Code of Conduct

Top of the South Filmmakers Incorporated - Last Updated November 2020

It is the vision of the Top of the South Filmmakers (TSF) to establish a collective of passionate filmmakers pushing the boundaries of creative collaborations and employment opportunities for Filmmakers in the Top of the South. In order to further this vision TSF must ensure that all members are safeguarded by our Code of Conduct. We have set a foundational policy that outlines what are acceptable and unacceptable standards of behaviour within our Top of the South Filmmakers Society.

Society Members Code of Ethics

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every individual as a human being

Treat everyone equally regardless of sex, disability, ethnic origin or religion.
Respect the talent, developmental stage and goals of a creative member in order to connect and support filmmaking creatives to reach their full potential.

2. Maintain high standards of integrity

Operate within the rules of this code of conduct.
Display high standards in your language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation.
Display control, courtesy, respect, honesty, dignity and professionalism to all involved within the sphere of filmmaking.
Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions.
Refrain from criticism of other members and filmmakers. If you wish to criticize other members and filmmakers, practice constructive non-damaging criticism at all times.

3. Make a commitment to providing a quality service to this society

Seek continual improvement through ongoing education, and other personal and professional development opportunities.
Seek advice and assistance from professionals when additional expertise is required.

4. Maintain a professional level of communication within the society

Members must accept committee or majority decisions and go through the appropriate channels of objection if disagreeing. That does not include excessive lobbying of committee or collective members in private, undermining decisions made in public with consultation. Social media is an inappropriate platform for airing personal grievances. If those objections are overruled by the committee, the decision should be accepted. We are a democratic society.
Negative communication attempting to coerce or persuade people into a desired outcome is not part of the culture of our group, so resist the temptation to send negative or abusive comments to members who disagree with you. It is a form of bullying.
Slander of others in the group, particularly those in positions of authority will not be tolerated, neither will attempting to persuade others to join in that slander or ‘gang up’ on others. This is toxic and divisive behaviour.

The process with breaches of the Society’s Rules & Code of Conduct

The complaint must be in writing, addressed to the TSF Secretary and be received within a week following the alleged incident. The complaint must be in writing, addressed to the TSF Administrator and be received within a month following the alleged incident.
The Executive Committee will consider the alleged breach and all of the information available. The Executive Committee will convene within a fortnight of the complaint being lodged. All necessary parties will be advised of the decision verbally and in writing within three weeks of the complaint.
The Executive Committee will set a date, time and venue for a hearing if it deems a hearing is necessary. The Executive Committee will consult the claimant and defendant of a date, time and venue hearing if it deems a hearing is necessary.
The Executive committee will establish appropriate penalties for breaches, eg: stand down from the Society for a certain length of time, or termination of membership.

Termination of Membership

Termination of membership can be effected in terms of the rules of the Society.
Any Member wishing to resign must advise the TSF Administrator by written notice or email.