Run of the Mill Productions (ROTM) is a mission ministry of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church (UALC), and as such participants are required to adhere to a code of conduct so as not to harm the reputation of UALC, or the Message we seek to communicate. Violation of this code of conduct may result in immediate dismissal, potentially at great expense to our effort, and potentially resulting in our withdrawal from the competition.
1. Honor and respect all individuals: No person shall denigrate or harass another based on personal preferences, religious preferences, ideology, or any other reason. While there may be reason to enforce discipline or assert authority by those in leadership, it shall be done in respectful ways, and subordinate individuals shall respect those in authority.
2. Maintain a “positive” witness: As representatives of ROTM, we want our reputation to be “famous” for good reasons, rather than bad. Hence, the following behavior will not be tolerated, and will be reason for warning or immediate dismissal at the discretion of the producer:
a. Consumption of alcohol or illegal substances. Alcohol or drugs are not permitted on set, and any person reporting to the set under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be dismissed immediately. Observed possession of illegal substances will be reported to the authorities. Minors under the influence will be reported to parents and/or authorities
b. Smoking or consumption of tobacco products. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on set or if there is no “smoking area” provided at the filming location. (The only exception is if smoking is required by an actor in the script.)
c. Public Display of Affection. At no time shall persons engage in romantic behavior while on the set (unless required by actors in the script). At no time shall persons “sneak away” for 1:1 “alone time” to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
d. Foul or offensive language. As a church production, there shall be no cursing, swearing or other “offensive” language used, especially in the presence of 3rd party hosts.
3. Be Where You’re Supposed to Be: All cast and crew are required to sign in with the Assistant Director (AD) or his cast manager appointee, and must sign out or alert the AD if leaving the set for any reason. If the director needs you we need to know where you are!
4. Safety First: The safety of cast and crew is paramount while on set. The following are grounds for dismissal:
a. No horseplay. Running, mock fighting, acrobatics or other physical activities that could lead to injury or equipment/facility damage are not allowed.
b. Safety equipment must be used. When required, all safety precautions must be taken regarding use of tools, gear, cables, electric, hot surfaces, etc.
c. Mandatory Safety Meeting. All cast and crew must attend the mandatory safety meeting for safety orientation.
d. Safety Police. The AD serves the role of Safety Officer. He or his appointee shall have authority to stop work until unsafe conditions or behaviors are corrected.
5. Child Safety: The following precautions are necessary to reduce the possibility (or appearance) of abuse:
a. For children under age 16, each child’s parent or guardian must be on set with child at all times. The parent or guardian will observe their child to assure the child’s safety.
b. Adult contact with minors must be supervised. At no time shall an unrelated adult spend unsupervised time on-set with a child actor. For children under 16, the parent shall supervise any official activity, e.g. coaching, makeup, etc. For teens 16-17, all contact with adults must be in the presence of other cast or crew members.
c. Off-set private contact by adults with minors without parental supervision is strictly forbidden.
6. Leave things better than you find them: Cast and crew shall be committed to keeping our set or remote location clean, and to protect the facilities that people will be donating to the effort:
a. No littering. (Pick up after yourself – and others)
b. Pad and protect surfaces. Use care when handling equipment or props
c. Treat equipment or props as if they were your own. Everything we use is borrowed from generous donors. Respect their property.
d. Ask Permission if using facilities not specifically designated as part of the set or waiting area
e. Thank Profusely. Show appreciation to people who have contributed food, locations and supplies.
7. Dispute Resolution: We may not always agree, but there are better ways than others to resolve disputes. We agree to follow the Biblical (Matt 18:15-18) model for dispute resolution:
a. Privately: If you take offense at something someone says or does, take the person aside and seek to clarify the situation. Listen to the person and pray for understanding.
b. Bring in a witness: If the matter is not resolved, bring in one trusted mutual friend or company member who can help mediate.
c. Take it to an authority: If the matter is still unresolved, take it first to your department manager, or the AD, Director, Project Manager or Producer. Remember: The producer has the ultimate authority on the set, and decisions are final. In his absence the Project Manager/Executive Producer has the same authority, and in absence of both the Director has the final authority.
8. Pray: While realizing that not all participants may be so inclined, for those who are, please come to the set “prayed up,” and during the day, pray for actors, technicians, the directors, and everyone to be able to see clearly what God wants us to put on tape. Then stand back and expect miracles to happen!