User:NoraMarie1603/Producers Guild of America

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The Producers Guild of America (PGA) is a

. The PGA's membership includes over 8,400 members of the producing establishment worldwide.

The Producers Guild of America offers several benefits to its members, including seminars and mentoring programs, and entrance to special screenings of movies during Oscar season.

The PGA traces its roots back to the merger of the Screen Producers Guild and the Television Producers Guild in 1962, under Walter Mirisch's leadership. The organization's Golden Laurel Awards, later renamed the Producers Guild of America Awards, began in 1990 and became significant predictors of Oscar success.

Over time, the PGA expanded its influence, establishing councils for various production branches, regional chapters like PGA East in New York, and addressing emerging media with the New Media Council in 2002. In 2012, the organization introduced a certification mark allowing producers to signify their significant contributions to a production. The PGA has also taken proactive measures to combat sexual harassment in the industry, establishing guidelines, a task force, and implementing mandatory anti-harassment training. Following the Harvey Weinstein scandal, the PGA expelled him from the organization.

History:

The PGA has an international committee aimed towards connecting producers across nations in creative industries. Founded by Stuart Levy, Nicholas de Wolff, and William Stuart, it is currently chaired by Gary Lucchesi and Sacha Ben Harroche. ^[1]

Vance Van Petten served as the organization's National Executive Director from 2000 through 2021. Susan Sprung joined him in that position in 2019. ^[2]

On January 19, 2018, the Producers Guild of America adopted new sexual harassment guidelines.

New Media Council:

In 2002, the New Media Council was formed by the Producers Guild of America in order to recognize, represent, and protect producers working in digital and emerging media such as broadband and mobile entertainment, video games, digital visual effects, interactive television and DVDs. The PGA has announced its categorization of new media producers into five distinct fields: movie/video production, animated production, website production, interactive television production, and game production.^[3]

Produced By

Produced By Conference^[4]

Since 2009, the Producers Guild has presented the "Produced By Conference", held annually in June on a studio lot in the Los Angeles area. In 2011, the Conference was held at

. Each Conference offers a variety of educational sessions designed to promote the newest information about the state of the entertainment industry marketplace and allow experienced producers to share the benefit of their experience with emerging professionals. The "Produced By Conference" also offers a variety of other programs, including extensive vendor displays and technology demonstrations, numerous representatives of local, state and international film commissions, small-group Mentoring Roundtable discussions, and a variety of networking events, including the traditional Friday night Kick-Off Party.

Speakers at past conferences have included

.

In 2011, the "Produced By Conference" was presented in association with AFCI Locations.

Since 2014, the Producers Guild of America has presented "Produced By: New York", a single-day conference event held annually in New York City. Speakers and guests at "Produced By: New York" have included Michael Moore, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Jake Gyllenhaal, Donna Gigliotti, James Schamus, Jenni Konner, Darren Aronofsky, Barbara Hall, and Cathy Schulman, among others.

Produced by Magazine^[5]

Created by Vance Van Petton during his time serving as National Executive Director of the PGA, "Produced By,"^[6] is an industry driven newsletter that highlights achievemnts in the producing field.

NEW CONTENT BELOW:

Harvey Weinstien Controversy

Harvey Weinstein is an American film producer, convicted sex offender, and member of the PGA until November of 2017, when Weinstein faced sexual abuse allegations dating back to the late 1970s. By October, over 80 women had accused Weinstein of sexual harassment or assault. These accusations ignited the #MeToo movement on social media, leading to similar allegations against numerous influential figures globally, a phenomenon dubbed the "Weinstein effect."

Weinstein Brothers awarded 2013 "Milstone Award"

Weinstein and his brother Bob were honored by the PGA during its 2013 awards ceremony. They were bestowed with the Milestone Award, the guild's most prestigious accolade.

