Caution required on ‘vertical series’

MEAA and the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA) have been advised of potential unsafe practices around the auditioning and filming of ‘vertical series’: short, fast-paced episodic TV/social media content with low production costs designed for mobile phone watching.

Performers have reported that they have been required to audition and/or film in areas where they feel unsafe due to the location of the set, the nature of the story, common use of minimal or flimsy costume, and the lack of safety personnel, stunt co-ordinators and intimacy co-ordinators.

While some vertical series productions have followed industry practice terms and conditions, MEAA and CGA advise performers to exercise caution by doing the following:

• Check the credentials of the production company, producer, and director before agreeing to participate;

• Insist on safe practices before going into an audition;

• Withdraw or seek additional safety measures if you think the situation is suspicious or potentially unsafe.

If you are still concerned, report your concerns to Casting Directors, Performer Representatives and/or MEAA.