The production of the new national Disney+ series, ‘Homicide Division’, suffered a devastating shock on Sunday morning (14). While cameras captured scenes on the campus of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), in the North Zone of the Fluminense capital, a member of the technical team lost his life in an accident that shocked the cast, production, and audience.
What happened?
According to information released by Metrópoles and confirmed by the producer AfroReggae Audiovisual – responsible for the attraction in partnership with Disney+ – the accident occurred around 10:30 am, when the electrical maintenance technician Luiz Fernando, 55, fell from the second floor of one of the university’s buildings being used as a set.
Luiz Fernando was a veteran professional, with about two decades of experience in the electrical sector of audiovisual productions. He was part of the series’ electrical maintenance team, responsible for ensuring the safety and operation of all lighting and sound equipment during filming.
After the fall, the Fire Department was called and rescued the technician, who was taken in critical condition to the Evandro Freire Municipal Hospital. Despite medical efforts, Luiz Fernando did not resist the injuries and his death was confirmed on the same day.
Repercussion and production positioning
In an official note, AfroReggae Audiovisual expressed deep sadness and regret for the incident, stating: “We are deeply sad and shaken by the loss of such a dedicated member of our team. Our thoughts are with Luiz Fernando’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
The producer also emphasized that it is collaborating with the competent authorities to investigate the circumstances of the accident and that all safety measures will be reevaluated to prevent new incidents.
Impact on filming
- Filming was immediately interrupted to allow for the removal of the body and the implementation of safety procedures.
- A psychological support team was called to attend to the professionals who were on site.
- There is no forecast for when filming will resume, as production awaits the conclusions of the investigations.
Context of the series and partnership with Disney+
‘Homicide Division’ is the latest bet of Disney+ in the Brazilian market, bringing a police plot that mixes suspense and drama, set in different regions of Rio de Janeiro. The series features a cast of nationally recognized actors and aims to expand the platform’s portfolio of original content in the country.
The partnership with AfroReggae Audiovisual, a company specializing in audiovisual productions with a strong presence in the Carioca cultural scene, reinforces Disney+’s commitment to investing in local narratives, valuing Brazilian talents and technical teams.
Safety in film productions
Accidents on film sets, although rare, are a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols. The Regulatory Norm NR-18, which deals with working conditions and environment in construction, and the NR-35, which addresses work at heights, are essential references for technical teams that deal with set assembly, lighting, and temporary structures.
Experts point out that preventing falls requires:
- Mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety belts and helmets.
- Periodic training of teams on risk procedures.
- Regular inspections of work areas, especially in high environments.
Tribute and legacy
Friends and colleagues of Luiz Fernando describe the professional as “tireless”, “dedicated” and “a true master of electricity”. His trajectory of over 20 years in the audiovisual sector left indelible marks on several projects, contributing to the technical quality of numerous television and film productions.
In a sign of respect, the ‘Homicide Division’ team intends to dedicate a moment of silence at the series’ first official screening, as well as include a tribute message in the final credits.
As the entertainment community mourns the loss, the hope is that the investigation will clarify the causes of the accident and that the lessons learned will strengthen the culture of safety in Brazilian film productions.
