2024-07-22 06:13:00
There are enthusiastic fans around the world for the thrilling action scenes depicted in movies. In scenes where the hero flies around and destroys villains, the viewer sees themselves as the hero.
That is why they say they love action scenes the most. However, behind this action, there are also stuntmen who take risks and work as doubles for the hero and villain, the faceless ‘stuntmen’ who bear all the risks. They are often the ones most affected by the numerous accidents that occur during film shoots. Recently, the tragedy continues with the death of stunt artist Ezhamalai during the shooting of ‘Sardar 2’!
We spoke to the famous stunt director Pandian Master about this. “We are now only including those who are properly qualified in the stunt union. For car stunts, bike stunts, horse stunts, and weapons use, there are different people for each bit. If someone is new, the masters know what kind of work to assign them. We act according to that. Even though technology has advanced a lot today, we cannot avoid using ropes for stunts. Since action is given importance in most big hero films, stunt artists are willing to take any risk. Nevertheless, stunts have always been fraught with danger. Even if we take precautions to avoid accidents, sometimes things happen unexpectedly,” says Pandian Master.
Is it impossible to avoid such accidents? When asked, he replies, “Why is it not possible? In the past, when senior masters were doing it, there used to be a lot of discussions. There would be exchanges of information like, ‘If this happens, this is how we should escape.’ I think that is not the case today. Moreover, when they shoot a dance scene, they rehearse for two or three days. But for stunts, that doesn’t happen. Only a few ask for it. If we had rehearsals, we would understand what happens where and how to conduct ourselves. If there are definitely rehearsals, we can prevent such losses in the future,” he says.
Insurance for stunt artists! Since the profession of stunt artists is filled with risk, leading insurance companies were unwilling to provide coverage. Up until 2010, it was like that. However, due to the efforts of the ‘Stunt Union,’ some companies have come forward now.
“Now, if a stunt artist suffers an injury causing them to be unable to work for three months, we provide a salary from the union until then. Some heroes also help out. Production companies assist too,” say some stunt artists.
Some major production houses insure the entire crew right at the start of the film.
“I insure the entire crew in all my productions. Most producers do this. Anything can happen during filming, so insurance is an unavoidable necessity,” he says.
This insurance provides medical coverage. Only the expenses for treatment come under this. There is no cash payout. For that, the Stunt Union has made certain arrangements,” says V. House Productions’ Suresh Kamatchi, who is the joint secretary of the current producers association. He has produced many films, including ‘Mamannan’ and ‘Vangaan.’
Even though there is medical coverage, safety is paramount, so the Stunt Union recently held a special advisory meeting about safe fights.
The film industry has always captivated audiences with thrilling action sequences, where heroes soar through the air and vanquish villains. This fascination creates a sense of empowerment among viewers who envision themselves as the heroes of their own stories. However, behind these exhilarating scenes lie the often-overlooked stunt performers who take on the significant risks associated with high-octane action filmmaking.
Recent tragedies, such as the tragic loss of stunt artist Ezhumalai during the filming of ‘Sardar 2’, have brought urgent attention to the safety of these talented individuals. According to renowned stunt director Pandiyan Master, the evolution of stunt work highlights a pressing need for stricter safety protocols and a more profound respect for the craft itself. There is a growing consensus in the industry that enhancements in training and preparation could significantly mitigate the risks that stunt performers face on set.
The conversation around insurance coverage for stunt performers has also gained traction. Historically, insurance companies were hesitant to provide coverage, seeing the profession as too dangerous. However, the Stunt Union’s efforts have begun to change that narrative, with some companies now offering policies. As more production houses take up the initiative to provide comprehensive insurance before filming begins, we can foresee a future where stunt performers are better protected both during and after production, ensuring financial stability in case of an accident.
One optimistic trend is the increasing recognition of the importance of rehearsals in stunt performance. As Pandiyan Master highlighted, rigorous preparation could play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of stunt sequences and significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents. As the industry continues to innovate and adopt advanced techniques and technologies, combining them with traditional methodologies could pave the way for safer filmmaking practices.
Moreover, the focus on medical insurance that covers treatment costs might evolve further. While it is a crucial first step, there is a pressing need for insurance solutions that encompass a broader safety net for stunt artists, addressing not just immediate medical expenses but also long-term care and as-needed financial support for performance downtime.
The film industry is at a crossroad where prioritizing the safety of stunt performers could result in a more sustainable and ethically responsible production environment. As these trends gain momentum, they hold the potential for a future where the thrill of action films does not come at the expense of those who bring these spectacles to life.