‘Twilight Zone’ Verdict

We now have another tragedy resulting from the “Twilight Zone” accident. Movie directors, who have the ultimate and strongest control to keep their cast and crew safe, have now been given the message that irresponsible and risky decisions resulting in injuries and deaths will be considered “industrial accidents.” They are off the legal hook. Sleeping nights might be a problem, but the judicial system will not hold them liable for their irresponsible behavior.

As a studio teacher whose job it is to protect and educate minors in the entertainment industry, the John Landis acquittal will make my job more difficult. The majority of directors are very conscious of safety and do not place the importance of achieving “realism” over the welfare of their cast and crew. But for the few who do, the Landis acquittal is carte-blanche permission to attempt whatever shot they want. If an “industrial accident” occurs, it’s no longer their behinds on the line.

Another message from the Landis acquittal is to parents of minors in the entertainment industry. They need to be constantly vigilant and questioning and learn to not trust the “experts” if they have even a small concern. The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) under Title 8, March, 1986, has also contributed to diminishing protection by removing the legal requirement for studio teacher and parental presence when minors between 16 and 18 years of age work in the industry. So these minors are now on their own making decisions regarding their welfare and safety.

Let’s hope the state agency was correct in determining that a 16-year-old (who auditioned for his role against 10 to 50 other minors) has enough self-confidence, adequate feelings of security and mature wisdom to be able to stand up to a director who tells (not asks) him to do a scene that is dangerous.

Thank you to all the directors and assistant directors in this business who do not ask or even try to persuade a minor to do a shot that is dangerous, scary, sexually suggestive or obscene. Because there are more of you at the helm, the industry is actually in very good hands. But justice and fairness were not served by the Landis jurors, and my sympathy extends to the three families of the victims.

LINDA STONE-ELSTER

Los Angeles