This foundation was inspired by the achievements, character and unique nature of our respected friend and colleague, Mark Milsome
An article in the British Cinematographer highlights the current dangers in the Film and TV industry beyond Covid and features details of the Mark Milsome Foundation H&S Survey.
The article can be found here: https://britishcinematographer.co.uk/health-and-safety-safe-shooting/
Mark’s widow, Andra, joined forces with Mark Purvis of the digital media company, Mission Digital, to create a project called Prints for Mark.
As Andra explains “The idea was first conceived by Mark along with incredible cinematographers Adam Suschitzky and Seamus McGarvey who thought it would be great to auction off a couple of their photographic prints as a fundraiser for the Mark Milsome Foundation at the annual BSC show in Feb ‘19 & later that year at the summer lunch.
The project then snowballed and as a result of the pandemic felt the idea lent itself to producing a calendar entitled Perspective of Tomorrow.
We have a debt of gratitude to all the camera & electrical department technicians who have contributed photographs over the past few months.
We have received so many submissions and it’s been such a tough choice being limited to 12 months. This year we will be launching the inaugural calendar with 13 photo choices, but have some book ideas for next year & a fundraising auction event when the current world situation allows.”
“Our aim is to create a platform to help the next generation develop basic skills to help them build a foundation in the industry. Our objective isn’t to focus on producing more Cinematographers and Directors, but working with a diverse range of people to create entry level jobs that will show true fruition over the next 5 years” says Mark Purvis
We thank you all for your continued support and contributions to build a wonderful legacy in Mark Milsome’s memory. Anyone who knew Mark was always touched by his presence and laughter in their life. His talent and desire to do his best on every job without any sense of self importance, made Mark a very cherished member of the British Film and TV industry.
Mark was passionate about mentoring, as that was how he solidified his talent and passion for all aspects of his life as a cinematographer. We hope that through Prints for Mark we can share that enthusiasm and eclecticism.
Order your Calendar now at www.printsformark.com
Mark Milsome Verdict
The Mark Milsome Foundation is grateful to the coroner for his diligent consideration. The coroner will be writing a pre- Prevention Of Future Deaths Report letter to various industry bodies including PACT, BECTU, BFC, BBC and the British Stunt Register.
Verdict:
Mark Milsome died an accidental death. Shortly before the execution of the stunt, the risk of Mr Milsome being harmed or fatally injured was not effectively recognised, assessed, communicated or managed. ( Mr Chinyere Inyama -Senior Coroner at West London Coroners Court Office 23rd October 2020
Andra Milsome Statement
“Obviously I’m happy that this horrible 3-year ordeal is somewhat over. It’s upsetting to me that Heads of Department seemed unwilling to take responsibility for their parts in Mark’s death during the straightforward stunt that night. They had an obligation to their personnel to make sure there was appropriate equipment there that night. There was a lack of communication from production. Risk assessment guidelines were ignored.
Mark should never ever have been manning a camera in the trajectory of a moving vehicle. With Mark’s extensive experience as a cameraman, I know he would have suggested a remote head; we never received a clear answer as to why this didn’t materialize.
I am delighted that the Coroner is considering a Prevention of Future Deaths Report, as no crew member should ever feel that they can’t air their concerns on set. Yes means yes. No means no. Maybe means no.
As you may be aware, after Mark was killed I set up the Mark Milsome Foundation. One of our main aims is to heighten the awareness of the current Health & Safety conditions within the Film & TV industry. If Mark’s death has to be the guiding light to lead us to safer working practices that would be a meaningful legacy. No one should ever die for the sake of shot.”
Andra Milsome -23rd October 2020
The Mark Milsome Foundation is delighted to announce Rory Kinnear as the Patron of the Mark Milsome Foundation.
Rory is an award-winning actor, writer and director (Skyfall, Spectre, No Time To Die, Years and Years, The Imitation Game).
The Foundation was set up in the wake of the tragic death of cameraman, MarkMilsome, to support young talent and shine a light on health and safety in the Film and TV industry.
“I’m very honoured to have been asked to be Patron of the Mark Milsome Foundation”.
Mark was killed nearly three years ago whilst shooting a car stunt on the set of the BBC/Netflix/Drama Republic TV drama Black Earth Rising. The production was directed by Hugo Blick and starred Michaela Coel and John Goodman.
Rory’s father, the legendary actor Roy Kinnear, was killed while filming The Return of the Musketeers in Spain in 1988.
