Fatal Accident on Set Results in Tragic Death for Figurant During Filming of Javid’s Movie

Figurant Dies After Fall on Set of Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi’s ‘The Black Ball’

September 25, 2025
Updated at 5:49 p.m.

The production of The Black Ball, The newest film from Javier calvo and Javier Ambrossi, has been marred by tragedy. A man working as a background actor has died following an accidental fall while on location at the pontifical University of Comillas in Cantabria, Spain.

Details of the Incident

The accident occurred on September 1, shortly after 2:30 p.m., in a section of the university near stairwells and a makeup area. Enrique García, 78, reportedly fell suddenly, sustaining a severe head trauma. He was initially transported to Sierrallana hospital in Torrelavega before being transferred to the Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, where he passed away on September 4.

According to reports from The Montañés newspaper, the man had Parkinson’s disease, which may have contributed to the fall. However, witnesses indicate uncertainty as to whether the fall was caused by a stumble or a fainting spell.The hiring company, Los escoatores AIE, maintains that the stairwell was well-lit and clearly marked, and that García had not yet begun his duties for the day. A witness stated the fall occurred rapidly and resulted in significant injuries, including a head wound, leading to his subsequent death.

About ‘The Black Ball’

The Black Ball is a new production for Movistar plus+ and Sum Content Films, representing the directing duo’s return to cinema after their 2017 film, The Call. the story interweaves the lives of three men across three different eras of Spanish history: 1933, 1937, and 2017.

The plot draws inspiration from an unfinished work by Federico García Lorca, a fragmented piece consisting of only four pages. Lorca was unable to complete the work before his death, but The Black Ball was intended to be the first book in a Granada series featuring an openly homosexual character. Ambrossi recently explained that the film explores the experience of being a gay man throughout different periods of time, and also references Alberto Conejero’s play, The Dark Stone, which previously addressed the Lorca manuscript.

Penelope Cruz, Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau, Carlos González and Lola Dueñas lead the film’s cast.

Filming, which began in late August and is scheduled to continue through October, has involved recreating scenes depicting bombings and hospital settings in the derelict buildings of the Cantabrian University. An inquiry into the accident is ongoing.

Film set Safety: A Growing Concern

Accidents on film sets, unluckily, are not uncommon. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Governance (OSHA), there were 3,810 workplace injuries in the motion picture and video industries in 2023. These figures highlight the need for stringent safety protocols and continuous risk assessment on all productions.

Year	Total Injuries (US)
2021	3,250
2022	3,500
2023	3,810

did You Know? The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has established safety guidelines and best practices for film productions, emphasizing the importance of pre-planning, hazard identification, and crew training.

Frequently Asked questions about Film Set Accidents

• What is a figurant in film production? A figurant, also known as an extra, is a performer who appears in a scene typically in the background.
• Is parkinson’s disease a factor in falls? Yes, Parkinson’s disease can affect balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls.
• What safety measures are typically taken on film sets? Common safety measures include risk assessments, hazard removal, proper lighting, and crew training.
• What is the role of production companies in ensuring safety? Production companies are legally and ethically responsible for providing a safe working surroundings for all cast and crew.
• Are there industry standards for film set safety? Yes, organizations like the DGA and OSHA provide guidelines and regulations for safety on film sets.

What are your thoughts on the safety protocols on film sets? Do you think more can be done to protect actors and crew? Share your opinions in the comments below.

what specific safety regulations were reportedly in place at the filming location prior to the incident?

Details of the On-Set Incident

A tragic incident occurred today, September 25, 2025, on the set of director Javid’s latest film, resulting in the death of a figurant (background actor). The accident took place during filming at[LocationofFilming-[LocationofFilming-to be updated with confirmed details]. Preliminary reports indicate[brieffactualdescriptionoftheaccident-[brieffactualdescriptionoftheaccident-to be updated with confirmed details, e.g., a fall from a platform, equipment malfunction].

Local authorities and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Despite their efforts, the figurant, identified as[Figurant’sName-[Figurant’sName-to be updated with confirmed details], was pronounced dead at the scene. Production on the film has been immediately halted.

Investigation Launched: Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident is now underway, led by[InvestigatingAuthority-[InvestigatingAuthority-e.g., local police department, Occupational Safety and Health Management (OSHA)]. The investigation will focus on:

* Adherence to Safety Regulations: Were all applicable safety protocols and regulations being followed during the filming of the scene? This includes assessments of set design,equipment maintenance,and stunt coordination (if applicable).

* Equipment Inspection: A thorough inspection of all equipment used during the scene will be conducted to identify any potential malfunctions or defects.

* Witness Statements: Investigators will be gathering statements from all witnesses present on set at the time of the accident, including cast, crew, and other figurants.

* Risk Assessment Procedures: Reviewing the pre-production risk assessment documents to determine if potential hazards were identified and adequately addressed.

The focus is on determining if negligence or a systemic failure in safety procedures contributed to the tragic event. Film set safety is a critical concern,and this incident will likely prompt a re-evaluation of industry standards.

Figurant Roles and Film Set Safety Concerns

Figurants, also known as extras or background actors, play a vital role in filmmaking, creating a realistic and immersive habitat. However, their safety is often overlooked. Common film set hazards include:

* Falls: from sets, platforms, or uneven terrain.

* Equipment Malfunctions: faulty lighting, rigging, or props.

* Prop Weapons: Mishandling of firearms, swords, or other props.

* Electrical Hazards: Exposed wiring or faulty electrical equipment.

* Transportation Accidents: Incidents involving vehicles used for filming.

The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has strict guidelines regarding on-set safety, but enforcement can be challenging. This incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and stricter adherence to safety protocols across all levels of film production.

Previous On-Set Tragedies: A History of safety Lapses

Unfortunately, this is not the first time a tragic accident has occurred on a film set. Several high-profile incidents have raised concerns about film set safety in recent years:

* The “Rust” Shooting (2021): The accidental shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of “Rust” brought widespread attention to the dangers of prop weapons and safety protocols.

* numerous Smaller Incidents: Beyond headline-grabbing tragedies, numerous smaller incidents involving injuries to cast and crew members occur on film sets each year, often going unreported.

These past incidents underscore the importance of prioritizing safety and implementing robust risk management procedures. The industry is under increasing pressure to improve safety standards and protect the well-being of all personnel involved in filmmaking.

Legal Ramifications and Potential Lawsuits

The death of the figurant is likely to result in legal action.Potential lawsuits coudl be filed against:

* The Production Company: For negligence in ensuring a safe working environment.

* The Director (javid): If it is indeed persistent that they failed to adequately supervise the scene or prioritize safety.

* Equipment Suppliers: If faulty equipment contributed to the accident.

* Individuals Responsible for Safety Oversight: Such as the set safety officer or first assistant director.

Families of deceased workers are frequently enough entitled to compensation for wrongful death, including medical expenses, funeral costs, and loss of income. The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining liability and the extent of any potential legal settlements.

Resources for Film Set Workers & Safety Facts

* SAG-AFTRA: https://www.sagaftra.org/ – provides safety guidelines and resources for performers.

* OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration): https://www.osha.gov/ – Offers information on workplace safety regulations.

* Film Industry Safety Foundation: https://filmsafety.org/ – Dedicated to promoting safety on film sets.

* Local Film Commissions: Often provide resources and information on safety regulations specific to their region.

Note: Bracketed information ([…]) needs to be updated with confirmed details as they become available. This article will be updated as more information is released regarding the investigation and the circumstances