The US magazine Deadline recently ran a story about working conditions on major film sets. According to the report, some of Hollywood’s most renowned cinematographers denounce “the hazards of unsafe working hours“. So working long hours with no rest in between is something that needs to stop. Working as a freelancer on a film set or for television can be pretty tough. I know that from my own experience. Work from nine to five? Forget it. A typical workday is more in the 10 to 12 hour range. Sometimes even more. Is that a good thing? Well, it depends. On the one hand, getting things done within a day is obviously an appealing aspect for any producer. On the other hand, anyone working on set is still a human being, not a machine. People get tired, concentration wanes, productivity decreases. Is that still appealing in the long run? I don’t think so. Fourteen of the leading Hollywood DoPs who signed a letter of intent feel the same way. That letter by the IATSE Local 600 Cinematographers Guild urges the member companies of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers to finally address “the hazards of unsafe working hours” that have been common in the film and TV industry for way too long. Changing work on set for the better When we talk about long working hours, we must not forget that crew members also have to get to work and back home. Most of the time, they use their...
Published By: CineD - Monday, 30 August, 2021