Industry Entertainment co-founder Dan Spilo has been ousted by the company.
Spilo was dismissed from production of the film “Runner” after an HR investigation for inappropriate behavior that allegedly included bullying and yelling at crew, according to sources. He was sent home from the Queensland, Australia, set last week after the investigation.
The three remaining partners of Industry Entertainment provided a statement to Variety: “Industry Entertainment is committed to providing a safe and respectful working environment. We take very seriously the recent allegations of inappropriate conduct on the set of the film ‘Runner’ related to Dan Spilo, and are conducting a thorough investigation. The Industry partners requested that he step away from the company, and he has agreed to do so, effective immediately.”
The statement continues, “As a matter of policy and practice, Industry Entertainment has zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, or misconduct—no matter the individual’s position or tenure. Our commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment applies to everyone, without exception. We recognize our responsibility to foster a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of every individual.”
Both “Reacher” star Alan Ritchson and actor Kal Penn parted ways with Spilo as manager following the allegations.
“I take full responsibility for my actions and am stepping back from work to focus on my mental health. During production, I was warned I was having a nervous breakdown, but I kept pushing through, which was a mistake,” Spilo said in a statement provided to Variety. “My behavior was unacceptable and unrecognizable to me and while there’s no excuse, I’m committed to understanding and addressing the personal issues that led me here. For 25 years, I’ve dedicated myself to protecting, supporting, and guiding my clients and while I don’t expect forgiveness, I hope this moment doesn’t define the entirety of my career. I am now focused on healing and doing the work to be better.”
Spilo was serving as a producer in “Runner,” in which Ritchson co-stars with Owen Wilson, with Scott Waugh directing. The independent production is written by Tommy White and Miles Hubley from their 2023 Black List script.
Producers include Broken Road Productions’ Todd Garner, Nickel City Pictures’ Mark Fasano and A Higher Standard’s Jeffrey Greenstein. Executive producers are Lauren Gennawey for BrokenRoad and Matthew Goldberg for Nickel City.
In 2019, Spilo competed on “Survivor: Island of the Idols,” and was removed from the game after a female contestant and a crew member had accused him of inappropriate touching.
Spilo has producing credits on films including “Uglies,” “Seberg” and “Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj.”
The news of Spilo’s departure from Industry Entertainment was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
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