LOS ANGELES — The Visual Effects Society (VES) has adopted a new Code of Conduct for members, which formalizes the Society’s commitment to ensuring that all members are treated with respect, dignity and inclusion. The VES Board of Directors unanimously ratified the Code at its May 2018 Board meeting. The policy underscores the Society’s categorical opposition to all forms of discrimination, harassment, workplace harassment and sexual harassment, and delineates the values, standards and expectations of personal and professional conduct for its membership.
“The VES is entrusted with fostering a positive environment where our members are treated with integrity and upholding the high standards befitting our honorary society,” says Mike Chambers, VES board chair. “As a global organization, we take seriously our role within the entertainment community. We have the responsibility and opportunity to set an example in nurturing diverse relationships to support the welfare of our members and the industry at large – and this Code of Conduct is an important step to achieve that.”
“We are in the midst of a critical movement and now is the time for our industry to evolve and take action to address and prevent harassment and discrimination,” adds Brooke Breton, VES board member and chair of the VES Ad Hoc Committee on Harassment. “I am extremely gratified that the Society is demonstrating its leadership to address these longstanding issues and of my Board colleagues in giving their enthusiastic support to this directive. Together, we have the ability to create a safer, healthier and more equitable environment for VFX artists and practitioners worldwide and enhance the overall integrity of our industry.”
As a complement to the Code of Conduct, the Society will develop a program to provide referrals such as legal and counseling resources to support our members who experience harassment or discrimination.
“Partnership is a key element of our priority focus on these issues,” continues Breton. “The VES will actively collaborate with other organizations and support interdisciplinary entertainment industry initiatives, because we all have a vital role to play and resources to bring to the table to bring about impactful and sustainable change.”