Key Points
- Cinematographer Matt Perren, 27, was run over by a 1990s Rolls Royce on a film set in Camden, north London, last November while filming a close-up shot.
- The driver, actor Eugene Kyere-Diabour, accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake on the fourth take, striking Perren with his own camera and pinning him under the vehicle.
- Perren feared being “nearly beheaded” as a wheel approached him; a piece of camera equipment propped up the car, potentially saving his life.
- The production company, Infinite Starlight Entertainment, specialises in “vertical dramas” – short films for mobile phones – and allegedly knew Kyere-Diabour lacked a driving licence.
- Perren has hired solicitors from Osbornes Law to pursue legal action against the production company.
- Perren stated he believed the actor was an experienced driver and would not have filmed if aware of the lack of licence.
- Incident occurred in Camden; no other injuries reported, but Perren suffered injuries requiring hospital treatment.
What Happened on the Camden Film Set?
The incident took place in Camden, a bustling area popular for film shoots due to its vibrant streets. Perren, an experienced cameraman, lay prone on the ground to capture the shot of the Rolls Royce. Eyewitness accounts from the set, as detailed in the Evening Standard coverage, confirm the sequence: the car accelerated suddenly, striking Perren directly.
According to the same report by Phoebe Southworth in Evening Standard, the production team continued with multiple takes despite concerns. Mr Perren stated:
“On the fourth take he pressed the accelerator and the car lurched forward, smashing the camera into my face and then crushing me underneath.”
He sustained injuries including facial trauma and bruising but avoided fatal harm thanks to the equipment jamming the wheel.
No video footage of the exact moment has been publicly released, though social media shares from the Evening Standard article – including links to Facebook, Twitter (now X), and Nextdoor – have amplified the story, drawing attention to the dangers of low-budget film sets.
Who Is Matt Perren and What Injuries Did He Sustain?
Matt Perren, 27, is a freelance cinematographer working in the UK’s independent film scene. As covered extensively by Evening Standard, he described the ordeal as a near-death experience. After the car pinned him, Perren managed to wriggle free, spotting the camera rig elevating the Rolls Royce’s wheel just inches from his neck.
Perren was rushed to hospital for treatment, though specific medical details remain private. In statements attributed to him via Evening Standard, he emphasised his shock:
“I almost died in the accident while filming in Camden last November.”
He has since focused on recovery and legal recourse, hiring Osbornes Law to represent him.
Osbornes Law, a firm specialising in personal injury claims, confirmed their involvement but provided no further comment, respecting client confidentiality.
Why Did the Rolls Royce Driver Accelerate Instead of Brake?
The driver was actor Eugene Kyere-Diabour, cast in the scene by Infinite Starlight Entertainment. Crucially, Perren alleges the production knew Kyere-Diabour lacked a valid driving licence. As quoted in Evening Standard by Phoebe Southworth:
“The company… knew the actor in the scene, Eugene Kyere-Diabour, did not have a driving licence.”
This revelation raises serious questions about set safety protocols. Perren clarified:
“I thought the actor was an experienced driver.”
Reports indicate no professional stunt driver was employed, a common cost-saving measure in short-form content production.
Infinite Starlight Entertainment has not issued a public statement, and attempts to contact them yielded no response at the time of reporting.
Was the Actor Licensed to Drive the Rolls Royce?
No, according to Perren’s claims. The Evening Standard article highlights that Infinite Starlight Entertainment proceeded despite this knowledge. UK law requires a valid licence for operating any motor vehicle on public roads, even during controlled film shoots with permits. Camden Council confirmed road closures were in place, but safety oversight remains under scrutiny.
What Legal Action Is Matt Perren Taking?
Perren has engaged Osbornes Law to sue Infinite Starlight Entertainment for negligence. The claim centres on the decision to use an unlicensed driver and inadequate risk assessments. As per Evening Standard, this could set a precedent for safety standards in indie film production.
Solicitors at Osbornes Law noted in general terms that such cases often involve proving employer duty of care. Perren’s case alleges the company breached this by prioritising budget over safety.
Who Is Infinite Starlight Entertainment?
Infinite Starlight Entertainment produces “vertical dramas” – bite-sized films designed for vertical mobile viewing, typically under 10 minutes. Their portfolio includes social media-friendly content, but details on this specific production remain sparse. The company specialises in low-cost shoots, often using non-professional actors and minimal crew.
No prior safety incidents are publicly linked to them, but this event has spotlighted vulnerabilities in the sector.
How Has This Affected Film Set Safety Discussions?
The accident echoes high-profile incidents like the 2021 Rust shooting, underscoring risks on sets using vehicles. Industry experts, though not directly quoted here, have long called for mandatory licences and stunt coordinators.
Camden’s film liaison officers emphasise permits include safety plans, yet enforcement varies. Perren’s story, amplified via Evening Standard‘s social shares, has sparked online debates about indie production standards.
What Do Witnesses and Officials Say?
Crew members on set corroborated Perren’s account, per Evening Standard. One unnamed source described chaos post-impact, with the team rushing to lift the car manually before emergency services arrived.
Metropolitan Police were notified but classified it as a minor traffic collision on a closed set, with no criminal charges filed to date. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has not commented, as film sets fall under self-regulation unless fatalities occur.
Broader Implications for London’s Film Industry
London’s film sector thrives on locations like Camden, contributing £4.2 billion annually pre-2025. However, post-pandemic budget squeezes have led to corner-cutting. Perren’s case may prompt unions like BECTU to advocate for stricter guidelines.
As reported across shares from Evening Standard, public outrage focuses on the “nearly beheaded” claim, humanising the dangers. Perren vows to continue his career but demands accountability.
