I’m proud to have renewed my First Option Risk Management of Productions certification yesterday. I’ve been reflecting on just how critical robust safety protocols are in our industry. Film sets are thrilling places, but behind the glamour and creativity lurk real dangers. From tangled cables and heavy equipment to pyrotechnics and high-speed stunts, the risks are ever-present-and history shows us the consequences when safety is sidelined.

Some of the most infamous incidents in film history are tragic reminders. In 1993, Brandon Lee was accidentally shot and killed on the set of The Crow due to a mishandled prop gun-an event that shocked Hollywood and exposed severe lapses in safety procedures. Nearly three decades later, a similar tragedy struck the set of Rust in 2021, when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by a live round fired from a prop gun, sparking renewed debate about the use of real firearms on set and the importance of rigorous safety oversight.

Even less spectacular accidents can have devastating effects. On the set of The Unforgiven (1960), Audrey Hepburn was thrown from a horse, suffering broken vertebrae and a miscarriage. Stuntmen, camera operators, and even directors have lost their lives or suffered serious injuries in falls, vehicle crashes, and pyrotechnic mishaps throughout film history.

These incidents are stark reminders that safety is not a box-ticking exercise-it’s a culture that must be lived every day on set. Every cable secured, every prop checked, and every stunt rehearsed with care is a step towards preventing the next tragedy. As I celebrate my certification, I’m committed to keeping the drama on screen and ensuring everyone goes home safe. Let’s learn from the past and make safety the star of every production.

#FilmProduction #SetSafety #Certification #FilmIndustry #SafetyFirst

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