STUNT SPECIALISTS

Thank you for Sharon Bernstein and Robert W. Welkos’ fine two-part series on the stunt industry (Feb. 18 and 19). It is about time that someone recognized these fine people that do so much to make my moviegoing experiences so unforgettable.

Most people watch a movie and don’t realize the skill and dedication of these fine but usually unsung people. May I say to all the people in the stunt industry, “Thank you for giving me hours of pleasure over many years. You are living the life I can only dream about.”

KAREN SHEHORN

North Hollywood

Your stunt series quotes a top Screen Actors Guild official as testifying a decade ago that first aid on movie sets was “an industry disgrace.”

The members of Local 767, Studio First Aid (IATSE) have asked me to respond as business representative of this local and a 22-year veteran of this industry, currently employed as the medical department supervisor at CBS-Westinghouse.

The fact that SAG had to include medical coverage in its contracts and undertake the representation of stunt coordinators when our Legislature failed to provide safety guidelines speaks volumes. Even the term “hazardous” has lost its meaning in this industry. Producers and stunt performers alike claim that stunts are “just a job” and fall outside OSHA regulations.

How many people have to die before this $17-billion industry wakes up? Experienced medical attention is instantly available for less than the cost of the person who sweeps the stages. Our members can make valuable contributions to everyone’s safety, both before a stunt takes place and after if the worst occurs. But too many producers make “local hires” and employ medics with no prior industry experience, rather than hire licensed professionals who not only know their jobs but know what can go wrong on a movie set. Too many stunt performers minimize the risks they are taking and fail to insist on competent, experienced medical attention. Too many actors, frightened for their jobs and pushed into macho undertakings, fail to invoke their rights under all SAG contracts to say no to unreasonable stunt requests.

It’s time we stop pretending that show business is exempt from basic health and safety issues. There is no stunt, no shot worth a person’s life. When stunts are called for, the least we can do is provide experienced emergency personnel.

RANA PLATZ-PETERSEN

Gardena