Warner Bros. is currently facing a lawsuit filed by a crew member who worked on the production of “The Winchesters,” a prequel show to the popular series “Supernatural.” The crew member, Bryan DeLorenzo, accuses the studio of disregarding safety rules during the filming of a scene in dangerous weather conditions.
According to the complaint filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, the incident occurred while filming in Louisiana last year. A heavy rainstorm had halted the production, but the crew was instructed to continue filming despite the adverse conditions. It was during this time that DeLorenzo, working as the first assistant camera operator, was struck by lightning.
The lawsuit alleges that Warner Bros. was negligent in its handling of the situation, as it violated safety protocols regarding when a production must shut down if lightning strikes within a certain radius of the set. DeLorenzo claims that despite questioning the safety of continuing to film in such weather, the director, John Showalter, made the decision to change the scene and proceed with the shoot.
Just ten minutes after expressing his concerns, DeLorenzo experienced a loud boom and was struck by lightning. He recounts seeing a bright white light before losing consciousness, and he was subsequently rushed to the emergency room for treatment.
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The complaint states that according to safety procedures specific to the production, if lightning strikes within a six-mile area of the film set, the production must immediately cease and not resume until at least 30 minutes after the lightning has passed. These rules were allegedly disregarded by the production team, leading to DeLorenzo’s injury.
Days before the incident, DeLorenzo claims to have communicated with Warner Bros.’ production coordinator and safety officers about procedures to follow during inclement weather. In response, he was advised to purchase lightning detector products and use weather apps. However, these measures were insufficient to protect him from harm.
DeLorenzo is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for the physical injuries he sustained, as well as the pain and emotional distress caused by the incident. In addition to Warner Bros., the lawsuit also names The CW Network and executive producer Jensen Ackles, who starred in “Supernatural,” as defendants.
As of now, Warner Bros. has not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
This incident highlights the importance of adhering to safety protocols and prioritizing the well-being of crew members on film sets. Filming in hazardous weather conditions can pose significant risks, and it is essential for production companies to ensure the safety of their cast and crew. Negligence in this regard can lead to severe consequences, both physically and emotionally, for those involved.
It is worth noting that the film industry has implemented various measures to prevent such incidents and protect the safety of all personnel. These include detailed safety protocols, mandatory safety meetings, trained safety officers on set, and the establishment of guidelines specific to different weather conditions. However, it is critical that these measures are not merely symbolic but actively enforced and respected by all parties involved in the production.
This lawsuit serves as a reminder that even high-profile and experienced production companies can face legal repercussions if they fail to prioritize safety. It is hoped that this incident prompts a renewed commitment to safety measures in the film industry and encourages a proactive approach to protecting the well-being of everyone involved in the filmmaking process.
Ultimately, the outcome of this lawsuit will depend on the evidence presented and the determination of the court. However, it serves as a wake-up call for the entire film industry to reevaluate their safety practices and ensure that incidents like this are not repeated in the future. The wellbeing of crew members should always be of paramount importance, and steps must be taken to prevent avoidable accidents on set.
