Bad decisions are easily made. The strength of those around us offer insurance that such choices might be overcome. We all have to stand up for what matters most. Passion industries, particularly like film, are not driven by logic, or often ethics. We want to create beauty. We want a career doing close to what we love. Power appears to be in the hands of a few specific individuals and often in order to please them, we are tempted to compromise our common sense. We have to protect each other.
If you have ever made a movie, you can imagine what may have happened on the set of “Midnight Rider” when on a pre shoot day, camera assistant Sarah Jones was killed trying to get a shot. This is not the first time that a similar thing has happened on a set. We have all heard tales of bad choices made by producers, directors, assistant directors, and other crew. We all know we can do more to limit them from happening again. We have to protect each other. We can do better.
In the wake of this most recent loss, a movement has started. Please visit http://pledgetosarah.org and sign the pledge. I did. I have posted it below for your edification, but please do sign the pledge.
We ask all cast & crew, regardless of pay scale or position, to take this pledge and agree to reaffirm it every year with the understanding that only together can we create change.
I solemnly pledge from this day forward that a safe set will be my first and highest priority.
I pledge to look out for the safety of those around me and in turn will expect others to do the same.
As a department head I pledge to speak up on behalf of anyonewho comes to me with a concern. As a member of the cast or crew I pledge to always watch out for everyone’ssafety, because safety is too big of a job for any one person to cover.
I pledge that every day I will have my fellow crewmembers’ backs and that I will do whatever is necessary to ensure their safety.
I pledge to be a part of the solution and it starts right now.
In the name of Sarah Jones, Brent Hershman, and all those who have been taken from us too soon, this is my pledge.
And of course, to help grow the community, please “like” on FB: https://www.facebook.com/pledgetosarah
