The Real Horror of Indie Filmmaking: Set Safety Mistakes

Indie Film Podcast
6 days ago
3 min read

When most filmmakers think of horror, they picture fake blood, prosthetics, and screams on cue. But in reality, the real horror stories of filmmaking often happen behind the camera, and they usually start with the same phrase:

“We’ll be fine, let’s just get the shot.”

In this episode of the Indie Film Podcast, Victoria and Chuck peel back the curtain on set safety, sharing their own close calls and a few jaw-dropping tales from Hollywood that prove why safety should always come before the scene.

The Accidents You Don’t Expect

Even with all the safety regulations in place, film sets can be dangerous, and indie sets are no exception. Since 2002, there have been more than 150 reported catastrophic injuries or fatalities on Hollywood film sets, many involving the camera department, who often work closest to the action.

Victoria recalls a near miss while filming Dive: a late-night truck scene that seemed simple enough…until the brakes locked and the cinematographer was nearly thrown into the truck window. A rushed schedule, a tired crew, and no rehearsal; all classic signs of an accident waiting to happen.

The Axe Incident

Then there’s the infamous “flying axe” story. During a scene where an actor was chopping wood, a misplaced toss sent a very real, very sharp axe sailing through the air, directly toward the sound operator (Chuck). Thankfully, a quick reflex and a boom pole saved the day, but it was a terrifying reminder: even “safe” props can be lethal if not handled correctly.

When the Prop Isn’t a Prop

Victoria shares another horror story, one from a low-budget horror shoot where the director insisted on using a real knife for a throat-slitting scene. The actor felt unsafe but didn’t want to “ruin the vibe” by speaking up. It took the property owner stepping in and saying no before anyone realized how dangerous the situation had become.

That moment highlights a critical truth: safety starts with communication. If something feels unsafe, it probably is. And it's everyone's responsibility to speak up when something feels uncomfortable.

Lessons from the Pros

One of the episode’s standout moments comes from the stunt coordinators behind the Film Fights with Friends podcast, who shared a brilliant but rarely mentioned safety tip:

Call your local hospital before shooting potentially dangerous scenes.

Letting them know what’s happening (like a fake car crash or public stunt) ensures faster response times if something goes wrong, just like calling non-emergency dispatch prevents police drop-ins if panicking bystanders see “violence” being filmed.

DIY Safety for Indie Filmmakers

For filmmakers without big budgets, safety often feels like an afterthought, but it doesn’t have to be. You can:

Buy or commission safe props from Etsy creators who specialize in realistic but non-lethal designs.
Dull real knives or tools at a local restaurant supply or hardware store.
Weight and tape your lighting gear properly (sandbags save lives, and lenses).
Schedule complex or risky scenes earlier in the day, before fatigue sets in.

The Hierarchy of Controls

The episode also introduces the Hierarchy of Controls, a pyramid used in safety planning that applies perfectly to filmmaking:

Eliminate the risk (do you really need that stunt or weapon?).
Substitute with something safer (sound effects, clever cuts).
Engineer controls (use barriers, rigging, safety cables).
Administrative controls (clear instructions, rehearsals).
PPE – personal protective equipment (helmets, gloves, pads — the last resort).

By approaching safety this way, you minimize risk long before the camera rolls.

New Standards for On-Set Safety

Good news for the industry: new national standards for weapon and stunt safety are in development, meaning OSHA and SAG will soon have stronger guidelines to prevent future accidents. It’s a small but important step toward safer sets everywhere.