Inductions on Set: Legal Requirement or Secret Superpower?

When I started in the screen industry back in the ‘90s, inductions weren’t a thing. You rocked up, someone pointed vaguely in the direction of where you needed to be, and you just… got on with it. The first time I encountered anything resembling an induction was in the late 2010s, when I was handed a sheaf of impenetrable paperwork that screamed ‘arse covering’.

But here’s the thing: inductions aren’t just a corporate box-ticking exercise - they’re a legal obligation for employers.

The Legal Bit?

Under the Australian WHS Act 2011, every production has to provide a proper induction. It’s the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) - which, in most cases, means the employer-who’s responsible for making sure this happens.

What an Induction Should Cover:

?? Site-specific hazards (because falling over a C-stand is never a good look)

?? Safety procedures (so we all make it home in one piece)

?? Emergency protocols (yes - even for office staff)

?? Workplace policies (which, ideally, should be more than ‘don’t be a d*ck’)

And if you’re thinking, “Ah, we’ll just have a quick chat and call it an induction,” the Victorian government strongly disagrees, stating:

?? "Induction should be much more than having a chat with your supervisor, completing a few forms and being introduced to your workmates."

Because, let’s be real, that’s not an induction - that’s just a slightly awkward first day.

Why Bother??

The three biggest benefits of proper inductions for screen productions:

?? We’re freelancers who come together for a short time – Unlike corporate jobs, we don’t have months to settle in. We need to hit the ground running, know what’s expected, and work seamlessly as a team from day one.

? You’ll decrease workplace conflict – A good induction helps prevent drama (the bad kind). It sets clear expectations, reduces miscommunication, and if bad behaviour does crop up, at least you’re on solid legal footing.

?? A happy crew = a happy you - When people feel valued and respected, they work better. No one wants to be on a set where people are confused, stressed, or unsure of how things operate. Inductions make a real difference to morale and productivity.

So, What Does a Good Induction Actually Look Like?

Beyond just signing papers no one reads (because let’s be honest, they won’t), here’s how you can do it properly:

?? Create a welcome pack – Include key info plus a vision for the show. Why are we making this? What’s amazing about this? What do we want to achieve? Give people a sense of purpose!

?? A short video message from the producer or director – This sets the vibe. It could be serious, fun, or just a warm welcome - but it helps establish a culture from the get-go.

?? A quick training session – Cover the important stuff: company culture, on-set processes, legal must-knows. You don’t have to bore people to death - keep it short and relevant.

Who runs it? The producer can do it for the whole crew, or a senior team member can be given the time and responsibility to do it in small groups. Or, if you’d rather not deal with it, you can outsource it (??). Even a few short pre-recorded videos can do the job.

Final Thought: If You’ve Got to Do It, Do It Right

Look, it’s a legal requirement - so you have to do it. But if you’re going to do it, why not make it work for you? A good induction can set the right tone, make people feel valued, and even improve the quality of what we make.

So, next time you’re pulling a team together, don’t just hand them a pile of paperwork and hope for the best. Make your induction count.

Best induction experience? Or worst? Let’s hear your stories! ??

If you’d like to talk to Screen Careers about running your next production’s induction program get in touch here https://screencareers.com.au/contact/

#ScreenIndustry #CrewTraining #FilmProduction #InductionsMatter