What's Happening?
A crew member working on the live-action sequel 'How to Train Your Dragon 2' suffered a severe injury in an off-set accident in the U.K. earlier this month. The individual, a special effects technician, lost multiple fingers on one hand due to a saw incident
at Sky Studios Elstree, where the film is being produced. Despite undergoing extensive surgery, the severed fingers could not be reattached. The film, directed by Dean Deblois, began shooting in February and is scheduled for release on June 11, 2027. The production has moved from Belfast's Titanic Studios to Sky Studios Elstree for this sequel.
Why It's Important?
This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the film and TV production industry, particularly regarding the working conditions of crew members. The U.K.'s crew member union, Bectu, and the producer's union, Pact, have previously raised alarms about health and safety risks linked to extended working hours and insufficient rest periods, known as 'broken turnaround.' Such conditions can lead to exhaustion and increase the likelihood of accidents, as evidenced by this recent incident. The situation underscores the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols to protect workers in the entertainment industry.
What's Next?
The incident may prompt a review of safety practices at Sky Studios Elstree and potentially across other production sites. Universal, the studio behind the film, might face pressure to address these safety concerns publicly. The unions involved could push for more stringent regulations and better enforcement of existing safety standards to prevent similar accidents in the future. This could lead to industry-wide changes in how production schedules are managed to ensure the safety and well-being of crew members.
