How to Make Hollywood (and America) More Humane

During my doctoral studies at the University of Southern California (USC), I witnessed firsthand the toxicity prevalent on Hollywood sets. One incident, among many, occurred during a late-night shoot at Warner Brothers, reflecting the long hours, frustrations, and, at times, toxic work culture. This experience, along with others shared by individuals within the industry, highlights the urgent need for change.

The Toxic Culture:

People in Hollywood, despite their good intentions, often find themselves accepting a toxic culture to pursue their artistic endeavors. The industry’s mindset, described as the “mindwarp” by the author, often tolerates bullying behavior if it contributes to successful art, creating a barrier to reform.

Proposed Solutions:

1. Incorporate Proven Research Practices:
   • Implement training programs that focus on humane communication and people-management practices. This should include emotional intelligence, feedback mechanisms, stress management, and support for colleagues.
2. Invest in Research:
   • Conduct comprehensive research on Hollywood’s behaviors and practices, both on set and in offices. This data can inform decisions, shedding light on the correlation between working conditions and project success.
3. Emulate Empathy On and Off-Screen:
   • Recognize Hollywood’s significant impact on societal thoughts and behaviors. Align on-screen content with positive values, reducing narcissistic portrayals, and promoting inclusivity to counteract negative social phenomena.

Overcoming Barriers:

The prevailing belief that the “ends justify the means” hinders reform. Hollywood must reject this mindset and actively work toward creating healthier workplace environments, fostering professional communication, emotional intelligence, and reasonable working hours.

Social Responsibility:

Hollywood, as a powerful influencer, bears a responsibility to address real-world issues stemming from its portrayals. Initiatives like entertainment education, which trains storytellers in prosocial methods, can contribute to reducing dehumanization both on and off-screen.

Conclusion:

While challenges exist, Carpenter remains optimistic that Hollywood can lead in creating better conditions for its workforce and, by extension, contribute to making America a more humane place. The proposed solutions, if embraced with determination, can pave the way for transformative change within the industry.