Netflix is in the midst of its own Squid Game tug of war.
The streamer is pushing back after contestants on its Squid Game-inspired competition series said things got a little too real.
“We care deeply about the health and safety of our cast and crew, and invested in all the appropriate safety procedures,” Netflix said in a Jan. 25 statement obtained by Variety. “While it was very cold on set—and participants were prepared for that—any claims of serious injury are untrue.”
The upcoming show—which is currently filming in London—recently came under fire after multiple players complained about the show’s filming conditions.
Variety reported that one contestant was believed to have injured their shoulder after running into a wall, while others were treated for “mild ailments.”
On Jan. 24, UK’s The Sun said a contestant told them of the experience, “It was like a warzone. People left in tears.”
While filming the game Red Light, Green Light—featured in Squid Game‘s first episode—another contestant reportedly told The Sun that a player was “carried out on a stretcher” as temperatures reached as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Netflix denied that anybody was every stretched off set.
Source link Netflix has come under fire in recent weeks for the harsh conditions imposed on its Japanese crew during the filming of its new documentary series about a real-life squid-catching game. The streaming giant has been accused of failing to provide sufficient safety procedures and of exploiting the locals to obtain footage of the dangerous activity. In response, Netflix has stepped up to defend its actions, pointing out that no one was injured while filming the series and that it did not violate any laws.
The series in question is the highly-anticipated “Tidelands,” which follows the brave men and women of Japan’s Tsushima Island who risk their lives every night in the pursuit of wild squid. Netflix has been accused of taking advantage of the situation by providing inadequate safety equipment and requiring locals to participate in the dangerous activity without proper protection. In particular, Netflix is accused of providing insufficient life vests and failing to implement adequate safety procedures for the crew, leading to at least one injury.
However, Netflix insists that its crew was never in danger and that the show’s production was conducted in accordance with local and international laws. According to the streaming giant, it took all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its personnel, including providing proper safety gear and medical attention whenever necessary. Netflix also claims that it consulted with local authorities prior to shooting and received approval for its safety procedures.
Netflix’s defense has been met with mixed reactions. Many have argued that the streaming giant should take greater responsibility for its actions, especially in situations like this where the safety of individuals is at risk. Others have praised Netflix for trying to bring attention to a unique and fascinating culture while also taking steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it’s clear that Netflix has worked hard to ensure that no one was injured during the filming of its “Tidelands” series. Whether that’s enough to convince viewers of its commitment to ethical production practices remains to be seen.
