Understanding Safewords in Fight Scenes

Film and television actors often execute intricate and dangerous fight scenes, utilizing specific safety protocols to minimize the risk of injury. However, the question arises: do actors have a code word to shout out if they get genuinely hurt during these scenes? This article explores the typical procedures and some historical instances where actors did unleash their own safety measures.

The Role of Safewords on Movie Sets

In most productions, actors do not use a designated safeword during fight scenes. Instead, the production often relies on the director, stunt coordinator, or other on-set professionals to halt the action if something goes wrong. For instance, if a situation becomes too intense or if an unexpected safety concern arises, a direct order to 'cut' will be issued, allowing everyone to step back and ensure everybody's safety.

Historical Instances of Injuries in Fight Scenes

Despite the stringent safety measures, there have been notable instances where actors have experienced genuine injuries during fight scenes. One such example comes from the Richard Lester's Three and Four Musketeers series. Frank Finlay, who played Aramis in both films, frequently received cuts during the fight scenes. In the climactic battle in The Four Musketeers, Porthos, played by Richard Ohmart, let out a spontaneous outcry of 'Why is it always me!' during the fight. This was not a premeditated safeword but rather a genuine expression of frustration after being hit several times.

The Reality of On-Set Injuries

While a safeword is not commonly used, there are often observable signs if someone is injured during a fight scene. The choreography is meticulously planned to mimic the motions of a real fight, with actors often feigning pain or injury to make the scene more convincing. If something goes wrong, the action will naturally come to a halt. In some productions, there are 'deadman' switches that need to be activated to signal the crew that an actor is in a safe position. If the switch is not activated, production will immediately stop to check on the actor.

Professional wrestling provides an interesting parallel to this issue. Wrestlers must make injuries look convincing, and yet sometimes genuine injuries can occur. In such cases, there are some safety protocols in place, such as the 'iggy' or 'I'm good' maneuver. If a referee touches a wrestler after a big stunt and the wrestler grips the referee's hand, it is a sign that the wrestler is okay. However, if there is a more serious injury, the referee will signal the medical team with an 'X' held up in both hands.

Conclusion

In the realm of film and television, the safety of actors during fight scenes is of paramount importance. While the use of a safeword is not typical, there are other methods to ensure safety, such as the 'cut' command from the director and the use of 'deadman' switches. Furthermore, professional wrestling offers some insight into how real injuries can be managed while maintaining the illusion of authenticity. Whether through premeditated commands or spontaneous outcries, the safety of actors is always the top priority on set.