Safety First.
Those two words should be on everyone’s mind and lips as you go into ANY TYPE of shoot. Last week, a second AC Sarah Elizabeth Jones, lost her life when shooting on set in Georgia in the States. She was a 27 year old union member, and for all accounts, it appeared to have all the makings of a safe shoot. Unfortunately mixed signals, and schedules resulted in a third train, when two trains were expected. This third train was the undoing of this young professional.
Image courtesty of ‘we have embarked’. RIP Sarah Jones
Safety first. It’s the number one thing that should go through anyone’s mind when shooting a feature film, to filming talking head interviews in a boardroom. Did you indicate the tripping hazards of your tripod? Did you caution the talent into the areas where they could safely walk? Did you secure the camera on the jib securely? There are an infinite amount of things that could go wrong, and result in an injury, or potentially a fatality. It’s obvious to state this, but no one wants this. Working unusually long hours, lapses in paperwork, permits, securing of gear, warning, gaffing, neglecting to sandbag all could contribute to someone getting hurt on your watch. Always have this at the forefront of your mind when shooting. Safety First. ALWAYS!
There’s a specific page running on Facebook called Slates for Sarah which I encourage you all to visit and like.
Here’s a link to Variety magazine’s web article as well.
