Code of Conduct

Top of the South Filmmakers Incorporated - Last Updated November 2023

The vision of Top of the South Filmmakers (TSF) is to establish a collective of passionate filmmakers who push the boundaries of creative collaborations.

To further this vision, TSF must ensure that our Code of Conduct safeguards all members. We have established a foundational policy that outlines the acceptable and unacceptable standards of behaviour within Top of the South Filmmakers Inc.

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 to connect with and support filmmaking creatives in reaching 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.
  • Show control, courtesy, respect, honesty, dignity, and professionalism to all involved in 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, always practice constructive, non-damaging criticism.

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 they disagree. That does not include excessive lobbying of committees or collective members in private, undermining decisions made in public with consultation. Social media is an inappropriate platform for airing personal grievances. If the committee overrules those objections, 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 harmful 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 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 available information. It will convene within a fortnight of the complaint being lodged. Within three weeks of the protest, all necessary parties will be advised of the decision verbally and in writing.
  • If necessary, the Executive Committee will set a hearing date, time, and venue and consult the claimant and defendant.
  • The Executive Committee will establish appropriate penalties for breaches, such as a certain length of time off from the Society 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.