Hidden Hazards
In conversation with Warren Dean Fulton, Locations Manager.
Awareness on winter film sets
Cold-weather shoots bring more than just snow and rain — from heaters to cleaning products, knowing what’s on set can help avoid hazards that might not always be obvious.
When most people think of a film set, they picture the magic that happens on screen — not the logistics behind getting a crew safely through adverse weather to a remote location. For Warren Dean Fulton, a seasoned location manager who has spent years working in many corners of British Columbia, that behind-the-scenes coordination is where the real work begins.
Winter, he says, changes everything. Icy access roads, slick cables, chemical de-icers, portable heaters — each element adds a new layer of risk that requires careful planning and communication. And that’s where awareness becomes essential, including WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).
We sat down with Warren to discuss what it takes to keep productions running safely through the colder months — how hazard identification, proper labelling, and clear communication can prevent incidents long before they happen, and why building a strong safety
culture on set starts with paying attention to the little things.
Proactive preparation
The reality of film production in B.C. is that your crew may be exposed to a variety of weather elements. From atmospheric rivers to snow and ice, weather events can sometimes be unpredictable and last for days. This is why Warren says proactive preparation and communication are key to not only keeping crews safe but also keeping morale up.
When I first began in the industry over 25 years ago, there was a ‘suck it up’ culture when it came to dealing with the elements on set. But today, it’s no longer about proving you can withstand the harsh conditions—it’s about recognizing that everyone deserves safe working conditions.
Here are some ways safety professionals or location managers can support the crew and performers:
- Include weather advisories on call sheets, with reminders about wearing proper gear, such as toques, gloves, and warm jackets.
- Bring in extra tents and heaters for the performers and crew.
- Rotate people from outside to inside so no one is exposed to the elements for too long.
- Invest in snow removal equipment, such as plows, or contract out snow removal.
- Remind crews about exhaustion and dehydration, which can occur even in colder weather.
“Everyone on set has a right to safe working conditions—not just the performers,” Warren says. “Remember to consider how you’re
supporting your crew’s safety and comfort, whether they’re behind the camera, hauling gear, or clearing snow at 5 a.m.”
Invisible risks
Winter weather can bring additional hazards, many of which may be invisible. Fumes, chemical exposures, or mislabelled materials are additional risks to consider when working at this time of year.
“Winter shoots have added complexities with heaters and de-icers that all bring their own challenges,” explains Warren, emphasizing that additional training and communication are necessary to ensure these hazards are handled safely.
Heaters, while essential for comfort and safety during cold-weather shoots, also introduce hazards such as carbon-monoxide exposure and fires. Heaters require proper setup, monitoring, and training to manage the risks. Warren suggests providing safety training on how to light heaters and ensuring that defective equipment is properly labelled and disposed of.
Location managers can also play a big role during site safety assessments in helping to identify hazardous materials, such as cleaning agents or ice-melt products. Safety data sheets should be posted where all crew members can easily find them and clearly communicated to all department heads.
Building a culture of awareness
For Warren, safety is a lifelong learning process. He sees education and communication as the backbone of a safe set. “I always do hazard assessments and make sure people have the information they need because everyone has a role to play in ensuring we’re safe on set.”
That mindset reflects a positive shift in the industry. Crews are paying more attention, safety talks are more consistent, and people genuinely care about doing things the right way. But Warren reminds us that safety can’t live only on paper. “You can’t assume people have read every memo in their call sheet package. You have to bring it forward — talk about it.” Because in the end, hazard communication only works when it’s active, consistent, and shared out loud.
In the picture: Warren Dean Fulton as Witcher “Michael”, a selfie from Newman’s Castle, Bellville, Texas, on the set of Devil’s Knight.
