tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post4805102822793960361..comments2024-03-16T02:45:07.927-07:00Comments on Dollygrippery: SarahDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08466991423411721535noreply@blogger.comBlogger85125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-74927865334887435432015-12-23T09:11:40.830-08:002015-12-23T09:11:40.830-08:00fado facebook shopping Services worldwide. fast, ...<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fado.vn" rel="nofollow">fado facebook</a> shopping Services worldwide. fast, reliable, reputation, low costAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04126478673123264641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-22594955672610481442014-04-23T23:27:11.807-07:002014-04-23T23:27:11.807-07:00As a DP I stil have to wonder what was the DP'...As a DP I stil have to wonder what was the DP's responsibility in this tragedy? I know from experience, a DP can stop a dangerous shot. It can come with some risk. I once refused to do a shot that wasn't properly safetied while the director threw a tantrum. They let me go the next week. But I have no regrets. So I have to wonder, what was the DP's position? <br /><br />I know it won't help alleviate any of the suffering but perhaps others can understand the protocol and what's expected of them when this situation arises again.Tim Naylor - IATSE Local 600http://www.timnaylor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-73640459045693850722014-02-27T16:50:57.365-08:002014-02-27T16:50:57.365-08:00DougR -
Bingo. The problem is, psychologically sp...DougR -<br /><br />Bingo. The problem is, psychologically speaking, an actual accident and its consequences has 100% psychological impact on decision makers going forward. They see it, they feel it, they experience the horror and the consequences.<br /><br />On the other hand a theoretical, potential accident which is avoided and never comes to pass has like 0.0001% psychological impact. You can't touch it, see it, feel it. This is unavoidable human nature.<br /><br />This is why the public cries 'never again' when something terrible happens and something is THEN done to prevent it happening again. But the guy who pointed out before the fact what could happen and how to avoid it, is roundly ignored.<br /><br />We all saw it in the wake of 9/11. The terrorists had free access to the cockpit, now cockpits are secured. A guy tried to use a shoe bomb on a plane, now we have to take our shoes off in the airport. A guy tried to use a liquid bomb, so no more liquids through security. All fixes AFTER the fact. I'd actually have been impressed if these measures were taken BEFORE they were needed.<br /><br />Similarly the 2008 financial crisis. Congress heard plenty of testimony in the years running up to it that this could happen, but they chose not to act. Again, hard to grasp a theoretical disaster. Once it happened, of course... 'NEVER AGAIN!' and all kinds of laws got passed.<br /><br />So unless there are serious, real consequences for those responsible for Sarah Jones' death, real consequences that producers see and feel and think 'shit I don't want that to ever happen to me', nothing will change.<br /><br />Here's hoping....<br /><br />ProductionGuynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-83170505387134341512014-02-27T10:17:53.243-08:002014-02-27T10:17:53.243-08:00Production Guy says it well, why safety concerns n...Production Guy says it well, why safety concerns need to start with producers and the production office. It'll be pretty easy, I think, to establish with pinpoint accuracy who lied, who misrepresented, who said "we need to get the shot, permission be damned." Everybody on the production is going to roll right over on those people, and they should. But contributing to Sarah's situation is everyone in Production who ever said, "let's not hire so-and-so on this picture, he/she's a wuss about that 'safety' BS" or "XYZ Picture lost a day because that asshole raised safety concerns, include him OUT." THAT'S the culture that needs to change, and the best way to start changing it is hang the guilty parties up in criminal charges and lawsuits out the kazootie, make sure there's jail time for everyone culpable, and ensure that people feel PERSONALLY responsible when their carelessness causes these accidents. People who raise safety issues on-set ought to be sought after (other things being equal) rather than blacklisted, and the best way to do that is to A) have the entire crew behind whistleblowers and B) make damn sure to put the fear of God into anyone who slights safety to save a buck. Disclaimer, I'm making a lot of assumptions here that have yet to be proven, true; but Sarah's death, in my opinion, demands a cultural change starting at the top. dougRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12067790939021206257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-40039564996623002632014-02-27T09:45:08.522-08:002014-02-27T09:45:08.522-08:00Darryly~Boo. Thank you for your words. Thoughts o...Darryly~Boo. Thank you for your words. Thoughts of trailer parks past, when we were still young & eager. I want to share more thoughts here, when the spinning slows down. Until then, to you & ALL OF OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS across the planet... MUCHO love & good thoughts are coming your way. Con MUCHO Amor, MIS HERMANOS! <3 XOXO Amanda Z zenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17094945976589192914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-40496541453354154522014-02-27T07:56:05.866-08:002014-02-27T07:56:05.866-08:00All true words, dollygrippery.