Sexual Abuse Allegations

Main article: Harvey Weinstein sexual abuse cases

In October 2017, New York Times journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey exposed Weinstein's decades-long pattern of sexual harassment and settlements paid to actresses and employees. Their investigation, which took about five months, inspired Ronan Farrow, a correspondent for NBC News, to report on Weinstein in The New Yorker. Farrow revealed his earlier attempts to report on Weinstein's misconduct to NBC, suggesting the network faced pressure not to publish. Farrow's report included testimonies from executives and assistants who witnessed Weinstein's misconduct.

Since the initial reports in 2017, over 80 women have accused Weinstein of sexual harassment, assault, or rape. Led by Italian actress Asia Argento, a group of alleged victims released a list of over 100 instances of sexual abuse by Weinstein, spanning from 1980 to 2015, including eighteen allegations of rape. Weinstein allegedly lured young actresses or models into hotel rooms or offices under the guise of discussing their careers, then demanded massages or sex, often citing Gwyneth Paltrow as an example. Former colleagues claim that Weinstein's behavior was enabled by employees, associates, and agents who arranged these encounters, as well as by lawyers and publicists who silenced complaints with payments and threats. Bob Weinstein, also a member of the PGA and Harvey's brother, was reportedly involved in settlements with accusers, and Miramax employees felt the HR department prioritized Weinstein's protection over theirs.

PGA Expulsion

The Producers Guild of America initiated proceedings to expel Weinstein in October 2017, after he was also expelled from other industry organizations, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Before this could happen, The PGA announced on Monday, October 30th, that Harvey Weinstein had resigned from the organization despite commities within the PGA starting proceedings to expel Weinstein on October 16th.

The guild had voted on October 16 to initiate the process of expelling Harvey Weinstein, but his expulsion was not immediate due to the guild's bylaws, which mandated a termination process. According to the rules, members must be given 15 days' notice before disciplinary action is taken. However, the PGA was notified that instead of facing the guild's charges, Weinstein chose to resign his membership. In response, the guild issued a statement, declaring, "In light of Mr. Weinstein's widely reported behavior — with new reports continuing to surface even now — the Producers Guild's National Board has unanimously voted to impose a lifetime ban on Mr. Weinstein, permanently excluding him from PGA membership. This unprecedented action underscores the severity with which the Guild views the numerous reports of Mr. Weinstein's decades-long reprehensible conduct. Sexual harassment is no longer acceptable in our industry or among Producers Guild members. As previously announced, the PGA's Officers and National Board of Directors have established the Anti-Sexual Harassment Task Force, tasked specifically with researching and proposing meaningful and effective solutions to combat sexual harassment in the entertainment industry."

During the same meeting, the PGA's National Board — comprised of 20 women and 18 men — also voted to establish a task force aimed at researching and addressing sexual harassment within the entertainment industry. Despite the widespread gender imbalance prevalent in Hollywood's craft guilds, with women significantly underrepresented across disciplines, 47% of the PGA's 8,100 members are women.

Anti-Sexual Harassment Task Force

During a special meeting on January 17,2018, the PGA's board of directors unanimously approved its Anti-Sexual Harassment Guidelines. The guidelines include several specific recommendations, such as providing anti-sexual harassment training to all cast and crew members before production begins and before each season of ongoing series. Productions should designate at least two individuals, preferably of different genders, whom cast and crew can approach if they experience or witness harassment. Additionally, all meetings and casting sessions should take place in comfortable and safe environments.

In announcing the new guidelines, PGA presidents Gary Lucchesi and Lori McCreary emphasized the imperative to eradicate sexual harassment from the industry. They stated, "As producers, we play a vital role in fostering work environments founded on mutual respect, and it is our responsibility to drive cultural change and eliminate this abuse." While membership in the PGA is voluntary, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Guidelines are endorsed as best practices for members.

The guidelines outline definitions of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment, offer preventative measures for both on-set and off-set scenarios, and provide resources for those experiencing discomfort in their work environment. These proposals were crafted with input from Time's Up and were subsequently endorsed by the PGA's Anti-Sexual Harassment Task Force.

