News

March 23, 2021

Terminology Reform Initiative

In observance of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21, 2021, we are launching a joint initiative to unite industry partners in enacting change on certain key issues that affect us all.

The entertainment sector, like many others, is grappling with questions of how to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We have a unique dual responsibility to do so, as an industry both highly visible to the public, and bearing the power to shape the public’s perceptions.

The attached Terminology Reform bulletin was created by a NABET 700-M UNIFOR Permittee who saw an opportunity for change from within their own ranks. This bulletin highlights terminology used regularly on set primarily in the Grip and Lighting Departments, terms that should be immediately removed from set vocabulary due to their discriminatory origins and/or implications.

We hope that by identifying terms that are currently being used without awareness of their impact and message they send, and by sharing the origins of these terms, crews can move onto language that promotes open and inclusive workplaces.

The issues of our society at large will not be resolved by any one grand action but rather they will be gradually improved by a series of many small steps; the language that we choose to use on set is something that every one of us has direct control over and can be our contribution to progress. We would like to ask that you please help support this initiative of raising awareness and igniting change through discussion and action.

Thank you to the following organizations that are in support of and/or have committed to this Terminology Reform initiative:

- Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television
- ACTRA
- ACTRA Toronto
- AFC
- BIPOC Tv & Film
- Canadian Society of Cinematographers
- Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology
- CMPA
- College of Makeup Art & Design
- Directors Guild of Canada
- Directors Guild of Canada Ontario
- Documentary Organization of Canada
- Entertainment Partners
- FilmOntario
- Canadian Actors' Equity Association
- IATSE 671
- IATSE 667
- IATSE 873
- ImagiNATIVE
- Independent Media Producers Association of Creative Talent (IMPACT)
- Indigenous Screen Office
- Institute of Communication Agencies
- MBS Equipment Co. Canada
- Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival
- Stratagem Studios Inc.
- William F. White International Inc.

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