According to Next Apple, on 6/2, the actor's family released a video of an accident through the Taipei Performing Arts Union. The incident occurred in late January on the set of the film "Me Dau Phu". At the time, To Duc Duong was clinging to a building under construction and fell as per the script. While the crew had placed safety mats below, the actor missed them, landing on concrete and hitting his head.
He suffered severe injuries, leading to a coma, and spent seven days in the intensive care unit. The actor also sustained complex facial fractures. To Duc Duong remains hospitalized, and doctors anticipate a long recovery period.
Actor To Duc Duong, 37 years old, was injured while performing an action stunt. This video contains graphic content; viewer discretion is advised. Video: Next Apple
On 6/2, the Taipei Performing Arts Union announced its support for the victim's family, assisting them in appointing legal counsel. The union is demanding that all responsible parties face compensation, as well as criminal and civil liabilities.
A union representative stated: "This is not an isolated incident but a consequence of many years of lax regulation in the film industry. We will not allow this accident to be dismissed as mere 'carelessness'".
According to the organization's representative, the production company lacked proactivity in addressing the aftermath, "haggling over every penny of compensation for the victim" instead of offering a sincere apology to To Duc Duong.
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To Duc Duong fell off the safety mats. Photo: Next Apple
At a press conference held at Taipei Hospital, Rena, To Duc Duong's fiancee, presented three demands:
: first, that the film production unit, Formosa TV, issue a public apology to the victim; second, that the performing arts industry prioritize safety for all actors, whether lead or stunt performers; and third, that the production unit proactively and actively compensate the victim, ending their "passive and delaying attitude".
"Me Dau Phu" is produced by Formosa TV and Wanxing Media. In response to the family's accusations, the film crew stated that, aware of the high-risk nature of the scene, they invited a professional unit to assist with filming. Before shooting, the crew discussed safety measures with the action director, and based on the action director's plan, they prepared four layers of mats.
On the day of filming, the crew prepared one additional layer of mat, and six crew members stood below to protect To Duc Duong. The crew asked the actor if he felt the safety measures were sufficient, and after reviewing them, he agreed to proceed with filming.
The film crew had purchased insurance for To Duc Duong. According to a representative of the production unit, they have actively discussed compensation plans with the actor's family. "However, insurance payout requests require relevant written documents and materials before approval. There is no truth to the claim that we are ignoring the family's requests," the production unit stated.
The Taipei labor inspection office investigated the incident and concluded that the film crew failed to fully implement safety measures when filming scenes from a height of two meters or more. Authorities are currently considering the appropriate penalties.
By Nhu Anh (via Next Apple)
