No Sidestepping Safety

With the increase of COVID vaccinations, the relaxing of masks, etc., many safety protocols have been set aside… This doesn’t mean that infectious transmissions and unsafe conditions are not still a threat.

Here are some practices to help everyone stay safe during work…

• Rental and other production vehicles should have prior disinfection and/or the air filters changed before driving cast and crew..
• Vehicle should still wear masks or open the windows when driving crew, cast and others.
• Vehicle drivers should open the windows for fresh air in the vehicle.
• Hand sanitizers AND PPE should be readily available to the crew and cast.
• Supervisors should be alerted when someone says their flu-like signs are “just allergies.”
• Precautions should still be taken for everyone who displays COVID or flu-like symptoms.
• Place hand sanitizer at all water coolers and drink/hydration stations.
• Have individual meals instead of communal food buffets.
• — Other practices are covered in the Health Safety Compliance Officer certification course.

Halyna Hutchins – Weapons Tragedy

This respected and talented cinematographer lost her life, career, dreams, family and future on October 21, 2021 while working on the set of the film, Rust, when she and the director were both shot by what the Sheriff described as a “projectile” from a prop gun. Though the director survived his wounds, the family of this member of our film community will now be remembered through memories, videos, photos, the warmth of her family and through her work. This was avoidable!
While an investigation is ongoing, it does no good to point fingers and speculate – instead do several things:

• Work to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again – on any production,
• Advocate for safety, in all areas of production,
• If you see something, SAY SOMETHING… even if you get frowned on, or told not to say anything,
• Follow the protocols, they exist for a reason.
• Donate to help the family of Halyna Hutchins on the International Cinematographers Guild Local 600 link below:

GoFundMe for Halyna’s family (NOTE: The fund has closed)