Former 'The Amanda Show' Writer Wants SAG To 'Take Action' Amid 'Quiet On Set'

Former 'The Amanda Show' writer Jenny Kilgen, who worked on the sitcom during season one, wrote a letter to SAG President Francine Drescher regarding the recent allegations made in the 'Quiet On Set' docuseries.

Kilgen was one of the former Nickelodeon cast members who partook in the docuseries, accusing the network of illegally forcing her and another writer to share a salary as the only two female writers for 'The Amanda Show'.

Now, she is reaching out to The Screen Actors Guild to take action for child actors today and to provide resources for anyone who needs them.

In a letter addressed to SAG President Francine Drescher, the former 'The Amanda Show' writer asked: "that the Screen Actors Guild take action to initiate robust child safety protocols to protect young actors, both through the implementation of new SAG-AFTRA signatory agreement requirements and active support of appropriate state & federal legislation."

"It's my hope that this action will address, and help to dismantle, the current industry power dynamic which seemingly exists to protect the financial well-being of the studios & networks, often at the expense of the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of the children they employ -- a dynamic where predatory behavior is enabled, and parents are too often side-lined," the former writer continued.

Following Drake Bell's allegations against Brian Peck, the former writer says children "deserve working conditions free of predators."

"Imagine being a child, trying to navigate a world of adults in an environment where you are taught that pleasing those in power, personally entertaining them, and demonstrating compliance, is essential to the advancement of your career and how easily, in that dynamic, it is to get caught in the net of those with bad intentions," she stated in the letter. "Children deserve working conditions free of predators and the fear of retaliation and unfortunately, the essential structure to ensure that safety does not appear to exist."

As you may know, Drake Bell says he was a victim of s-xual assault at the hands of former voice instructor Brian Peck while they both worked for Nickelodeon.

'The Amanda Show' writer told SAG they "need to focus on the implementation of safeguards, such as mandatory background checks, appropriate training for adults, transparency of investigations & reporting policies, and free access to mental health providers throughout the employment cycle (and when necessary, after) to name a few."

"I hope that SAG-AFTRA, under your leadership, will consider forming a special task force with the express purpose of improving child safety and welfare in the industry," she continued. "The task force should include an extensive audit of current policies and practices, and their 'real world' effectiveness, and engage in community conversations to include child actors, their parents, and like-minded community activists.

Jenny Kilgen then concluded with, "As the union tasked with ensuring a safe work environment for actors, I leave this in your capable hands and look forward to hearing about your plans and initiatives. I truly appreciate your time and action in this incredibly crucial matter."

The Screen Actors Guild has not publicly commented on Jenny Kilgen's letter, but Nickelodeon released a statement after the docuseries aired.

Drake Bell, Alexa Nikolas, Kyle Sullivan, and Giovonnie Samuels, are some of the stars who participated in the docuseries and have accused the network, producers, and other cast members of abuse, assault, among other things.

"Though we cannot corroborate or negate allegations of behaviors from productions decades ago, Nickelodeon as a matter of policy investigates all formal complaints as part of our commitment to fostering a safe and professional workplace environment free of harassment or other kinds of inappropriate conduct," the network said.

Adding, “Our highest priorities are the well-being and best interests not just of our employees, casts and crew, but of all children, and we have adopted numerous safeguards over the years to help ensure we are living up to our own high standards and the expectations of our audience.”

'Quiet On Set: The Dark Side Of Kids TV' is streaming now on MAX.