What's Happening?
Oliver Stark, known for his role as Evan "Buck" Buckley in the ABC series '9-1-1,' fractured his ankle in late August while performing a stunt. The 35-year-old actor required surgery but has since returned to filming. This incident is one of several recent
stunt-related injuries on the set of '9-1-1.' Sources indicate that the stunt involved a firefighter swinging from a car to a ladder truck. During rehearsals for this specific stunt, a stunt double also sustained a sprained ankle, though no official injury report was filed as medical treatment was declined. Following the double's injury, adjustments were made to the stunt's mechanics, but Stark still rolled his ankle over another performer during his attempt. In the weeks following Stark's injury, two other stunt performers were also injured in unrelated incidents. One stunt person required stitches after cutting their arm on jagged metal on the set, and another was hospitalized as a precautionary measure for a broken rib and minor compressed lung after an "awkward landing" on a platform designed to simulate a ground collapse.
Why It's Important?
The series of stunt-related injuries on the set of '9-1-1' raises significant concerns about safety protocols within the entertainment industry, particularly for high-action productions. While SAG-AFTRA signatories, including Disney (parent company of 20th Television, which produces '9-1-1'), are mandated to follow specific safety guidelines, these incidents suggest potential lapses in their implementation. The typical process for stunts involves extensive rehearsals with heavyweight bags and stunt doubles to identify and resolve issues before actors are involved. The fact that Stark's stunt double was injured, leading to adjustments, yet Stark himself still sustained an injury, indicates that even modified protocols might not be foolproof. Furthermore, the unreported injury of the stunt double highlights a potential gap in accountability and documentation. These incidents could lead to increased scrutiny from unions and safety committees, potentially resulting in stricter enforcement of existing regulations or the development of new ones to better protect cast and crew members involved in physically demanding roles.
What's Next?
The recent injuries on the '9-1-1' set are likely to prompt further investigation into the production's safety practices. Industry-wide safety committees, such as those from Contract Services, set standards for set safety, emphasizing adequate time for rehearsals, training, and equipment inspections. Stunt coordinators are typically responsible for overseeing all aspects of stunt preparation, from script review to execution. First assistant directors are also tasked with conducting on-set safety meetings before any stunt work. Any "substantive changes" to a stunt necessitate another such meeting. Given the multiple incidents, it is probable that these protocols will be reviewed and potentially reinforced. While a spokesperson for 20th Television declined to comment on the recent injuries, the ongoing scrutiny could lead to internal investigations, union interventions, or even external audits to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent future occurrences. The long-term implications could include revised industry best practices for stunt work.
Beyond the Headlines
Beyond the immediate concerns for the well-being of the cast and crew, these incidents highlight broader ethical and legal considerations within the entertainment industry. The pressure to deliver high-octane action sequences often clashes with the imperative to ensure worker safety. The unreported injury of a stunt double, even if medical treatment was declined, points to a potential culture where injuries might be downplayed or not formally documented, which can obscure the true extent of workplace hazards. This situation could lead to a re-evaluation of how injuries are reported and managed on set, and whether current protocols adequately protect all personnel, especially those in high-risk roles like stunt performers. The long-term impact could extend to insurance liabilities, union negotiations for enhanced worker protections, and a shift in production practices to prioritize safety over expediency, potentially influencing how action sequences are conceived and executed across the industry.
