Looking after the health, safety and wellbeing of crew and cast was “at the root” of successfully producing a film, according to two-award-winning film-makers.
Sabina Smitham and Emma Clarke said it is not possible to make “a great film” with “a tired and hungry crew who feel uneasy about the way you run the floor”.
The duo scooped the health and safety gong at the UK’s National Film and Television School’s (NFTS) Graduation Show.
They were behind the production of Dead Birds, a comedy about a lonely girl who has a desire to be selected for her school’s badminton squad amid a competitive relationship with her mother.
It was shot at six different schools, as well as a badminton centre and a restaurant.
The health and safety award was sponsored by IOSH’s Thames Valley Branch.
Emma, who was production manager for the film, said:
“Health and safety was at the root of any conversation, passing comment or thought about the production of Dead Birds.
“While we never wanted to hold back a wonderful idea of our director and crew, we had to remember that health and safety is all part of the success of making everything run.
“While we had so many complex things to plan for, it was also key to us that the less showy sides of the shoot were carried out in a safe fashion. For example, we paid special attention to making sure the crew were properly fed, taking into account all food intolerances and the physical challenges of what we were trying to achieve, and ensuring that drivers were always properly rested.
“You can’t make a great film with a tired and hungry crew who feel uneasy about the way you run the floor.”
Sabina, who was producer for the film, added:
“We knew we’d come unstuck not only practically but creatively if we didn’t start thinking about health and safety in our earliest discussions.
“By thinking about the safe ways to achieve a grand creative idea at an early stage, it meant we were able to avoid creative compromises.
“Health and safety isn’t often something people celebrate, but it’s something that takes a lot of work for the production team. And in the end, health and safety comes down to looking out for the amazing people who give their time, creativity and energy to making the film. For me, that’s what this award recognises.”
Image: The award winners Sabina (centre) and Emma (right) with Chris Stops
