The Future of Vetting Artists in the Entertainment Industry: Balancing Creativity, Opportunity, Safety and Accountability
Introduction
The entertainment industry has always been one of the most influential parts of society. Artists have the ability to entertain, educate, challenge ideas, shape culture, and inspire millions of people around the world. From actors and musicians to dancers, comedians, presenters, influencers, and performers, artists often become public figures whose work reaches audiences of all ages.
However, as the entertainment industry continues to grow and change, a significant debate has emerged: should artists be more thoroughly vetted before being given major opportunities, and what should that process look like in the future?
The idea of vetting artists raises important questions. How can the industry protect performers, staff, audiences, and vulnerable individuals while still allowing creativity, freedom of expression, and new talent to develop? How can organisations make fair decisions without relying on rumours, personal opinions, or unfair judgement?
A future approach to artist vetting should aim to create a safer, more professional entertainment industry while recognising that every individual deserves fairness and the opportunity to grow.
What is artist vetting?
Artist vetting is the process of reviewing an artist’s professional background, conduct, experience, and suitability before they are offered certain opportunities or responsibilities.
Traditionally, the entertainment industry has often focused on an artist’s talent, popularity, appearance, marketability, and ability to attract an audience. While these qualities remain important, the modern industry is increasingly recognising that professionalism and behaviour are also essential.
Future vetting could include consideration of:
• Professional behaviour and respect towards colleagues.
• Ability to work safely within a team environment.
• Understanding of workplace boundaries.
• Treatment of assistants, crew members, junior performers, and other staff.
• Online behaviour and public responsibility.
• Suitability when working with children or vulnerable groups.
• Previous workplace concerns that have been properly investigated.
The purpose of vetting should not be to remove opportunities from people unnecessarily. Instead, it should help ensure that talent exists alongside responsibility.
Why is artist vetting becoming more important?
The entertainment industry has changed dramatically over recent decades. Social media has increased the influence of artists, allowing performers to communicate directly with millions of people. At the same time, productions have become larger, more international, and more complex.
With greater influence comes greater responsibility. Artists may have access to fans, young people, employees, and aspiring performers who may look up to them or depend on them professionally.
There is also a growing understanding that workplace culture matters. A successful production is not only measured by its final product but also by how people were treated while creating it.
A future industry must recognise that a safe and respectful environment allows creativity to flourish.
Where should artist vetting take place?
Film and television
Film and television productions involve many people working together under pressure. Actors, directors, producers, camera crews, assistants, and support staff all contribute to the final product.
Future vetting systems could help ensure that everyone involved understands professional expectations before filming begins. This may be especially important when productions involve children, young performers, intimate scenes, or vulnerable individuals.
Production companies could introduce stronger procedures to ensure that concerns are addressed early and that everyone understands their rights and responsibilities.
Music industry
The music industry presents unique challenges because artists often develop strong relationships with fans. Musicians may influence young audiences through their lyrics, online presence, performances, and public image.
Record labels, managers, and event organisers could consider professionalism alongside musical ability. An artist’s success should not depend only on popularity but also on their ability to maintain respectful relationships with others.
Theatre and live performance
Theatre companies and live performance organisations often work in environments where teamwork, trust, and communication are essential.
Future systems could include stronger professional standards, clearer reporting processes, and ongoing training to support both performers and backstage teams.
Online creators and influencers
The rise of online entertainment has created a new category of artist. Many influencers and content creators now have audiences comparable to traditional celebrities.
Because online creators may have direct access to young audiences, future discussions around vetting may need to include digital responsibility, advertising standards, and appropriate online behaviour.
How should artists be vetted?
A successful vetting system should be fair, transparent, and based on evidence rather than assumptions.
Professional references
One possible method is the use of professional references. Previous employers, directors, producers, and colleagues can provide information about an individual’s reliability, teamwork, and workplace conduct.
References should focus on professional behaviour rather than personal opinions or disagreements.
Safeguarding checks
Where artists work with children or vulnerable people, safeguarding checks should be considered an important part of the process.
The purpose of safeguarding is not to create barriers but to ensure that environments are safe and that appropriate protections are in place.
Codes of conduct
Every entertainment organisation should have a clear code of conduct that explains expected standards of behaviour.
This could include:
• Respectful communication.
• Appropriate professional boundaries.
• Zero tolerance for harassment or abuse.
• Equality and inclusion principles.
• Clear expectations for working relationships.
A code of conduct helps prevent misunderstandings because everyone understands the standards from the beginning.
Training and education
Future entertainment industries could make professional training a normal part of an artist’s career development.
Training could include:
• Workplace professionalism.
• Communication skills.
• Understanding power differences.
• Respect and inclusion.
• Safeguarding responsibilities.
• Managing disagreements appropriately.
This approach focuses on prevention rather than waiting until problems occur.
Independent reporting systems
One of the biggest challenges in entertainment has historically been that people may fear speaking out because they worry about losing opportunities.
A future system could include independent organisations where concerns can be reported safely and investigated properly.
These systems should protect those who raise genuine concerns while also ensuring that people accused of wrongdoing receive a fair process.
When should vetting happen?
Before employment or contracts
Vetting should begin before an artist starts a new role or project. Organisations should consider whether the person is suitable for the environment and whether any additional support or safeguards are needed.
Throughout an artist’s career
Vetting should not be viewed as a one-time event. Professional standards should continue throughout a person’s career.
An artist who becomes more successful may gain greater influence, financial power, and access to others. Continued responsibility should come with increased visibility.
When concerns are raised
When concerns are reported, they should be taken seriously and investigated properly.
However, fairness is essential. A future system should avoid ignoring genuine concerns, but it should also avoid making decisions based solely on rumours or online speculation.
The debate: Should all artists be vetted?
Arguments in favour of stronger vetting
Supporters argue that entertainment has a responsibility to protect everyone involved. They believe that fame and talent should not excuse harmful behaviour.
They argue that stronger vetting could:
• Create safer workplaces.
• Protect young and vulnerable people.
• Improve professional standards.
• Encourage trust between artists, companies, and audiences.
They believe that preventing problems is better than responding after harm has occurred.
Arguments against excessive vetting
Critics argue that vetting must not become unfair judgement. They believe that people should not lose opportunities because of unverified claims or mistakes from the past that have been addressed.
They argue that:
• Privacy should be respected.
• Evidence should always be required.
• People should have the ability to learn and change.
• Creativity should not be restricted by unnecessary rules.
The challenge is creating a system that protects people without creating unfair barriers.
A possible future model for the entertainment industry
A future entertainment industry could introduce a professional standard that applies to everyone, from new performers to established celebrities.
This could include a commitment to:
• Respect colleagues and audiences.
• Maintain professional boundaries.
• Follow safeguarding procedures.
• Complete appropriate training.
• Support inclusive and respectful workplaces.
• Participate in fair investigations when concerns arise.
This approach would create a culture where responsibility becomes part of success.
Conclusion
The future of artist vetting should not be about preventing talented people from succeeding. It should be about ensuring that success is achieved in a way that respects everyone involved.
The entertainment industry has the power to influence society, shape opinions, and inspire future generations. Because of this influence, artists and organisations have a responsibility to maintain high standards.
A fair, transparent, and balanced vetting system could help create an industry where creativity, opportunity, safety, and accountability exist together.
The goal should not be a perfect industry where problems never occur. The goal should be an industry that learns, improves, and creates a safer future for everyone who takes part.
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