Lucchesi and McCreary expressed gratitude to Time's Up for their assistance in developing the protocols and affirmed the PGA's commitment to collaborate with them, as well as the industry-wide Commission led by Anita Hill and other community organizations, until sexual harassment is eradicated from the entertainment workplace.

In addition to implementing the guidelines, the PGA's Anti-Sexual Harassment Task Force is continuously reviewing tools for prevention, reporting, counseling, and protection.In its statement the PGA reaffirmed its dedication to establishing a Hollywood task force aimed at combating the pervasive harassment and abuse that the Weinstein scandal has brought to light. The statement emphasized, "Sexual harassment can no longer be tolerated in our industry or among Producers Guild members."

The anti-harassment program saw considerable progress in 2019, training 350 individuals in six months. The Independent Production Safety Initiative (IPSI), established in late 2018. The IPSI program offers free training and legal advice to smaller productions lacking HR resources, funded by a 2 million dollar grant from CBS.

Code of Conduct

The PGA Show has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for harassment of any kind including, but not limited to:

• Stalking
• Intimidation
• Offensive verbal comments
• Physical assault and/or battery
• Threats
• Harassing or non-consensual photography or recording
• Sustained disruption of presentations and other events
• Bathroom policing
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Unwelcome physical attention
• Sexually explicit, suggestive and/or provocative behavior
• Hate symbols

In relation to, but not limited to:

• Race
• Color
• National origin
• Gender
• Gender identity
• Gender presentation
• Sexual orientation
• Marital status
• Age
• Body size
• Disability
• Appearance
• Religion
• Citizenship
• Pregnancy

If a person engages in harassing behavior at any time, PGA Show staff will take prompt action in any form they deem appropriate, including expulsion from the PGA Show with no refund. Our policy applies to EVERYONE participating in PGA Show. Exhibitors, attendees, speakers, guests, professionals, press, staff, volunteers, and security are ALL subject to our Anti-Harassment Policy.

Anyone can report harassment to PGA Show staff at any time. If someone’s behavior has made you uncomfortable, or if you witness the same happening to someone else, you should immediately contact security or PGA Show staff. If necessary, PGA Show staff will contact local law enforcement, provide escort, offer a safe place, or otherwise assist those experiencing harassment to make sure they feel safe for the rest of the PGA Show.

Producers Guild of America Awards

Main article: Producers Guild of America Awards

In 1990, the inaugural Golden Laurel Awards were hosted by the Producers Guild, an initiative spearheaded by PGA Treasurer Joel Freeman and endorsed by Guild President Leonard Stern. These awards aimed to celebrate the visionaries behind the creation and execution of motion picture and television content. Later, in 2002, the ceremony underwent a name change to become the Producers Guild of America Awards.

Film Awards

• Darryl F. Zanuck Award for Outstanding Producer of Theatrical Motion Pictures
• Outstanding Producer of Documentary Motion Picture
• Outstanding Producer of Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures
• Norman Felton Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - Drama
• Danny Thomas Award for Outstanding Producer of Episodic Television - Comedy
• David L. Wolper Award for Outstanding Producer of Limited Series Television
• Outstanding Producer of Televised or Streamed Motion Pictures
• Outstanding Producer of Non-Fiction Television
• Outstanding Producer of Live Entertainment & Talk Television
• Outstanding Producer of Game & Competition Television
• The Award for Outstanding Short-Form Program
• The Award for Outstanding Sports Program
• The Award for Outstanding Children's Program
• The PGA Innovation Award
  • The award recognizes exceptional innovations in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), experiential, and other forms of interactive or immersive media.

