Just over a week ago, crew members walked off the set of Jonathan Majors’ action film in South Carolina. They were protesting serious safety concerns that arose during production. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) initiated the strike on March 26, aiming to secure better working conditions and payment into union health and retirement funds.
The situation escalated dramatically when Majors and co-star JC Kilcoyne accidentally fell out of a window while filming a scene. This incident happened because a sheet of tempered glass, meant for a stunt, was not properly secured. sources report that Kilcoyne needed stitches for hand injuries.
Crew members shared their unease about set safety. One crew member noted that even after the fall, no one seemed to discuss it, which felt “weird.” Workers pointed to multiple incidents, including props falling and a lack of communication before complex stunts or firearm use. A veteran crew member remarked that there was little to no normal production activity. They observed the absence of essential figures like a unit production manager, which made coordination nearly impossible. In response, crew members even circulated their own crew list to identify who was there.
There were also complaints about the production site, which was discovered to be infested with black mold. Crew concerned about their health found that warnings about possible asbestos were ignored. “They didn’t care about the long-term effects,” one crew member stated.
Safety concerns also surrounded special effects supervisor Chris Bailey, who had a prior conviction for illegal possession of explosives on set. While Bailey minimized the incident as a “paperwork infraction,” crew members remained wary about safety protocols.
As the strike gained momentum, over 60% of the crew signed union cards asking for a collective bargaining agreement. However, producers, including Dallas Sonnier, dismissed the strike’s legitimacy. He stated he was “too busy being bad asses” to worry about the strike.
Despite the disputes, production continued, with reports that crew replacements were being sought. The film, titled Run Hide Fight Infidels, is said to be a sequel to Run Hide Fight, echoing themes from classic ’80s and ’90s action movies like Red Dawn.
Moving forward, safety must become a priority in film production. The industry has grappled with similar issues in the past. A 2022 survey indicated that over 70% of crew members have faced unsafe conditions at some point in their careers. Recent conversations on social media have highlighted the need for stronger safety regulations and accountability within the industry.
As all parties navigate this complex situation, it’s clear that worker safety and fair treatment should be at the forefront of any production.
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Ben Shapiro,Daily Wire,Dallas Sonnier,IATSE,Jonathan Majors,Labor,The Daily Wire
