The Performer’s Bill of Rights was created as a resource for performers, agencies, and employers to ensure a generally positive experience in the performer’s career. The document indicates what performers are entitled to to maintain a generally positive experience in their careers. Performers deserve to be treated with respect, not just by producers and other on-set personnel but also by their agents. We do not believe workers should be treated as disposable or feel pressured to accept unsafe conditions.
The Performer’s Bill of Rights is not a legal document, but rather a collaboration of performers and those who work closely with them. It was created to outline what performers have the right to expect when hired, as well as what conditions are conducive to mental, emotional, and physical health. It is a tool that can be used in talent agreements and producer contracts, casting breakdowns and call sheets.
As a performer, I am entitled to the following rights:
Prior to a shoot (At least a day prior)
I have the right to know the content of the shoot, the people I will be performing with, the expected shoot length, and the proposed pay. I am not required to perform acts not agreed upon prior to my arrival at work – Pressured negotiations and unexpected changes are not acceptable (In the event of same-day talent cancellations, notify all other talent and ensure new talent are comfortable working together).
I have the right to decline, in a professional manner, to perform any professional requested sexual act I don’t feel comfortable with.!
I have the right to specify my preferred method of protection against STDs, knowing that studios may not comply and that accepting a scene is ultimately my decision.
I have the right to be heard when I have concerns or questions about any part of a scene or work day.
I have the right to not be pressured to perform sexual acts off camera at any time before, during, or after the shoot.
During a shoot
I have the right to be treated with respect as a hired professional at all times on set.
I have the right to studio-provided water on set. I also have the right to studio provided snacks if the shoot is expected to last up to 6 hours. If the shoot is expected to last more than 6 hours, a reasonable quality studio provided meal is recommended.
I have the right to request that my scene partner follow the same STI safety protocols that I am comfortable with.
I have the right to work only with performers that follow the safety protocols that I choose to follow for myself.
I have the right to set-provided lubricant, enemas, douches, baby wipes, and condoms (if applicable).
I have the right to decline or agree to any sexual act proposed to me, before or during a scene, even if I previously decided to decline or agree to said sexual act – I am aware that if the choice was previously expressed before the shoot day, then the producer/director has the right to cancel the scene if it does not coincide with their expectations.
I have the right to call off a scene if health problems arise that would put my fellow scene partner or others on set at risk.
I have the right to access of the on-set blood-borne pathogen plan or someone who is knowledgeable of the on-set blood-borne pathogen plan.
I have the right to vocalize any concerns about my health and safety on set and have all reasonable remedies carried out.
I have the right to stop the scene and check in with the director if I feel uncomfortable or distressed.
After a shoot
I have the right to be paid my agreed upon fees according to the company’s usual method of payment.
I have the right to not have to make repeated demands for payment, nor will I have payments unreasonably withheld from me.
Adult Performer Advocacy Committee
