ANTI-BULLYING AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY

Effective date: 31 July 2025

1. PURPOSE

AR Studios Ltd is committed to creating and maintaining an environment — across all our productions, projects, and offices — that is safe, inclusive, and respectful for all. This policy sets out our zero-tolerance stance on bullying, harassment, and any behaviour that threatens the physical or emotional safety of our people. If you are unable to uphold these standards, you are not welcome at AR Studios.

2. SCOPE

This policy applies to everyone who works with AR Studios Ltd — including but not limited to:

  • Freelancers

  • Contractors

  • Employees

  • Talent and on-screen contributors

  • Executive producers, directors, and heads of department

  • Collaborators and partner organisations

  • Interns and trainees

  • Third-party vendors and crew

It applies on set, in the office, during development, in virtual spaces, over messaging platforms, and at all affiliated events.

3. OUR ZERO-TOLERANCE STANCE

We will not tolerate any form of:

  • Bullying — including intimidation, humiliation, shouting, exclusion, passive-aggressive remarks, or repeated undermining of others

  • Harassment — including sexual harassment, unwanted advances, inappropriate comments, or persistent attention

  • Discrimination — based on race, gender, disability, sexuality, religion, class, neurodiversity, appearance, or any protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010

  • Abuse of power — including senior figures creating hostile environments, gatekeeping, gaslighting, retaliation, or exploiting junior staff

  • Retaliation — against anyone who reports inappropriate behaviour or cooperates with an investigation

We do not tolerate “brilliant jerks.” Talent is never an excuse for cruelty.

4. DEFINITIONS

Bullying is unwanted behaviour that makes someone feel intimidated, degraded, humiliated, or offended. It can be obvious or subtle, direct or behind someone’s back.

Harassment is any unwanted physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct that violates someone’s dignity or creates a hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment.

Sexual Harassment includes but is not limited to:

  • Sexual jokes, remarks, or comments about appearance

  • Inappropriate physical contact or proximity

  • Unwanted flirting, messaging, or suggestions

  • Abuse of power to secure romantic or sexual attention

5. REPORTING AND CONFIDENTIALITY

We encourage immediate reporting of any concerns. You can report to:

  • The production manager or line producer (their contact information will be provided to all crew and cast members during pre-production)

  • A designated safeguarding officer (DSO) - this will usually be the production manager or line producer, and will be communicated to all cast and crew in pre-production.

  • If your concerns relates to the production manager or line producer, contact the company’s CEO (via this email info@arstudiosltd.com)

All reports will be:

  • Taken seriously

  • Investigated quickly and fairly

  • Kept confidential to the extent possible

Retaliation of any kind is grounds for immediate removal.

6. CONSEQUENCES FOR BREACHING THIS POLICY

AR Studios Ltd reserves the right to take any of the following actions, depending on the severity of the misconduct:

  • Immediate removal from set or production

  • Termination of employment or contract without notice

  • Blacklisting from future AR Studios projects

  • Reporting to agents, commissioners, and partner organisations

  • Referral to law enforcement if appropriate

  • Removal of screen credit or removal from awards submissions

No appeal will be offered to individuals found to have breached this policy. Our duty of care is to those harmed, not those who cause harm.

7. Reporting to Law Enforcement Authorities

AR Studios Ltd recognises that some instances of bullying, harassment, or misconduct may constitute criminal offences under UK law (e.g. sexual assault, physical assault, stalking, threats, or hate-motivated abuse).

  • Any individual who believes they have been subjected to criminal behaviour is strongly encouraged to report the matter directly to the police.

  • AR Studios Ltd will support any employee, freelancer, or third party who wishes to make a police report.

  • Where there is a serious safeguarding concern or risk to public safety, AR Studios Ltd reserves the right to report the matter directly to law enforcement, especially where a vulnerable person is at risk, or if the Company has statutory obligations to do so.

  • The Company’s internal grievance, mediation, or disciplinary procedures are not a substitute for police investigation or criminal proceedings, and individuals are not required to exhaust internal routes before seeking police involvement.

8. WHAT WE EXPECT FROM EVERYONE

Every contributor, regardless of seniority, is expected to:

  • Treat others with dignity and kindness

  • Maintain professional boundaries

  • Speak up if you see abuse or bullying

  • Co-operate fully with any investigation

Silence in the face of bullying is complicity. We protect whistleblowers and allies.

9. ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

We will provide:

  • Mental health resources and referrals

  • A named safeguarding contact for all productions

  • A brief anti-bullying briefing at the start of every shoot

  • Optional anonymous feedback channels

10. CLOSING STATEMENT

AR Studios is unapologetic about protecting it’s people. If your behaviour creates fear, humiliation, or harm, you will not work with us.