It was not the finest moment of L.A.’s Finest when last Thursday both showrunners of the series were injured on set. On February 21st, a horrific accident occurred on the set of L.A.’s Finest as a stunt car crashed into a cargo crate, which then launched into video village, where production can watch the shot in a live on-screen format, which had been set up behind the crate. Two of the showrunners, both coincidentally named Brandon, were injured, but Brandon Sonnier received a permanent injury that will forever change his life.
Deadline first reported the story, with Lt. Philip Heem of the Los Angeles Port Police confirming the accident, but not revealing any details. It had occurred at 1:35 pm on the 21st at Warehouse One in San Pedro. Lt. Heem also confirmed that “We had two injuries, one being worse than the other.” Both of the men were taken to the hospital, and Deadline later confirmed that the men were Brandon Margolis and Brandon Sonnier, both executive producers and co-showrunners of the series. Since then, it has been confirmed that Brandon Sonnier had to have his leg amputated after the accident.
L.A.’s Finest is a spinoff of the popular Bad Boys film franchise starring Gabrielle Union and Jessica Alba. The series focuses on Burnett (Union) and her move towards becoming an LAPD detective. Nancy McKenna (Alba), Burnett’s new partner, has an equally complex past to Burnett. The two don’t get along, but find commonalities as they attempt to curb the criminals of LA. The series was Margolis’ and Sonnier’s first TV production. The two had formerly written and produced on NBC’s The Blacklist.
Production for the series has been on hold for the time being, pushing back the deadline for the season to an unknown date. According to Deadline, shooting was scheduled to end this weekend. Spectrum and Sony Pictures TV produced the show and sent their heartfelt statements to Sonnier. Katherine Pope, Head of Spectrum Originals, sent her condolences: We are saddened by this incident and send our most heartfelt wishes to our two beloved crew members, hoping their recovery is both swift and complete.” SPT President Jeff Frost and co-Presidents Chris Parnell and Jason Clodfelter also released statement on Friday to the injured parties: “Our hearts go out to our SPT family members who were injured and we pray for a full recovery.” Margolis was released shortly after his hospital visit, but Sonnier remains after his leg was amputated just below the knee, according to sources. Since the incident, investigations have been conducted by Cal/OSHA into why video village had been placed so close to the stunt scene.