Entertainment Safety & Risk Manager

Career Guide
Entertainment Safety & Risk Managers design and oversee safety programs for film, TV, and live events. They identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, secure permits, train crews, and lead incident response planning to prevent injuries, property loss, and production delays.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop production safety plans and risk assessments for sets, stunts, SFX, and rigging
  • Conduct site inspections; issue corrective actions and track closure
  • Coordinate permits and compliance with OSHA, fire code, and local authorities
  • Deliver safety training, toolbox talks, and contractor onboarding
  • Lead incident investigations and root-cause analysis; maintain safety records
  • Plan emergency response, crowd management, and evacuation procedures
  • Review vendor qualifications, COIs, and risk transfer requirements with insurers

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Senior Production Safety Manager
Director of Production Safety / EHS
Head of Risk Management (Studio or Live Events)
Transition Opportunities
Occupational Health & Safety Manager (non-entertainment)
Emergency Management Manager
Risk Consultant (Entertainment/Production Insurance)

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Production-specific hazard assessment for stunts/SFX/riggingCrowd safety and emergency action planning for venuesInsurance and risk transfer (COIs, waivers, contractual risk)Industry Safety Bulletins and NFPA code application on sets/venues
Development SuggestionsComplete OSHA 30 and FEMA ICS 100/200/700, then take Event Safety Alliance crowd safety training; shadow a production or venue safety team to practice risk assessments and EAP development.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$75,000–$95,000
Mid Level$100,000–$130,000
Senior Level$135,000–$170,000
Growth Trend
growing – Heightened focus on set safety, crowd risks, and insurer requirements.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
NetflixThe Walt Disney CompanyLive Nation Entertainment
Industry Sectors
Media & EntertainmentLive Events & VenuesProfessional Services & Insurance

Recommended Next Steps

1
Earn OSHA 30 and First Aid/CPR; compile sample JHAs, risk assessments, and an Emergency Action Plan for a mock or community production.
2
Complete FEMA ICS 100/200/700 and an Event Safety Alliance or similar crowd safety course; document learnings in a portfolio.
3
Network with production managers, IATSE locals, and venue ops leaders; pursue a Safety Coordinator or Assistant role to gain on-set experience and begin CSP/CHST prep.