But here's the...All true words, dollygrippery.<br /><br />But here's the inherent problem in real production life. By nature, the vast majority of people do not believe in the worst case scenario until it actually happens. I could quote many scientific studies that back this up, but let's take this as read for this discussion.<br /><br />Let's say someone on that set - the 1AD, the UPM, the key grip, whoever - had put his/her foot down and refused to allow that scene to be shot unless proper permits and safety procedures were put in place. Let's even assume that the crew backed him/her up and refused to step onto the tracks (which, as we all know from experience, could easily have gone either way - a lot of younger crew have a tendency to dig this kind of guerilla shit).<br /><br />So the shot didn't happen. Nobody died, nobody was hurt.<br /><br />And our hero 1AD/UPM/KG/whoever has just ensured that his/her reputation forever more in the eyes of producers is that of an overly-cautious whining troublemaker.<br /><br />Do that a few times to a few producers, and your hireability has just nosedived to zero.<br /><br />Because the unfortunate truth, as you identified, is that 99 times out of 100, that risky shot was pulled off with no harm and no foul.<br /><br />It's a classic Kobiyashi Maru for safety-conscious department heads - the classic no win scenario.<br /><br />Make a noise, avoid a POSSIBLE accident, and quickly become 'that guy' who nobody wants to hire.<br /><br />Or keep silent, and know that sooner or later, statistically, you're going to be 'that guy' who let someone get killed.<br /><br />The ONLY possible solution for this is CREW UNITY.<br /><br />If ANYONE, from dept head to PA, has a concern about safety on set, EVERY crewmember BY DEFAULT has to back that concern and down tools until it's resolved.<br /><br />No matter how crazy, no matter how unlikely the scenario may be, EVERYONE has to get into this default mode of: if one of us is concerned, we're all concerned.<br /><br />It's a lot easier for a 1AD to speak up if EVERY SINGLE crewmember is behind him/her because then it doesn't look like one grumpy 1AD being a pain in the ass.<br /><br />We've been working for years to get 12 on 12 off the standard in our business. That hasn't happened yet.<br /><br />But maybe we can all get to this point:<br /><br />Safety: one for all and all for one. Period.<br /><br />If one crewmember has a concern, we ALL do. Regardless of whether we agree with that concern or think it's stupid or far-fetched.<br /><br />No questions, no personal opinions, no debate.<br /><br />Safety: one for all and all for one. Period.ProductionGuynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-68390815258387104412014-02-26T13:17:47.423-08:002014-02-26T13:17:47.423-08:00First and foremost, I am a mother/wife/daughter/si...First and foremost, I am a mother/wife/daughter/sister. And as such I send my deepest condolences and prayers to Sarah's family and friends who must be experiencing pain unimaginable. It is, however, my way to find the positive in all situations. While all our hearts are broken over what happened to Sarah Elizabeth Jones, I want to say I am deeply moved by the gift she has left behind for all of us. She has reminded us that we are a family. From all across the world, from South Africa to Argentina, to across Europe and Asia and throughout the United States, we have been reminded that we, in this strange and brutal and wonderful and amazing business called the film industry, we are one. We are a worldwide family. And the loss of Sarah has broken our family's hearts. There will definitely be time for recriminations and judgment, time to improve things that can be made better ... but now is a time to bless Sarah and hold hands and remember today and every day that we are in this together. That the grip in Argentina, the set dresser in Ireland, the Camera Assistant in South Africa, the Production Supervisor in Atlanta, the Line Producer in London, the Office PA in New Orleans ... we are all part of the same family. We are bound together through love and mutual respect. Let us never forget that. Let us never forget Sarah. As part of not forgetting her, I want to say that many, many of us in positions where we are responsible for the well being of the crew, have always, and will always make that our number one responsibility. We do not take that responsibility lightly. We do not cut corners. And we will say no on their behalf. We do take all necessary precautions to ensure that everyone goes home to their friends and family at the end of the day. We care. To that end, I encourage anyone who is reading this chain and is willing to continue that commitment to type your names in and re-share this message.