Long working hours and sleep deprivation
As long as I have been in this Industry, this subject has been discussed, addressed modestly, but then relegated to the back burner. We must push our Union representatives and negotiation committees to collectively make this 'first page' in their list of negotiation demands with the Producers.
For the worker, it is an age old dilemma. Work as hard and long as you can, banking as much as you can to enjoy a comfortable future, of have the time for family and leisure and make a bit less. But why is the burden on the employee to decide especially when the possible risk is so high?
So called 'French Hours' are no more than a band-aid when it comes to the reality that every time a cast or crew member gets into their car to drive home after an extended day or sleep deprived week, that they are a potential danger to themselves and others.
When Corporate profit margins are already chocking the economic conditions or their workers, there is no doubt that this must be on the forefront when contracts are renegotiated.
Who needs sleep?
Documentary 2006
directed by Haskell Wexler ASC
Synopsis: A documentary that highlights the deadly combination of sleep deprivation and long days of work. Focusing in particular in the film industry.
Unsettled by the preventable death of a coworker, filmmaker Haskell Wexler learns that sleep deprivation and long work hours are a deadly combination. Interweaving medical findings with personal accounts, his camera reveals how a 24/7 work culture affects all Americans.
Runtime: 78 min
OFICIAL WEBSITE: whoneedssleep.weebly.com
Similarly, articles like this one from IndiWire popup up all the time, and yet the discussion rarely results in sweeping change.
We need somehow, to transition this discussion into action similar to the Industry wide safety measures that came about as a result from the tragic 2014 breech of set safety that caused the death of Camera Assistant Sarah Jones that continue to be in force today.