Prioritizing Safety on Set – a Video Interview with Richard Jones, Founder of “Safety for Sarah”

by Mascha DeikovaToday

Safety on set is an essential topic. We should definitely raise awareness about it more often. Following this important mission, CineD’s author Graham Ehlers Sheldon reached out to Richard Jones, father of Sarah Jones, who tragically died in an accident during the shoot of “Midnight Rider” over 10 years ago. Since this tragic event, Richard has dedicated himself to advocating for safer film sets. In the video interview below, he talks about actions that his non-profit organization “Safety for Sarah” takes and shares advice on how we can make shooting conditions safer for everyone.

Sarah Jones was working as a second camera assistant when she tragically lost her life in a train accident during production. Before shooting this scene, producers had assured the crew and cast that it was safe to film on a live railroad trestle above the Altamaha River. It was not. After the tragic event, Sarah’s parents, Richard and Elisabeth Jones, formed a non-profit organization, “Safety for Sarah.” This is a global initiative that works to this day, and its mission is to help make sets all over the world safer.

Safety for Sarah has come to represent not only the tragedy of that day but all those in the film industry… to create safer film sets.

A quote from the official website

Safety on set is the main goal of the non-profit

Richard Jones recalls that shortly after Sarah passed away, people from the industry started approaching him and Elisabeth, Sarah’s mother. They expressed safety concerns and were afraid nobody would listen to them. In the wake of the tragedy, Richard and Elisabeth found themselves with a platform, so they agreed to speak out and established a non-profit organization.

As Richard puts it, he believes Sarah’s death has made a difference ever since. After the accident, film crews started adding her name to the slates, and even now, you can still see those messages on sets in different countries. Thanks to Richard’s organization and its actions, his daughter’s name is not forgotten and is widely associated with a careful and thoughtful approach on set.

Other initiatives & programs organized by “Safety for Sarah”

“Safety for Sarah” has other initiatives as well. One of them encourages productions to put the non-profit organization’s logo on the end credits, but only if they follow a specific set of rules. (You can read more about this program here). This can be seen as an informal agreement between the Sarah Jones Film Foundation and film crews to create both a creative and safe on-set environment for every participant.

Apart from that, “Safety for Sarah” provides funds to film schools to help them increase safety measures on their projects: For instance, supply walkie-talkies or hire an off-duty policeman if they need to film on a street. Richard Jones also mentions more programs in the full video above.

What everyone can do for safer sets

Of course, safety measures and regulations should come from the top and be taken care of religiously. However, every crew member can do something to improve the safety on set. Richard’s biggest advice for everyone is the following: Don’t be afraid to speak up if you have concerns or don’t feel safe. People who are new in the industry might fear that if they address the worrisome issue, they won’t get a call for the next project. Please, don’t forget that no work is worth your life. Richard Jones also encourages older and/or more experienced professionals to become mentors for newcomers and speak up on their behalf. Productions probably won’t fire those who have been around for long enough. On the contrary, they are often likely to listen to them.

We have an article where America Young – a seasoned stunt coordinator and director – shares similar thoughts on that matter, especially regarding filming stunts. Head over here to read it.

Other topics touched on in the interview

In the video interview, Graham and Richard also talk about:

• General opinion about safety on set and how it has changed since Sarah’s death;
• The importance of accepting responsibility and accountability for injuries and deaths caused during the shoots, by the producers (especially in connection to the “Midnight Rider” case);
• The tragic death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust”;
• How the budget question can influence the safety on set (but should not!);
• What should independent filmmakers do to achieve safer sets?

To watch the entire video, please click on the thumbnail at the beginning of the article.

App to increase safety on set

Sarah Jones was an IATSE Local 600 member (International Cinematographers Guild). This union also has the ICG Safety App, which can be used to report on-set safety issues. It’s available to everyone, so you don’t need to be a Local 600 member to use it. Here’s the link to the available download versions.

I want to conclude this article with Richard’s message, which I believe every healthy production ought to follow:

Safety should not be an afterthought. It needs to be an integral part of every project from day one.

What are your thoughts about safety on sets? Have you ever encountered safety issues, and how did you react? Do you have further insights or advice for fellow filmmakers? Please share them with our community in the comment section below.