Emma Watson has backed new guidelines put forward by organisations including BAFTA and the British Film Institute that will aim to prevent sexual harassment and bullying in the entertainment industry.
The actress was consulted – along with a number of other female actors and filmmakers – on the plans before they were finalised, the BBC has reported.
Only projects that agree to these new guidelines will be given funding by the BFI. The news plans include having two people on set to deal with all issues and allegations, as well as a new support line. This eight-point plan will apply to film, television and the gaming industries.
'These principles are important because up until recently there were no guidelines, there was no protocol for someone who had been sexually harassed in the entertainment industry and I know this to be a fact because I've asked for principles, I've asked to see guidelines and no one could give them to me,' Watson said and added that she found this 'shocking'.
Gemma Arterton, Jodie Wittaker, Gemma Chan and James Bond producer, Barbara Broccoli were among those also consulted over the new plans.
The rules will be added to the BFI's diversity standards, which means that from next year, if filmmakers want to be eligible for the BAFTA film awards, they will have to comply with the new guidelines.
This will include a zero tolerance approach to bullying and harassment, with rigorous processes in place to report any wrongdoing.
