Tom Ellis voiced out his support for the crew members who were working behind the cameras. He took to Instagram Thursday and shared several screenshots from IATSE Stories where film and entertainment workers share their experiences about the various issues affecting them to build solidarity across crews and crafts. The stories were submitted anonymously via direct messages to protect those who share them.
Based on the stories that Ellis shared, some crew members were overworked with many of them not given any day off until after a month or more.
"Our light department hasn't had a day off in 30 days. Our construction works day/nights 6 days a week for the last 6 months. Our painters are currently 6 months straight without a day off," the Lucifer star wrote.
Some also shared the accidents they encountered on set. One said they witnessed a rigger slip and fall three stories off a set facade through an overhang and onto a pile of cable. Thankfully, the cable was there to soften the landing. Otherwise, the crew member could have died. They only stopped for five minutes to check on the staff and loaded him up in an ambulance. Then, they resumed filming for another 16+ hour shooting day as if nothing happened.
"Hollywood producers let's start treating crew like real people. These stories make me sick to my stomach when I think about my friends putting their lives and health at risk in order to make film and TV," Ellis wrote.
"Too often in this industry people are made to feel replaceable and lucky to be working. It HAS to stop especially with COVID protocols being as they are. All actors that I know and work with I encourage you to speak up. Follow @ia_stories and speak up for your crew. #iasolidarity."
Related: Lucifer Season 6: Release Date, Trailer, Cast, Plot, News & Everything You Need to Know
Several of Ellis' fans thanked him for his support for the crew. Many of them agreed with his stand about the issue that the crew is very important in filmmaking.
"EXACTLY the crew MAKES the show!! without the crew there wouldn't be a show," one commented.
"Awesome of you to share this and stand up for the crew workers," another added
Ellis' hit urban fantasy TV series Lucifer is now streaming on Netflix for its sixth and final season. Lucifer Season 6 has a total of 10 episodes.
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