The contractual partners of the film funding agency (producers) must ensure that all production processes for funded films take place in a fair, constructive and respectful working environment.
The producer and all managers representing him/her have a duty of care that must be actively exercised. They are responsible for taking effective measures against any form of discrimination, harassment, abuse, intimidation, degradation or insult as soon as they become aware of it.
Compliance with the criteria listed below applies to all persons involved in production processes and must therefore be enshrined in individual contracts.
Anti-discrimination
No one may be disadvantaged or treated condescendingly on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, origin, appearance, ethnic, cultural, religious or social affiliation, level of education, skin colour, age, height, marital status or constitutional political convictions.
Respectful conduct
Disrespectful behaviour will not be tolerated. The opinions of others must be respected and must not be the target of personal attacks. An environment in which people feel uncomfortable or threatened is neither productive nor creative. The privacy of colleagues on set/in the workplace must be respected.
Prohibition of harassment and exclusionary behaviour
Any form of harassment or exclusionary behaviour is unacceptable. This includes, but is not limited to:
Bullying and threats of violence
Discriminatory jokes and discriminatory or exclusionary language
The unsolicited sharing of inappropriate, sexually explicit or violent content, especially via digital media
Personal insults of any kind
Unwanted sexual attention
The producer must inform all employees involved in the production about compliance with these obligations (e.g. in the form of training courses) and also ensure (in individual contracts) that they are complied with. Furthermore, they must create the opportunity for those affected to contact internal or external confidants.
CHILD PROTECTION
Child protection is a key requirement in the production of funded films. The producer must ensure the greatest possible safety in the form of measures such as the continuous provision of suitable and trained carers for this particularly vulnerable group on set, regardless of whether filming takes place in the United Kingdom or abroad. In addition, legal guardians and minors must be informed about their rights and obligations, working hours and conditions, and the content of the film.
Note: Contact and advice centre against discrimination and unequal treatment, abuse of power, sexual assault and violations of labour law, for everyone working in the Austrian film and television industry: https://we-do.filmschaffende.at/ or https://vera-vertrauensstelle.at/
The Child Welfare Concept came into force on 1 January 2025. In the case of the participation of children and young people, a project-specific ‘Child Participation Plan’ based on the ‘KIWOK – Child Welfare Concept for the Austrian Film Industry’ applicable at the time of application must be submitted and complied with for the project to be funded.
The currently applicable ‘KIWOK – Child Welfare Concept for the Austrian Film Industry’ is available on the WKO website.
Link: https://www.wko.at/oe/gewerbe-handwerk/film-musikwirtschaft/kindeswohlkonzept-fuer-die-oesterreichische-filmbranche-kiwok