member of PGA, become a member of the PGA, nor adhere to the PGA’s guidelines to be accepted into the program. 

My production is affiliated with a major studio. Do I qualify? 

If the studio is not providing your production with Human Resources, you may qualify for IPSI. If the studio is only providing distribution, you likely qualify. We recommend that you submit an application; IPSI Admin will review your application and respond.

My production is affiliated with a production company. Do I qualify? 

If your production company has no or limited HR, you may qualify for IPSI. We recommend that you submit an application; IPSI Admin will review your application and respond.

If I do not qualify for the program can I still get help or access program materials? 

• Yes. Our IPSI Admin will assist you in getting access to our IPSI Content Library. Please reach out to our IPSI Administrator at IPSI@producersguild.org or 310-358-9020 x103
• Yes, through quarterly trainings.  

If I do not qualify for one production, can I apply again for a different production?

Absolutely. Qualification is based on each production. You may apply for more than one production even if you did not qualify before.

I am producing a student film. Do I qualify?

Yes. Any production with more than 20 cast and crew and that is willing to adhere to the IPSI requirements may qualify.

Why make us apply? 

IPSI requires that productions agree to two simple requirements. The application is to ensure that you “opt in” to the program. You can apply here in under one minute.

  

HARASSMENT TRAINING PROGRAM

Is this program really free? 

The planning meeting, on-set training, up to two hours of legal advice, and leave-behind materials are free. If you decide to engage the IPSI-provided attorney beyond two hours, your production is responsible for the cost; this can be negotiated directly with the attorney before your training. Also, your production is responsible for paying cast and crew wages for attending the training, and for the wages of Reporters who spend time outside of normal production hours responding to allegations.

Who pays for this program? 

The on-set training, up to two hours of legal advice, leave-behind materials, and program management are funded by a two-million dollar grant from CBS. Each production, however, is responsible for paying cast and crew wages for attending the training and for the wages of Reporters who spend time outside of normal production hours responding to allegations.

How long is the on-set training? 

The on-set training will last approximately one hour. If you cannot dedicate one hour to the training, we can work with you to determine the best option for your set!

Who delivers the on-set training? 

Training is delivered by an expert attorney who has specific experience in our industry and has delivered on-set, topic-specific, training to sets. 

Harassment trainings are usually boring and irrelevant. Is this different? 

IPSI is different than traditional, online sexual harassment training. The training itself will be highly interactive, with real examples of harassment from sets. It will involve participation and sharing. We hope it will be entertaining as well as educational! IPSI focuses on culture change and shifting the mindset and behavior in our industry. IPSI training helps us all be “on the same page” with respect to what is appropriate and safe behavior on set.

My crew and cast already did sexual harassment training. Is this different? 

IPSI training will be specific to your set, not just provide general guidelines. With this training, you get to set the tone and outline acceptable behavior for your production. IPSI focuses on culture change and shifting the mindset and behavior in our industry. IPSI training helps us all be “on the same page” with respect to what is appropriate and safe behavior on set.

My cast and crew are members of Unions that already provide sexual harassment training. Do I need this program? 

IPSI is different than the traditional, online sexual harassment training provided by many Unions. IPSI training will be specific to your set, not just provide general guidelines. With this training, you get to set the tone and outline acceptable behavior for your production. IPSI focuses on culture change and shifting the mindset and behavior in our industry. IPSI training helps us all be “on the same page” with respect to what is appropriate and safe behavior on set.

Does this training meet my state-mandated sexual harassment training requirement? 

You should discuss this with your IPSI-assigned attorney who delivers training on set. Some attorneys may certify the training as meeting the state requirements. PGA is not responsible for this aspect of training.

When will the training occur? 

You may select the date, time, and location of your training. You may choose to have your on-set training happen during your Production Meeting, the first day of filming, after a table read, or other time. An IPSI representative will help you determine what might work best for your production.

Who should attend this training? 

Anyone you choose that is working on your production. At a minimum, IPSI requests that Department Heads attend the training. IPSI requests that production leadership, especially the Producer and Director, attend the training. You may choose to train your entire cast and crew, or only select members. Your selected Responders should also attend.

What if we sign up for the training and then the day of the training we have to cancel? Can we re-schedule? 

We understand that productions are fast-paced and always moving. If you need to re-schedule your training, please contact your assigned attorney/trainer as soon as possible. The PGA cannot guarantee that all scheduling changes will be accommodated.

Who decides when we do the training on set? 

The Producer, in collaboration with IPSI Admin and your assigned attorney/trainer, will determine the best time to conduct on-set training.

I would like to discuss the program with PGA. Who do I call?

Please reach out to our IPSI Administrator at IPSI@producersguild.org 

 

 

ON-SET RESPONDERS

What is the Responder role? 

The Responder is someone designated by the production to be a point of contact for issues related to harassment. This person will be empathetic and unbiased; while the Responder cannot guarantee confidentiality, the Responder will not commiserate, gossip, take side, or mediate. You may choose to report any allegations of harassment to your set’s Responders. The Responder will communicate issues up the chain of command as necessary. The Responder will be compensated for time spent outside of normal production hours. If you do not know who your set’s Responders are, you should ask your producer.

I have been identified as a Responder. What do I do?

If you have not received a sheet titled, “Resolution 101: Guidelines for Responders,” please locate this document on the IPSI Content Library. This document will outline your responsibilities as a Responder. And thank you for your collaboration!

 

 

IPSI HARASSMENT MATERIALS

I already have a Code of Conduct. Can I use mine? 

We recommend that you discuss this with our IPSI Admin during your IPSI Preliminary Meeting. 

What are the “leave-behind” materials? 

As part of the program, you will receive access to posters, printable brochures, stickers, and other materials that help to reinforce the topics covered in the on-set training. Use of these items is optional.

I don’t need the training. Can I still access the IPSI Content Library? 

Yes! We recommend that all productions consider hosting a training session; however, if you determine that a training session is not for your set, we suggest that you submit an application and discuss this with IPSI Admin. You may still gain access to our Content Library.

 

 

ADDITIONAL CONCERNS

I am the victim of harassment. Can you help me? 

The PGA cannot directly assist you. If you believe you are the victim of harassment, you should reach out to your set’s designated Responders and/or use the Resource Guide on the IPSI Content Library.

I have concerns that I do not want to discuss with an attorney. Who can help me?

If you believe you are the victim of harassment, you should reach out to your set’s designated Responders and/or contact one of the agencies in the Resource Guide in the IPSI Content Library. If you do not know who your set’s Responders are, you should ask your producer. 

My question is not answered here. What do I do? 

Please reach out to our IPSI Administrator at IPSI@producersguild.org.