VFSSA Safety Principles

Purpose
The Vertical Film & Short Series Alliance (VFSSA) exists to support the professionalization of vertical microdrama productions. The principles below outline the baseline safety expectations we encourage across all sets. VFSSA is not a regulatory or enforcing body, but we believe clear norms help protect both crews and productions.
*Industry Guidance - Not Enforcement

VFSSA Safety Principles

  1. Duty of Care
    Every production has a responsibility to provide a safe working environment for cast and crew. No schedule, budget, or creative pressure should override basic safety.

  2. Proper Insurance & Permits
    Productions should carry appropriate production insurance and obtain all required permits for the location and jurisdiction in which they are filming.

  3. Clear Accountability on Set
    There should be a clearly identified producer or production lead responsible for safety decisions and emergency response.

  4. Emergency Preparedness
    Productions should have a basic emergency plan in place, including:

    • Emergency contacts

    • Access to emergency and first aid

    • Clear procedures if someone is injured

  5. Transparent Communication
    Every shoot day should begin with an all-staff  “safety meeting”.     Cast and crew should be informed of:

    • Working conditions

    • Physical risks

    • Location-specific hazards

    • Whom to speak to if something feels unsafe

  6. Right to Speak Up
    Cast and crew should be able to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation or blacklisting.

  7. Respect for Professional Standards
    Vertical production is a legitimate and growing sector of the industry and should meet the same basic safety and professionalism expectations as any other screen production.

VFSSA’s Role:
VFSSA does not investigate incidents or adjudicate disputes. Our role is education, advocacy, and supporting the adoption of better standards across the industry.