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01412560603543085399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-34912655070310215672014-02-26T07:30:26.912-08:002014-02-26T07:30:26.912-08:00Hey "Anonymous 6:43 PM" I got something ...Hey "Anonymous 6:43 PM" I got something for ya'. "It's kinda hard to understand a tragedy these days. How do I NOT instinctively get the picture after so many loud, moving comments like these? There has to be a certain amount of disappointment in my personal life here. What can I say? I'm an ignorant asshole who has the ol' "who gives a shit about life we're all dying anyway" attitude, I want attention! Sounds like I have nothing better to do than to stick my big fat face where it doesn't belong. They should know that I'm completely inconsiderate these days, heck everyday!"<br /><br />Sweetie, you know that image of the train you have in your head? You know the one that people play "chicken" on thats in the middle of the street and you can just run across really quick? Yea, that's not real. Really Big Trains go on Really Big Bridges and they go WOOT WOOT. You see, people like Sarah go on these dangerous bridges to get a shot (what you see on the tv) so that you feel like your really there! I know, "cooooolll" but thats not real life. You want details?? Not every train is identical, dick. Sounds like someone just tuning in on the story who has no clue what people do to make the movies and TV shows you loose yourself in because of your sad sad little life. Go back to looking in the mirror, im sure thats the only person happy to see you. Hey Sarah, just laugh this one off.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-15606040929000707352014-02-26T00:46:52.406-08:002014-02-26T00:46:52.406-08:00Thank you for the beautiful post...I found my way ...Thank you for the beautiful post...I found my way here and then to Slates For Sarah. Seeing the outpouring of support from our brothers and sisters in the business has been so heartwarming. I was brought to tears many times today.<br /><br />I didn't know Sarah -- I'm from the "stepchild" branch of the industry (reality TV) -- but she sounds exactly like so many AC's, AP's, PA's and A2's I've known. The young ones on set who hump gear and hustle but who always have a smile because they are working their way up in a business they love.<br /><br />I find it astounding that an accident like this could happen on a scripted project -- one that has unions, AD's and key grips all there keeping the safety of the crew in mind. In reality TV we have none of the above. We also don't have medical crews on location, turnaround, overtime, drivers, AD's or many of the other aspects that scripted has. However, we all, whether working in scripted or unscripted, need to get better about speaking up for our own safety. 2 years ago I almost died in a boat accident while shooting a History Channel show. I am only just now recovered from spine and shoulder surgery, and have returned to work to find that nothing has changed in my absence. The same negligence and ignorance is there. The only difference is I can no longer pretend not to see it and I speak up now for those who don't or can't. But it's not enough.<br /><br />I truly hope that this accident creates the groundswell needed for some serious changes in our business.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-32318721242808039092014-02-25T20:21:35.496-08:002014-02-25T20:21:35.496-08:00I'd just like to second what another poster me...I'd just like to second what another poster mentioned. I don't want to make make a memorial post into Issue Time, but as long as we're all asking "what went wrong"- it is absolutely true that as female crewmembers, especially young ones, we feel less able to speak up about safety concerns because we may be labeled "afraid" or unable to deal with tough conditions on set. Also, if we do speak up, our concerns are often disregarded. I don't know what happened on those tracks- very few of us do- but if we want to protect our crew, we need to make sure that everyone has an equal voice in safety concerns.Raenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-25044295825615866012014-02-25T10:50:16.758-08:002014-02-25T10:50:16.758-08:00D
