Safety on Location

[Mark Jury]

I am having similar concerns. I need to hire a tiger and wrangler for my next film.. I want one running round my garden for a few vital shots. Risky? Insane? Anyone interested in helping me film this project is most welcome indeed.

[RedRaven]

Hire a tiger???? Good luck!

Have you considered getting some footage of a tiger at your local safari park and then compositing the tiger onto footage from your garden? It might not look 100 percent real, but probably the next best thing to a real tiger in your garden.

[Chance1234]

I have found a possible location for the next scene i want to shoot for my short Deadlights, the trouble is the location has been used by squatters and im worried about my cast or crew falling on any needles or stuff.

I think if designated areas on the location are cleaned up and there is strict discipline onto where the cast and crew can go it will be ok.

Was just wondering what other experience or advice people have when working on a set that could be hazardous ?


Chance
www.lookingglass.atfreeweb.com/desktop/deadlights.htm
www.itkoa.co.uk

[miker]

If it's a union shoot you're stuffed.

[AnnaCarrington]

What is a "Union" shoot plus does anyone know where people can get free health and saftey training for film and video? (preferably in England) I've been trying to get some but all I've found is courses that are horrendously expensive! - while we're on the subject of courses does any body know of any relevant courses for film/video makers that is free/cheap?! Let me know please I need training and education!

[Mark Jury]

training and education for film? -- make your own films and get a job as a camera trainee on a real film production.

[RedRaven]

For info on subsidised training courses, contact your local Regional Arts Board (in the UK). Most large cities have a subsidised media training centre (such as Intermedia in Nottingham). You might even get a grant to go an a course for free.

Go to www.arts.org.uk and find out who your Regional Arts Board are.

[miker]

I've been the Arts Board route. If your idea is remotely commercial, forget it. The Arts Board only want to mimimise profits, sometimes make a loss. Great economics guys.

The best place for help is BECTU. As a student/UB40 you can join at a subsidised rate (which some people forget to pay anyhow). All you need to join is an application form and a copy of a call sheet of a shoot you've been on - this is to prove you are capable at performing your chosen 'discipline', but can be easily made up. I used a call sheet from a shoot I worked on for the London International Film School (now that place really *sucks*)

You will get an *immense* library of help. However, their admin can be wanting sometimes, best help yourself!

They do a very good fortnightly vacancies posting, too.

Plus, they are regional.

All you have to do really is prove that you are serious. Then you will be on your way to the enlightment ... that the movie industry is, pretty much, just like any other. Some ppl are good, some ppl are assholes. Some ppl work hard, some ppl are lazy. Some ppl are filthy rich, some ppl are vpoor. But it is *very* *very* competitive. Don't get used. If they aint paying or it aint a career move, avoid!!!!

Also, check out a scheme called FT2, if it still exists. You'd get paid ?8K a year to survive for a couple of years on *real* film shoots at *real* film studios and you'd be doing a *real* job (grunt level only).

And of course, every cliche you hear about the industry is true, in my experience. Drugs to stay awake, sex to get the jobs. Oh, and if you're gay you'll have excellent career prospects if you are willing to be used.

um, can I go now?

[miker]

I've been the Arts Board route. If your idea is remotely commercial, forget it. The Arts Board only want to mimimise profits, sometimes make a loss. Great economics guys.

The best place for help is BECTU. As a student/UB40 you can join at a subsidised rate (which some people forget to pay anyhow). All you need to join is an application form and a copy of a call sheet of a shoot you've been on - this is to prove you are capable at performing your chosen 'discipline', but can be easily made up. I used a call sheet from a shoot I worked on for the London International Film School (now that place really *sucks*)

You will get an *immense* library of help. However, their admin can be wanting sometimes, best help yourself!

They do a very good fortnightly vacancies posting, too.

Plus, they are regional.

All you have to do really is prove that you are serious. Then you will be on your way to the enlightment ... that the movie industry is, pretty much, just like any other. Some ppl are good, some ppl are assholes. Some ppl work hard, some ppl are lazy. Some ppl are filthy rich, some ppl are vpoor. But it is *very* *very* competitive. Don't get used. If they aint paying or it aint a career move, avoid!!!!

Also, check out a scheme called FT2, if it still exists. You'd get paid ?8K a year to survive for a couple of years on *real* film shoots at *real* film studios and you'd be doing a *real* job (grunt level only).

And of course, every cliche you hear about the industry is true, in my experience. Drugs to stay awake, sex to get the jobs. Oh, and if you're gay you'll have excellent career prospects if you are willing to be used.

um, can I go now?