A fresh take on ‘The Crow’: Safety first on set
Revisiting a dark legacy
Rupert Sanders’ “The Crow” is a modern reimagining of the iconic 1989 comic book, but with a significant departure from its tragic past. The original 1994 film adaptation is forever marred by the accidental death of its star, Brandon Lee, due to a mishap with a prop gun. This incident echoed through the industry, resurfacing painfully with the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” in 2021.
Prioritizing safety on set
Filming in 2022, Sanders was acutely aware of these past tragedies and made it his mission to ensure the utmost safety on his set. “Safety is a number one priority,” he emphasized. Film sets are inherently dangerous environments, with fast-moving cars, high-wire stunts, and complex machinery. The director’s commitment to safety was evident from his first meeting with the special effects department and the armorer in Prague, who adhered to strict military guidelines for handling weapons.
No real guns allowed
Determined to avoid any risk, Sanders made a bold decision: “We will have no firing weapons on set.” This meant that no gun on set could ever fire a live or blank round. Instead, the production used Airsoft guns and non-functional rubber or metal decoys. This choice eliminated the possibility of any projectile-related accidents.
The technical challenge
While the use of Airsoft guns presented a unique challenge, Sanders believed it was a necessary trade-off. “The beauty of the Airsoft is that the slide on a Glock will still move back,” he explained. However, this required additional visual effects to add shell casings, muzzle flashes, and smoke. Despite the strain on the film’s limited visual effects budget, Sanders felt it was a worthwhile investment for the safety and comfort of the cast and crew.
A new era for film safety
In the wake of the “Rust” incident, many in the industry have pledged to stop using real guns on set. High-profile actors and directors, including Dwayne Johnson, have committed to using rubber guns in all future productions. This shift marks a significant change in how Hollywood approaches on-set safety.
The story of ‘The Crow’
“The Crow” stars Bill Skarsgård, known for his roles in “It” and “John Wick 4,” as Eric Draven. After being murdered alongside his girlfriend Shelly, played by FKA Twigs, Eric finds himself in a limbo between life and death. Driven by a desire for vengeance, he embarks on a mission to avenge their deaths. For more details and to watch the trailer, visit The Crow.
A visual feast
Despite the safety constraints, Sanders ensured that the film’s visual effects were primarily achieved in-camera, with set extensions enhancing the location shoots. This approach required careful budgeting and creative problem-solving, but it ultimately contributed to the film’s authentic and immersive aesthetic.
Looking ahead
“The Crow” is set to open in theaters on August 23. As audiences prepare to revisit this dark and compelling story, the film stands as a testament to the industry’s evolving commitment to safety. By prioritizing the well-being of cast and crew, Sanders has set a new standard for responsible filmmaking.
For those eager to dive deeper into the world of “The Crow”, the trailer and additional information can be found here. This film not only promises a gripping narrative but also serves as a beacon of progress in the ongoing journey towards safer film production practices.