Code of Ethics

Principles, Values, and Guidelines

It is of utmost importance to us to create a working environment in which diversity is seen as an asset and mutual respect is actively practiced—helping to shape a society worth living in.

Based on the Code of Ethics of the Austrian Film Institute, we ask all individuals involved in the production process to adhere to the following principles.

Responsibility Through Duty of Care

Employers and all leadership representatives have an active duty of care. They are responsible for taking measures against any form of discrimination as soon as they become aware of it.

Anti-Discrimination

No one may be disadvantaged or treated condescendingly based on gender, sexual orientation, origin, appearance, ethnic, cultural, religious, or social background, level of education, skin color, age, height, marital status, or political beliefs in accordance with the rule of law.

Respectful Conduct

Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. The opinions of others must be respected and must not be the target of personal attacks. An environment in which people feel uncomfortable or threatened is neither productive nor creative. Please respect the privacy of colleagues on set and in the workplace.

Professional Behavior

Respectful conduct is the foundation of professionalism. Actively contribute to a constructive and appreciative working environment. Choose your words carefully and use language that is appropriate for the situation. Any form of harassment or exclusionary behavior is unacceptable.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Bullying and threats of violence
  • Discriminatory jokes or exclusionary language
  • The unsolicited sharing of inappropriate, sexually explicit, or violent content, especially via digital media
  • Personal insults of any kind
  • Unwanted sexual attention

General Rule: Communicate your own boundaries clearly and respect the boundaries of others. If someone asks you to stop something—stop immediately!

Do Not Look Away

If you witness harassment, disrespectful, or bullying behavior toward another person, you have a duty to act. Do not ignore it. Show that you do not tolerate it. Be proactive—speak up immediately or intervene appropriately.

Ignoring such behavior may be perceived as silent approval. Do not underestimate the impact of being a passive bystander!

Resources for Support: A list of trusted resources for reporting discrimination, abuse of power, sexual harassment, and labor law violations for those working in the Austrian film, television, and music industries can be found here:

WKO: Prevention & Combatting Misconduct in Flim and Music

For assistance and counseling regarding discrimination, abuse of power, sexual harassment, and labor law violations in the Austrian film and television industry:

We_Do

VERA Trust Center 

The Child Protection Guidelines for the Austrian film industry can be found here:

KiWoK – Child Welfare Concept