Amazon MGM Studios Film Accident in Georgia Sparks Investigation by OSHA

Katie Kilkenny
·2 min read

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has opened an investigation into the accident on the set of the Amazon MGM Studios film The Pickup.

A U.S. Department of Labor spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter early Wednesday that an inquiry had been initiated into the incident. “As the investigation is open, we are unable to provide preliminary or interim information at this time,” the spokesperson added.

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The accident in question occurred on a second unit set of the Atlanta-based film on Saturday and injured multiple crewmembers, an Amazon MGM Studios spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday. Crewmembers were shooting an action sequence that had previously been rehearsed and “did not go as planned,” the spokesperson stated. “We are still in the process of gathering facts on what happened and why, but first and foremost our thoughts are with those who are recovering.”

The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that the injuries occurred after a truck being used in the sequence “locked up” and hit another car. “It was a completely freak accident,” one anonymous source told the AP. Reportedly two crewmembers were hospitalized as a result of their injuries, which “ranged from bumps and bruises to broken bones.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Hollywood crew union IATSE indicated it was aware of the accident and had started an “inquiry” into what happened.

The Pickup, which has been described as a heist comedy film, stars Eddie Murphy, Keke Palmer, Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria, Andrew Dice Clay and Marshawn Lynch. Tim Story (The Blackening, Tom & Jerry) is directing, while John Davis and John Fox with Davis Entertainment and Charisse Hewitt-Webster with Eddie Murphy Productions are producing. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has previously reported that the film was primarily set to be produced at Shadowbox Studios.

Discussion over the safety of crewmembers on Hollywood sets has been reignited since the tragic 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust. After Hutchins’ death, crewmembers pushed their union, IATSE, to advocate for further safety measures in negotiations and the California legislature passed a bill that will initiate a set safety pilot program, requiring a “safety advisor” on applicable sets, in 2025. IATSE is currently enmeshed in negotiations with top Hollywood studios and streamers for agreements covering 13 West Coast Locals, where set safety issues are again a priority.

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