Stay Safe

STAY SAFE

"Hello my fellow union members:

"Last year was the best year of the last several for the number of union productions. I was lucky enough to work on a few of them, and I hope many of you were able to work as well. We are off to a slower start this year, which I hope with all of my heart will quickly change to the busy years of our past.

"The Young Performers Committee is working on a updating the Young Performers Handbook for child performers and their parents who are breaking in to our industry — I promise you parents out there that there are a many things to learn to protect your children. An excellent source of information can be found on the SAG-AFTRA website, or you can contact Nevada Executive Director Steve Clinton. Steve can either answer your questions about young performers here in Nevada or he will help parents find the answers to their questions from SAG-AFTRA or the Nevada agencies that covers our state statutes.

"Lastly, I need to talk about safety. Please remember if you feel uneasy about doing something on a set to please let someone know. One of the main purposes for stunt coordinators is be a resource for safety. Our contract allows anyone to question the stunt coordinator on any issue of safety. You will not be fired if you tell someone that you don't feel safe doing something you are being asked — an example might be riding outside of a limo on the window or running on wet metal. If this rises to the level of a stunt then a stuntperson should be hired to do it, but if it is just more hazardous than your normal background work, you have a contractual right to refuse or to negotiate a hirer rate. Please don't feel like a hero and do something that will get you hurt and end your career. Stuntpeople train for years to do what they do, and most injuries occur when people are asked to do more than they are trained for or are capable of doing.

"And if you see something that doesn't belong — like a cord or something that will cause an accident — please tell a P.A. or crew member. We are professional and good at what we do, so let’s show them how bright we shine. Remember — there is no job worth doing that cannot be done safely."

This item was originally featured in the April 2013 local newsletter.