Writers and assistants shared their workplace experiences with TTIE for the Behind the Scenes: The State of Inclusion & Equity in TV Writing report and a common factor for a healthy and successful room is good leadership. What that looks like (or doesn't), in their words:
"When I spoke to my showrunner about ongoing, toxic behavior from an upper-level writer, the showrunner then went to said writer and divulged both my name and the details of what I’d discussed with my boss in confidence. That upper-level writer thereafter stonewalled/ignored me in the room.”
“I shared my experience with the showrunners and they took immediate action to address the situation. When they realized the abuse continued, they involved HR and appropriate actions were taken. So grateful to my bosses for handling the situation so completely!”
“It can sometimes be more harmful than helpful if you speak up. If you’re labeled a problem, it can be much harder to procure work in the future. And I’m Black and also a woman, so... I feel like I have to choose my battles.”
“The amount of harassment and microaggressions I’ve experienced dropped drastically when working in positive, collaborative rooms. Leadership really makes all the difference!”
