New York & Georgia Production Safety Officer Pilot Programs to launch in 2025

An initiative stemming from recent contract negotiations between the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) is expected to bring a new pilot program to major studio productions filming in Georgia and New York. Under the program, feature-length productions are set to assign a dedicated safety professional.

A proactive approach to on-set safety

Some productions have historically included safety personnel on set, but this pilot program is notable because safety professionals are intended to be involved at the beginning of the production process. That early involvement gives safety personnel a chance to collaborate with producers and crew members during pre-production to identify and mitigate hazards.

Those hazards may include dangerous stunts, hazardous locations, chemical use, special effects, firearms, or other high-risk production activities. The safety professional's role includes risk assessment and coordination with the production company, unions, and other relevant parties to support a safer working environment.

A response to recent and ongoing industry incidents

The pilot program arrives as film set safety continues to receive close attention after high-profile incidents. The fatal incident on the set of "Rust," where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life, renewed calls for more stringent safety measures. Other incidents, including a stunt-related accident near Atlanta, have also underscored the need for experienced production safety professionals and proactive safety protocols.

Georgia's program is modeled after a similar measure in California, where productions that benefit from the state's film and television tax credit must follow defined safety protocols. Georgia's initiative is not tied to its tax incentive program; it is targeted at films produced under IATSE's Basic and Area Standards Agreements.

Potential impacts on studios and production crews

For studios, the program adds responsibility and may affect production budgets. Hiring safety professionals and implementing their recommendations can require planning and coordination, but the benefits may outweigh the costs if the work reduces disruption, delay, injuries, accidents, and associated liabilities.

For crews, having a professional focused on cast and crew safety may provide a stronger sense of security on set and encourage more open discussions about safety concerns. Ideally, crew members and supervisors will feel more comfortable raising issues when dedicated safety personnel are part of the process.

Looking ahead

Unions, insurers, employers, and producers will be watching the implementation and effectiveness of these programs closely. If successful, they could lead to broader adoption across more productions and encourage similar initiatives in other states.

For productions seeking safety support beyond these new initiatives, Above the Line Safety provides production and event safety-related services in locations around the world. The focus is practical support: helping teams meet safety expectations, protect people, and keep productions moving efficiently.