What leads to the conditions that create these accidents?

Certainly many stunts are

inherently dangerous. Additionally, mistakes are made. However, there is a feeling
expressed by many stunt people and actors that some extremely dangerous stunts e simply
shouldn't be attempted. Yet, these stunts are attempted because these people d feel pressure
to perform or risk losing their jobs. It is also true that to keep within e budgets and
deadlines some corners are cut. Maintaining an "artistic vision" is also a n contributing
factor to some safety violations as directors are more immediately concerned with what the
scene will look like than how safe it is. Finally, although worker t safety is governed by
federal and state regulations, when violations of regulations are d found, imprisonments
are extremely rare and fines are often negligible. 11

Questions for Discussion

1.
What bases of power does it appear Landis used in attempting to influence
his cast and crew?
2.
What factors contributed to Landis's decision to go ahead and shoot the
scene t that resulted in the accident?
3.
How does the power of the motion picture and television industries
contribute to the unsafe working conditions described?
4.
Do you think Landis abused his power in ordering the shot that resulted in
the accident? Do you think it was an ethical decision? Would you think the same thing had
no accident occurred?
Notes
1. Black, S. (1983, December 4). Danger on the film set. New York Times Magazine, pp.
122-132.

2. Trippet, F. (1986, September 15). Twilight Zone: The trial. Time. p. 28.
3. Bach, S. (1985). Final cut. New York: Morrow.
4. See Note 1.
5. See Note 2.
6. See Note 1, p. 126.
7. See Note 1.
8. See Note 1.
9. See Note 1.
10. Farber, S. & Green, M (1988). Outrageous conduct. New York: Morrow.
11. See Note 1.