“Thirty years after my own father’s needless death on a film set, Mark’ all too painfully reinforced how slow the industry I love has been to prioritise the safety of its workforce”.
Rory recently participated in a panel with the MMF at the Edinburgh TV Festival to debate Health and Safety.
“By fighting for access, for awareness and empowering film and television professionals to say ‘No’ when they feel unsafe, we hope we might protect future generations from the life-defining tragedies we have had to endure, as well as making production sets a more inclusive, responsible, diverse, rewarding and ultimately more creative place to bring stories to life”.
Mark had been a greatly admired and much-loved figure in the industry, a talented camera operator and director of photography whose credits included Quantum of Solace, Game of Thrones, The Theory of Everything, Bang and Downton Abbey.
“After a nearly three years long wait, Mark’s wife and daughter, his family and our Industry are very keen to hear the Coroner’s verdict”.
The Inquest has been scheduled from Tuesday October 20th at the West London Coroner’s Court. It will be open to the press and public, subject to current Covid-19 restrictions.
The Coroner’s Inquest into Mark’s death has finally been confirmed and the dates are from the 20th-23rd October Inclusive .It is open to the Public and Press , but we strongly advise you to check with The West London Coroners Office for access given Covid 19 restrictions.
The Venue details are as follows:
West London Coroners
25 Bagleys Lane
Fulham
London
SW6 2QA
The nearest stations are Imperial Wharf and Fulham Broadway.
We are very pleased to welcome Dermot Hickey to the board of Trustees. Dermot is an incredibly experienced and respected crew member and his contribution since the Foundation’s inception has been significant. We are excited to be working with him moving forward.
Foot in the Door 2020 went ahead in virtual form in July. Despite the ongoing situation with Covid-19 we felt strongly that students needed to be supported this year more than any other.
Competition was very strong, but Vicki Hill (University of South Wales) and Ellie Wentworth-Weedon (Northern Film School) were finally chosen for the 2020 Foot In The Door programme. Vicki has already succeeded in securing a position on a project for Hartswood Films. Last year’s successful applicants have had a great year despite the current situation. Davey has been confirmed as key camera trainee on season three of Sex Education, while Daisy will be returning to work on the next instalment of ‘Fantastic Beasts’. If you are interested in the availability of any of our trainees, please visit Mark Milsome Foundation Scholarships.
Ellie Is wearing the MMF Tee shirt & Vicki is wearing the white Tee
We have accepted an offer of an office at Pinewood studios which we hope will be up and running by the end of September. This will enable us to centralise and manage our merchandise and provide a focus for crew to drop by and discuss issues, in addition to holding meetings, having a fixed addressed, Mail room support and a Foundation phone number. More soon to Follow.
Many of the issues raised by the recent Foundations survey will be discussed during an online discussion at this year’s Edinburgh International Television Festival. The debate is being organized by Foundation member Sarah Prince and will be chaired by journalist Leaf Arbuthnot. Participants will include Foundation Chairman Kirk Jones, producer Sue Vertue, actor Rory Kinnear and Jake Edmonds, Managing Director of Media Safety. The discussion will be broadcast as a live stream on 25 August. Please see link for the live stream of the debate
The debate will be live streamed on the Edinburgh Festival web site at 14.45 Tues 25th Aug.
Please click link to view The live debate : www.thetvfestival.com
Panelists: Kirk Jones, Rory Kinnear, Sue Vertue and Jake Edmonds. Chair: Leaf Arbuthnot.
We are pleased to announce the launch of two new Classic Foundation T-shirts. A white T and a traditional black T are now available in our online store.
Click Here to purchase and stay cool this summer !
Mark Milsome stood against racism, sexism, bullying and all inequality and as a Foundation we want to show our support for George Floyd’s family and stand with #BlackLivesMatter.
We abhor racism and racial injustice and seek to be part of a thorough and long overdue change.
The Foundation Health and Safety survey is being supported and promoted by BAFTA, BECTU, EQUITY, GBCT, ASC, Stunt Register GB, ACO, ADA, The Production Guild, UK Film and TV Coordinators and Wireman Organisation. The Foundation has been invited to contribute to a talk at the Edinburgh Television Festival this summer on the subject of Health and Safety, where the findings of the survey will be discussed.
Please take a moment to fill out this short survey; and please do circulate the link to any colleagues and organisations you feel would be happy to take part:
Have your say…..
GIVE A MINUTE FOR MARK
Health and Safety Survey Launch 2020
Thankyou