Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/681774
SAFETY ON THE SET O n-set safety can be a matter of life and death. Hairstylist Joyce M. Gillard offered a sobering reminder of that fact when she joined a panel at a Feb. 25 discussion in Los Angeles. Gillard was a working on the Midnight Rider shoot in 2014, where she was severely injured and saw her colleague, camera assistant Sarah Jones, killed by an oncoming train. "I was just there to do my job as a hairstylist," said Gillard. "Nobody felt like they could say, 'I'm scared. I don't think this is safe,' except for one person. Not speaking up is the one thing I regret. I'm living testimony and I promised to use my voice to speak up." The panel, The Art of Portraying Danger: Action Safety for Actors and Stunt Performers, included second unit directors and stunt coordinators Conrad E. Palmisano and Alex Daniels; executive producer and director Bill D'Elia; executive producer and unit production manager Carrie Morrow; on- set medic Howard Keys; first assistant director Jim Goldthwait; and Gillard. It was moderated by actor and stunt coordinator Julie Michaels. During the Q&A session that followed, SAG-AFTRA Secretary-Treasurer and L.A. Local President Jane Austin thanked the panelists and members for being part of the discussion on such an important topic. As a fellow stunt performer, Austin stressed the importance of clear communication between stunt professionals, actors, producers and directors to ensure that safety measures are in place to protect everyone involved. The event was hosted by the MOVE L.A. Committee chaired by National Board member Ellen Crawford. For after-hours safety issues, call the hotline number on the back of your membership card: 844-SAFER SET (844-723-3773). Moderator Julie Michaels, fourth from left, with stunt safety panelists. HIGHLYWOOD PHOTOGRAPHY