A few months ago, the documentary Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Child Fame premiered on Max, portraying the sexual, power, psychological, and gender abuses towards women and children who worked on the Nickelodeon sets in the late 90s and early 2000s. Directors Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz, along with their team, produced this documentary that immediately captures the viewer’s attention with heartbreaking testimonies and impeccable journalistic investigation.
The documentary accurately reconstructs the ordeal endured by those who worked for Dan Schneider, the successful yet accused producer of misogyny, pedophilia, racism, manipulation, and violence. Schneider, the creator of hit series like Drake and Josh, iCarly, Zoey 101, All That, and The Amanda Show, along with his main associates Brian Peck, Jason Handy, and Ezell Channel, faced accusations of lascivious acts towards children employed at Nickelodeon, leading to charges of various forms of abuse, mainly sexual.
However, as depicted in the documentary through the accounts of victims and their families, it was extremely challenging for these individuals to be convicted. They were backed by several figures in the television and film industry, creating an impenetrable protection network. Their cunning ability to appear kind, affectionate, intelligent, and fun in the presence of children, their parents, and other channel employees made many hesitant to recognize them as dangerous and abusive individuals, with some even fearing to testify against them due to potential consequences.
Many children and even adults who experienced the golden age of Nickelodeon from within felt proud as they financially supported their families and fulfilled a dream. However, speaking out against their employers or accomplices could mean losing everything they had built. In Quiet on Set, many parents shared how they lost the battle against these alleged abusers because pursuing them meant severing the bonds they had with their children.
The Child’s Exposure on TV vs. Online Display
The Dark Side of Fame is a hard-hitting documentary to watch, especially for those who grew up watching these series. The impact of the testimonies from individuals who were once young witnesses to the industry’s success at the cost of their exposure is both powerful and necessary for various reasons.
Firstly, it set a precedent in television worldwide. Dan’s productions were so ingrained in the system that the overwhelming fame and apparent luxury life portrayed by the child stars on red carpets and successful shows served as a facade to conceal the darkness behind the scenes. Today, thanks to the efforts of many individuals and organizations, precautions are taken when working with minors, allowing us to analyze old scenes and condemn them for being imprudent, sexist, or violent.
The second point to consider is the striking parallel between the current exposure of children on social media and 90s television. While people are horrified by cases like actor Drake Bell’s revelations about the abuse he suffered at the hands of Brian Peck, the consequences of child exposure still resonate deeply behind the screens.
Children Creating Adult Content
How often do we come across videos of children performing «skin care routines» on TikTok or Instagram? While this may not be comparable to the disturbing adult humor scenes projected by Nickelodeon involving children, it highlights the issue of minors engaging in content not suitable for their age.
The line between children’s television and adult entertainment is blurred, especially online where everything mixes. Many children and teenagers consume digital content and earn money through their phones under parental supervision. While some may argue for restricting teenagers from certain platforms, it’s evident that this isn’t a solution. Mechanisms to protect children’s human rights, especially those earning from their public image and voice, have been developed.
In conclusion, The Dark Side of Fame serves as a compelling example to continue working towards creating safe environments for children and adolescents, promoting open and conscious communication, teaching the importance of personal boundaries, staying informed, advocating for human rights, and if necessary, speaking up and taking legal action, even when faith in institutions may seem lost.
