The document provides health and safety advice for filmmakers regarding practical film production. It notes that filmmakers are responsible for considering potential risks and hazards for crew, subjects, and the public. Locations should be assessed for dangers, and permission may be needed for public places. Hazards include structures, traffic, equipment, weather, and risks of activities being filmed. Filmmakers should stop filming any dangerous stunts and make safety their top priority. Risk assessments should be completed before any filming.

1. AS MEDIA AND FILM STUDIES
Health & Safety Issues in Practical Film & Media Production – Advice
Sheet
•
Before you can start filming there are some important health safety
issues to consider. As a film-maker, it is your responsibility to think
very carefully about all your filming requirements and, whenever
possible, anticipate in advance any potential problems or risks that
there may be for you, your crew, your contributors and anyone else
e.g. members of the public. You owe all those people a duty of care
and you must ensure that you are not by your activities putting
anyone at risk.
•
Think carefully about the locations where you are intending filming.
Are there any dangers in filming there? If you are filming in a derelict
property, are the structures safe? If you are filming on a street,
always be conscious of passing traffic. Your contributors are likely to
be concentrating more on the camera than they are on what’s going
on around them. (You may need permission to film in some public
places).
•
You (or a friend) need to be looking out all the time for potential
hazards. If filming at night, particularly in rural or unknown
environments, think about your personal safety and that of your
contributors. Remember you might be carrying expensive pieces of
equipment e.g. camera and possibly lighting. In short, use your
common sense and avoid danger or risk at all costs.
•
Similarly, think about what you are filming in relation to your
environment. Is the activity that you are filming dangerous in any
way? For example, you might be filming young people showing off
their prowess at skateboarding. Furthermore, because you are filming
them, they may be tempted to take more risks than they are used to
and attempt stunts that are dangerous. You must think about the
risks and act responsibly. If you feel that any contributors you are
filming are taking risks that you are uncomfortable with you should
stop filming and make it clear that you are unwilling to continue until
they comply with your requests to act responsibly.
•
Consider any equipment you may have with you, any lighting, your
camera, any wires that people could trip over. Think about your
contributors, are they young, are they old, are they disabled? Do they
have any specific requirements? What’s the weather likely to be like
when you are filming? Are contributors and crew appropriately
dressed? You don’t want them catching frostbite…
•
Filming any ‘criminal’ activities is likely to involve danger and risk of
some sort both to you and those you are filming. This needs very
careful thought.

2. AS MEDIA AND FILM STUDIES
Health & Safety Issues in Practical Film & Media Production
After having read the advice sheet on health & safety, please complete one
of these forms before any filming.
Practical Film Production Risk Assessment
GROUP NAMES: Bonnie, Michael, Hiba
LOCATION : Reigate
DATE/TIME: 18th November 2013
Potential
Hazard
Who is at
risk?
Chance of
Injury (low
medium,
high)
Tripping
hazard with
cables/props
and tripod
The group
Medium
and people of
Reigate
Be careful
and cautious.
Don’t leave
props in
dangerous
places
Make a sign
stating loose
cables
The group
High
Be cautious
when near
roads.
Don’t act
silly around
the road
Film when
traffic is
quiet
Low
The
group/others
in room
Medium/high
Do not take
water near
electronics.
Low
Cars (being
aware of
cars)
Careful with
electronics
and water
Control
measures?
New level of
risk (low,
medium,
high)
Low