Safety Guide for Independent Filmmakers

When in doubt, use Fake
Weapons Independent film productions may include scenes with weapons such as knives and guns. While these weapons may be good to use for a particular scene, filmmakers should use them with caution. Have a meeting with the actors that are going to be using these weapons during a scene. During this meeting, filmmakers should discuss how the weapons are going to be used.

This will minimize any confusion that is evident among the actors. It will also lessen the risk of potential harm among cast and crew members. Some filmmakers may not have money to rent or purchase props from a theatrical costume supply store. After this realization, filmmakers will choose to use real weapons or remove weapons from the scene altogether.

If you are going to use real weapons, make sure that they are used carefully within the scene. Make sure that any guns that are being used are unloaded and do not contain bullets. Filmmakers may prefer to use real weapons in attempt to add authenticity to a film. While authenticity is great, the safety of those involved in the production is more important. There are many realistic looking weapons available at stores that sale movie and theater props. Artificial weapons are by far, the best choice when it comes to making an independent film.

Do not operate explosives without a professional
One of the advantages about independent filmmaking is that favors can be called in for family and friends who can offer services or goods. Some filmmakers embark on action or horror films that include explosives or complicated special effects in a scene. No one says that you cannot be the next Jerry Bruckheimer or Michael Bay. However, explosives and other pyrotechnics should be carefully administered by an expert in that particular field.

Filmmakers who want to add special effects that have the potential to harm production members should spend some time locating a professional during pre-production. If you have a small budget, try to ask for some kind of deferred or discounted service. You can even try to get these services for free and offer to pay for the necessary tools. Get creative, but do not try to do it yourself. There is too much on the line to play around with fire. That is important both figuratively and literally.

You cannot complain that there is no money in the budget to obtain the help of a professional. Independent filmmakers who want explosives are going to have to spend the money on that area. Remove some cash from other budgeted departments if you have to. Under this circumstance, the choices are very simple. Hire a professional or forget about the pyrotechnics.

Keep actors out of danger while shooting on location
There are independent filmmakers who use their parent's house to make their films. In these cases, there are minimal chances for actors and crew members to suffer serious injuries. If scenes are shot in remote locations, it is imperative to examine the area carefully. Filmmakers should make sure that all locations are secure enough to shoot the necessary scenes for an independent film.

Actors should not have to endure dangerous location settings. If a scene is going to be shot in an old warehouse or other aged structures, make sure that there are no major hazards such as electricity problems or faulty foundations. It is also important to make sure that there are loose objects that will fall from ceilings or break and make for treacherous production environment.

Choreograph Fight Scenes
Independent filmmakers should rehearse all scenes where actors will be in physical conflict. This is necessary to prevent accidental injuries during production. Fight scenes should be choreographed during the pre-production stage. The actors who are involved in the conflict should exhibit a good amount of knowledge of each movement during a fight scene. By doing so, there is a better chance that these actions will be produced seamlessly during production.

Include a health and safety clause in the talent agreement
Talent releases are usually the main concern for filmmakers. However, the state of an actor's health should also be addressed before one second of a film is shot. Independent filmmakers can include a paragraph in the talent release, or make a separate agreement. It is necessary to make sure that health and safety issues are included and agreed upon either way.

Many independent film productions are non-union. This means that there is usually no production insurance. If an actor gets injured during a production, the filmmaker may be held liable for all damages. This remains true even if an actor has knowledge of potential danger and still agrees to participate in the production. Verbal agreements do not hold up in court.

It is always best to have a written agreement that states that the filmmakers will not be held liable for any injuries or ill health arises out of an actor's participation in a film production. Independent filmmakers may seek the help of a lawyer or entertainment books that discuss these types of clauses. Entertainment attorney, Mark Litwak provides great information regarding production agreements.

Independent films can be expensive to make. Filmmakers should take the necessary precautions to ensure that actors are safe during production. They should also make sure that they are protected from health or safety related lawsuits after production. It is much better to spend the extra time on these issues than to ignore them. This will prevent filmmakers from having to spend hundreds of dollars on legal fees while trying not to be sued.