Honorary Awards

• David O. Selznick Achievement Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures
  • This award acknowledges a producer or producing team for their exceptional contributions to the world of motion pictures.
• Milestone Award
  • The Guild established the Milestone Award Dinner to honor individuals or teams whose historic contributions have significantly impacted the motion picture industry. This award stands as the Guild's highest honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to entertainment.
• Norman Lear Achievement Award in Television
  • Recognizing excellence in television, this award celebrates the outstanding body of work of a producer or producing team.
• Visionary Award
  • The Producers Guild Visionary Award celebrates producers in television, film, or emerging media whose unique storytelling or performances uplift and inspire our culture.
• Stanley Kramer Award
  • Presented to outstanding contributions in film, television, or related fields, this award recognizes individuals or entities whose work sheds light on important social issues in an accessible and thought-provoking manner.

Scott Rudin

In 2021, Scott Rudin, an American film, television and theatre producer, withdrew from his Broadway, film, and streaming endeavors after allegations of abusive behavior toward his employees surfaced in The Hollywood Reporter. As a consequence, his name was scrubbed from several forthcoming films, and his partnership with A24 studio was severed.

Anti-Harresment Initiative

The PGA broadened its Independent Production Safety Initiative to incorporate anti-bullying training, aiming to eradicate workplace violence and aggression, in response to he allegations against Rudin. In addition to this expansion, the guild established a task force to address these issues within its membership and the wider entertainment industry, affirming its dedication to collaborating with other organizations to combat such behavior.^[7]

In a statement, the PGA expressed deep concern over ongoing allegations of workplace harassment and abuse in the industry, pledging solidarity with those who spoke out against such violence and intimidation. The guild emphasized the collective responsibility to foster a more equitable and safe environment for all industry participants. Subsequently, Actors’ Equity Association urged The Broadway League to publicly address the accusations against Rudin, noting the PGA's statement and questioning the League's silence on the matter.

Actor's Equity Association Executive Director Mary McColl expressed concern over the Broadway League's lack of action following allegations against Rudin. Equity emphasizes the importance of a safe workplace and encourages reporting of bullying, discrimination, or safety issues, offering an anonymous hotline for members. Despite none of the individuals mentioned in the allegations being Equity members, the union remains committed to workplace safety for all. The Hollywood Reporter's article on April 7th, 2018 alleged workplace abuse by Rudin, prompting a joint statement condemning harassment from Equity,

on April 17 after private discussions with other unions and the Broadway League. Members experiencing or witnessing bullying, harassment, or intimidation can utilize Equity's anonymous hotline for assistance.

Current Board of Directors

The Producer's Guild of America is overseen by a Board of Directors, who act as the organization's fiduciaries.

• Stephanie Allain, President
• Donald De Line, President
• Charles Roven, Vice President, Motion Pictures
• Lauren Shuler Donner, Vice President, Motion Pictures
• Mike Farah, Vice Presidents, Television
• Melvin Mar, Vice President, Television
• Steve Cainas, Vice President, Producing Team
• Donna Gigliotti, Vice President, Eastern Region Steering Group
• Yolanda T. Cochran, Treasurer
• Mike Jackson, Recording Secretary
• Gail Berman, President Emeritus
• Lucy Fisher, President Emeritus

References

https://variety.com/2017/film/news/producers-guild-of-america-harvey-weinstein-lifetime-ban-1202602856/

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/harvey-weinstein-resigns-producers-guild-america-1050625/

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-et-entertainment-news-updates-producers-guild-harvey-weinstein-banned-for-life-1509405412-htmlstory.html

https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/sexual-misconduct/producers-guild-america-bans-harvey-weinstein-life-n815856

https://www.wptv.com/news/national/producers-guild-bans-harvey-weinstein-for-life

https://www.vulture.com/2017/10/producers-guild-of-america-permanently-bans-harvey-weinstein.html

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/producers-guild-new-anti-sexual-harassment-guidelines-1075824/

https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/producers-guild-harvey-weinstein-ban-1201892671/

https://money.cnn.com/2017/10/16/media/producers-guild-weinstein/

https://variety.com/2020/film/awards/producers-guild-ipsi-program-combating-sexual-harassment-kicks-into-high-gear-pga-awards-1203468483/

https://www.pgashow.com/en-us/show-info/attendee-resources/anti-harassment-policy.html