This week we were able to watch an incredible documentary by Haskell Wexler titled "Who Needs Sleep?" This documentary was about the immense sleep issue for workers in the sleep industry.
It was mind blowing to learn about the long work hours that crew employees in the film industry have to work. And what was even more mind blowing was that they must work these amount of hours in order to get health insurance and make a living for themselves or for their families. With these long work hours came less time for sleep that they could fit in their schedules, and as a result many employees were highly sleep deprived.
With sleep deprivation came lack of focus and consequently, deaths by car accidents. This initiated one of many movements to regulate work hours for crew members in the film industry. One well known organization that started was 12on12off created heavily by Roderick E. Stevens, Haskell Wexler, and Conrad Hall. After Conrad's death, the push to make known the industry-wide health and safety issue of chronic long hours was in full effect.
It can happily be said that currently the Long Hours Resolution was adopted by the 67th Quadrennial IATSE Convention. Meaning work hours have been regulated in the industry! This accomplishment has been splendid in the film industry and has honored both the now deaths of Conrad Hall and Haskell Wexler.
Original Picture found here:
https://www.shutterstock.com/video/clip-1016160496-television-operator-fell-asleep-behind-camera
Information about 12on12off Organization used:
http://12on12off.weebly.com/
I love this film, too, despite it being a bit dated, but way to go finding some of the results of some of the efforts of these very hard-worked and dedicated individuals. Thanks for your blog and addition to the conversation!
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