Manslaughter Charges For "Midnight Rider" Director And Producers Might Bring About A Positive Change In The Industry

Since a camera assistant working on the Gregg Allman biopic Midnight Rider died during the production and director Randall Miller was charged with involuntary slaughter alongside producers Jody Savin and Jay Sedrish, appeals for increased work safety in the industry have dominated the conversation.

Sarah Jones’ death was the most severe consequence of the lax safety precautions on set, but six other crew members were injured by a freight train in Georgia earlier this week. According to the LA Times, the train unexpectedly drove over a bridge the crew was filming on. Local authorities report that producers did not have permission to film on the trestle.

More: Gregg Allman Distances Himself From Midnight Rider Lawsuit

"What will change — particularly if these people are prosecuted heavily — is that people will pay more attention to safety issues," said film producer Marty Katz, whose credits include "Reindeer Games" and "Man of the House." "The reality is, no shot is worth a life and safety has to be the primary concern, whether it is a $100,000 production or a $100-million production."

So far, the most major consequence is that William Hurt, who was cast to play Allman has left and the production has been put on hold indefinitely.