The Ministry of Culture said on Monday that entertainment shows that do not follow safety protocols risk losing public support, citing rules it wants to introduce by September.
The announcement came two months after two film crew members died while working on the TV drama series First Embrace in a ravine in Miaoli County’s Nanjhuang Township. The event killed a 38-year-old camera operator named Huang and a 34-year-old audio equipment operator named Wang.
Deputy Minister of Culture Hsiao Tsung-huang announced during a legislative meeting that the ministry will draught new guidelines forcing producers to spend a portion of their money on safety before receiving government subsidies.
Failure to comply with labour laws or to produce risk assessments, safety plans, and occupational safety training, he warned, would be grounds for the government to withhold financial support.
According to the proposed regulations, film makers must submit a risk assessment report and a self-check safety plan in order to get filming assistance from the Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry.
Productions involving high-risk activities, such as filming from great heights, stunts, underwater work, or pyrotechnics, would be required to submit an additional safety checklist in order to receive support from the bureau, he said.
According to him, the National Performing Arts Center would be in charge of enforcing rules for performances at its venues, promoting safety standards, and consulting with producers.
According to him, the centre must also identify professionals to undertake safety assessments at local venues.
According to him, the ministry will hold safety seminars in partnership with the Taiwan Association of Theater Technology, the Taipei Art Creator Union, and other performing arts organisations.
By the end of September, the ministry would also produce a standard template for contracts in the performing arts and cinema industries to promote occupational safety, he said, adding that this will be done in collaboration with the Ministry of Labor and unions.
Lee Yung-te, Minister of Culture, and National Performing Arts Center Chairman Kao Chih-shang were unable to attend the legislative meeting due to their self-isolation during COVID-19.
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