most recent Varity report has stated along with...D<br /><br />most recent Varity report has stated along with the local Sheriffs Dept. that OSHA, NTSB, 600, & 491 are investigating as well. It also stated that investigators found emails between CSX and the locations manager that CSX denied the request to shoot on the track.<br /><br />http://variety.com/2014/film/news/midnight-rider-fatality-sherrif-report-says-csx-denied-permission-for-shooting-1201119180/Niallnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-67092240594477367532014-02-25T08:03:55.342-08:002014-02-25T08:03:55.342-08:00Very Sad. I was an aspiring female AC in my early...Very Sad. I was an aspiring female AC in my early twenties, and if I was lucky enough to have the job, I did whatever I could to stand out and earn stock with my crew. My last gig was with my mentor who had 20+ years experience, and he told me that by the end of it I would either be the best AC around or I would want to quit the business. During my short time in the film business I was never confronted with such a dangerous situation, but I would hope that in such a case my dept. head would stand up for our safety. I so much appreciate the notion that the older crew members should take a stand in these types of situations. I can remember a few instances where folks took a stand, but it was often a hard choice to make since their livelihood depended on it. My prayers and thoughts go out to Sarah and her friends and family. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-21094856088691106732014-02-25T05:28:25.808-08:002014-02-25T05:28:25.808-08:00Yes, although there has been some talk that since ...Yes, although there has been some talk that since it was a "splinter unit" that they weren't actually supposed to be shooting yet that the union wasn't involved yet. Don't know for sure, just what I've heard.Techs were under local 491 of the Carolinas.Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08466991423411721535noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-53039532361006344702014-02-25T02:47:48.293-08:002014-02-25T02:47:48.293-08:00I worked with Sarah last year on the pilot Line Of...I worked with Sarah last year on the pilot Line Of Sight. She was so wonderful. It was a hectic job but she always had a smile on her face and was a joy to work with. This is such a terrible thing to have happened. I have heard of too many accidents that could have been avoided happening latley. <br />God bless her.<br />David Morrisseynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-29192156309115288512014-02-25T01:21:16.263-08:002014-02-25T01:21:16.263-08:00Sorry if this seems obvious to those close to the ...Sorry if this seems obvious to those close to the situation, for the rest of us, was this a union job? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-5910410168962610552014-02-25T01:06:17.248-08:002014-02-25T01:06:17.248-08:00So sorry to hear this news, any life that is lost ...So sorry to hear this news, any life that is lost is tragic. I have read on other forums that Mr X?? should have been responsible, whilst other say the Mr Y?? has the duty of crew care. Not sure if this is a crew title, but a "Safety Officer" should be appointed on all film sets. If any extra safety measures can result from this tragedy then her life will not have been in vain.Vincent Oliverhttp://www.photo-i.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-31645732449947436022014-02-24T20:31:09.889-08:002014-02-24T20:31:09.889-08:00P.S. If anyone knows who the other injured crew m...P.S. If anyone knows who the other injured crew members were, I'd appreciate hearing. I just looked over the show's crew listings on IMDB and it turns out I worked with the Sound Mixer a number of times in the 90's.Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648438549121320566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-13378600157940167132014-02-24T19:59:38.901-08:002014-02-24T19:59:38.901-08:00More than anything, I'm angry about this. I&#...More than anything, I'm angry about this. I'll withhold judgement until more facts come out about <i>who</i> I'm angry with. Ultimately, someone should be prosecuted for criminal negligence for this, if not some other charge.<br /><br />Even before I saw the news today that there was no permit to be on the tracks, I was certain that would be the case. I"ve done a fair amount of train work and CSX has an almost blanket policy against making their property available for filming. The one time I was able to secure a location on CSX property, it was because someone in the MN Governor's Office had stepped in on our behalf.<br /><br />Once we got permission to operate a train on their tracks, they <i>closed</i> the line to traffic for the entire day we were there <i>and</i> they had 4 representatives on site who radioed in to their dispatcher every time our train moved --- on a <i>closed</i> track.<br /><br />I don't know who lied or withheld information or just plain bullied people into accepting this mind-numbingly dangerous situation, but somebody did. And they're culpable.<br /><br />You're absolutely right, D...saying NO when its warranted is a responsibility. I've never been fired for it, but I suspect there are people who haven't hired me a second time because of it. I can live with that. Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648438549121320566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-29353566179862372222014-02-24T19:57:31.261-08:002014-02-24T19:57:31.261-08:00Sympathies to Sarah and her family.
As to blame, p...Sympathies to Sarah and her family.<br />As to blame, permissions, etc, be careful about assumptions: "According to Det. Joe Gardner of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Unclaimed Freight HAD permission from CSX to film at the location. They had been provided with the existing train schedule." From Connect Savannah News, Feb 21. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-58049631839694146872014-02-24T19:01:59.254-08:002014-02-24T19:01:59.254-08:00Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-83565230659226954532014-02-24T17:33:25.846-08:002014-02-24T17:33:25.846-08:00This breaks my heart. I never had the pleasure of ...This breaks my heart. I never had the pleasure of meeting Sarah . If we can learn one thing from this is we all need to start banding together as a crew. Production companies are NOT getting our backs. I have been shoved by an AD they did nothing , I have been yelled at and treated like crap by talent and once again they did nothing. How are we suppose to trust our lives to these people? We do get put in dangerous situations daily. We have new people breaking in the industry undercutting so they can work and now we have crews who are afraid to say no cause they will lose their jobs. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-45483977571730084362014-02-24T11:02:37.945-08:002014-02-24T11:02:37.945-08:00I am a DGA 1st AD with over 20 years experience. W...I am a DGA 1st AD with over 20 years experience. While I don't know the true specifics about this tragedy, and I have contacted 2 DGA reps about this incident, the 1st AD is the Safety Officer on set. Above the 1st AD, the UPM is the Safety Program Director. You can raise concerns with any of these two employers at any time and we are REQUIRED by state law to stop what we are doing and hold another safety meeting. I want the specifics on this incident. Can anyone get them?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-68328504049917708422014-02-24T00:04:24.142-08:002014-02-24T00:04:24.142-08:00To me - it is unbelievable that this has happened ...To me - it is unbelievable that this has happened on a union film in the USA - where i thought crew safety was held high in priority compared to India. <br /> <br />Years ago, on a film shoot, on the very first day of the shoot, first shot, a girl was hit by a train and i believe she died on the spot although she was rushed to emergency in a hospital nearby and declared dead. <br /> <br />The DOP and me (class mates from film school) were the ONLY ones who stayed with our statements to the police and in court - that it was totally the fault of the director cum producer who did not bother about crew safety and put them in harm's way by choosing to start the shoot well before they had permission to do so. This meant there were NO police or personnel from the Railways on the site. <br /> <br />My DOP friend and I had to go through tremendous stress from the time of the incident until years later when we finally testified in a higher court of law and were cross-examined by the other side, etc etc... but we did it and saw it through. <br /> <br />This guy - the director/producer was initially jailed for a few weeks and then let out. I believe the case was closed sometime in 2008... <br /> <br />Just goes to say - shit can happen anywhere and in any country, regardless. Maybe my opinion about high standards of crew safety in the US is moot. After seeing a part of Haskell Wexler's documentary - i felt there is no greener grass on the other side... Maybe US unions are not doing their work as they should overall... <br /> <br />My thoughts are out with those who are in hospital and the family of the deceased... <br /> <br />-vin<br />sound mixer and sound designer<br />Bombay, India<br />vinod@soundtrane.comvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00041920088178412508noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-2199750627780296602014-02-23T20:24:12.013-08:002014-02-23T20:24:12.013-08:00I am up in Calgary shooting and feel a little remo...I am up in Calgary shooting and feel a little removed from my brothers and sisters in the US that are reeling from this tragedy. I did not have the pleasure of working with Sarah but she could have easily be one of the many crew members that I do work with day in and day out. Every one of them should have the safest work environment in any situation.. Like others have posted I have never worked on a Live Track without a representative from the Train company that represents the area. I have even traveled to Spain to shoot a commercial because they had a 10 mile closed track and train. There is no excuse for this oversight and I do blame the 1st AD followed by the Line Producer. This is criminal and should be treated as such.. this is not a car going out of control on a stunt or even wreck-less driving of a Condor , it is someone being trusted with many lives.. that either had no experience or did not care about others.. Both of these traits should not be able to command a position as an Assitant Director..No one should be able to be a DGA AD without constant training in all situations that we as filmmakers put ourselves in. <br />We crew members need to start coming together as a regular practice and having our own meetings about the events we will be involved in, not just in our own departments but collectively with all the crafts. We never do this.. this should be part of our regular work and if we have to have a paid meeting after lunch to discuss the dangers and concerns WE have as a crew, mandatory acceptance by the producers .. should be a must.. We should not have to put our trust in PRODUCTION as they have a different set of rules they normally live by. Money and Bottom line.. I am not saying every production team is like this but MANY are.. Just like the Safety classes we have to attend ( Which I think are great) All ADs and Line Producers should have to learn and understand all the risks that any production is going to be involved in.. If this means Tailored safety classes for the type of movie that will be attempted.. then so be it.. continued education and awareness will only save lives.. <br />Even with all this more people will die in the film industry but if we could have saved just one life like Sarah's we will be in a safer work environment. <br /><br />Dana Gonzales<br />Local 600<br />danagonzales.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17493686570917991244noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18888640.post-49097255377819552952014-02-23T18:33:19.060-08:002014-02-23T18:33:19.060-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02658719214600665537noreply@blogger.com