Firearms, props or otherwise, and the Indies have had a strange relationship over the years. Every year, we hear of incidents involving Independent filmmaking and the use of weapons. Just recently, UC Irvine Campus was on lock-down because an individual was seen in military fatigues and carrying what appear to be a military weapon. When the dust settled, it was found out to be a student film involving airsofts. Thousands of dollars were expended on the part of the police investigating the incident, public exposure by the media covering the incident made the UC Irvine administration cringe, and the reputation and physical health of the involved parties placed in jeopardy. Why, you ask? Because a student film failed to notify the appropriate authorities and obtain the necessary permits. On the face of it, one could say no harm, no foul. But let's look a little deeper into the what if's. What if the police had confronted the individual student carrying the weapon, and in the confusion, they (the student) made the wrong move. Remember, these situations are very easily misconstrued. A student could of been killed by the police, and on the part of the cops, it would of been a justified shooting, as many of the props out there are very real looking. We strive for realism in our film-making, and that is where we need to be the most careful.
As a set armorer/weapons handler/technical advisor, one of my first concerns is where will the film shoot take place? A closed set, such as WB, Pointe, Sunset/Gower, or any of the other commercial sets, give me more of a sense of relief, as I know these are designated film sets and closed off to the public. But walking onto or hearing what many student films consider a "set" causes me a lot of concern when it comes to the use of weapons.
Being a business owner who provides weapons on set, I think it is appropriate, after reading what a few "film-makers" out there think is acceptable, to share my thoughts. I shudder to think what could happen on their sets.
So what I am going to outline is the method Indie-Arms, Inc. uses for handling weapons on set.
1. Permits. This is especially important on Non-Studio "sets". By pulling a permit in the affected city or township, it puts the authorities on notice that you are filming in their jurisdiction. A lot of problems can be overcome with this step before they even arise. Should a permit not be required (filming on private property with the permission from the owner), prudence must be employed to keep the weapons and props out of the view of the general public.
2. Notification and Education. Contact the local Law Enforcement in the area you plan to be filming with weapons. Ask their advice. Develop a relationship with them. These are the guys that will be called when someone from the public calls about the "terrorists" or "criminals" running around with guns. 9-11 wasn't that long ago and people still are scared.
3. Training. The actors on the set need to be kept under a tight leash when they have a weapon in their hands. One-on-one training with them on safety and handling is paramount. This is not only for the realism, but also for them to realize these are not toys. How many times do you see actors playing around and wanting photos for their "books" of them holding a gun? As long as it is controlled, no problem, but let them start horsing around, big problem. Weapons will be pointed at people, and people will start freaking out. And rightfully so. Someone points a weapon at me without my knowledge or permission, things are going to get ugly fast. The last actor that did that ended up on his rear with me taking possession of the weapon and the actor was denied the use of a weapon on set. It is that serious. Stress the importance of adherence to the rules up front. I don't care what the actors think of themselves, they could be Will Smith, John Travolta, or Matt Damon, they will be in for a surprise if they mishandle any weapons on my set.
4. Safety Briefings. Any time weapons are brought on set, a cast/crew safety briefing is held. No exceptions. Allow any person, crew or cast the opportunity to see the weapon and verify its safety status. Inform everyone, if they see anyone touching the weapons unauthorized or being handled in an inappropriate manner, they are to inform the handler, the AD's, or the armorer immediately.
5. Remain on Set. Any time weapons are on set, a designated trained person is to be in place in order to wrangle and babysit the weapons. In between takes, physically take possession of the weapons, if cast takes a break or leaves the set. You are responsible for those weapons.
6. Never Point the Weapon at Someone! Even blank guns and airsofts. That is the nice thing about film, we can cheat the angles and make it look good, yet remain safe. Many times the angle I set up looks better on film, even though the weapon is not pointed at the actor.
7. When in Doubt, hire a competent and educated Armorer! No other explanation needed. There are many more points and advice I could give on this subject, and I will as I think of them. But remember first and foremost, SAFETY!!!!!!!! A film is only good if everyone gets to see it and go home at the end.
8. Lastly..........NEVER USE REAL WEAPONS ON SET!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER. I hope I have made that clear.
As a set armorer/weapons handler/technical advisor, one of my first concerns is where will the film shoot take place? A closed set, such as WB, Pointe, Sunset/Gower, or any of the other commercial sets, give me more of a sense of relief, as I know these are designated film sets and closed off to the public. But walking onto or hearing what many student films consider a "set" causes me a lot of concern when it comes to the use of weapons.
Being a business owner who provides weapons on set, I think it is appropriate, after reading what a few "film-makers" out there think is acceptable, to share my thoughts. I shudder to think what could happen on their sets.
So what I am going to outline is the method Indie-Arms, Inc. uses for handling weapons on set.
1. Permits. This is especially important on Non-Studio "sets". By pulling a permit in the affected city or township, it puts the authorities on notice that you are filming in their jurisdiction. A lot of problems can be overcome with this step before they even arise. Should a permit not be required (filming on private property with the permission from the owner), prudence must be employed to keep the weapons and props out of the view of the general public.
2. Notification and Education. Contact the local Law Enforcement in the area you plan to be filming with weapons. Ask their advice. Develop a relationship with them. These are the guys that will be called when someone from the public calls about the "terrorists" or "criminals" running around with guns. 9-11 wasn't that long ago and people still are scared.
3. Training. The actors on the set need to be kept under a tight leash when they have a weapon in their hands. One-on-one training with them on safety and handling is paramount. This is not only for the realism, but also for them to realize these are not toys. How many times do you see actors playing around and wanting photos for their "books" of them holding a gun? As long as it is controlled, no problem, but let them start horsing around, big problem. Weapons will be pointed at people, and people will start freaking out. And rightfully so. Someone points a weapon at me without my knowledge or permission, things are going to get ugly fast. The last actor that did that ended up on his rear with me taking possession of the weapon and the actor was denied the use of a weapon on set. It is that serious. Stress the importance of adherence to the rules up front. I don't care what the actors think of themselves, they could be Will Smith, John Travolta, or Matt Damon, they will be in for a surprise if they mishandle any weapons on my set.
4. Safety Briefings. Any time weapons are brought on set, a cast/crew safety briefing is held. No exceptions. Allow any person, crew or cast the opportunity to see the weapon and verify its safety status. Inform everyone, if they see anyone touching the weapons unauthorized or being handled in an inappropriate manner, they are to inform the handler, the AD's, or the armorer immediately.
5. Remain on Set. Any time weapons are on set, a designated trained person is to be in place in order to wrangle and babysit the weapons. In between takes, physically take possession of the weapons, if cast takes a break or leaves the set. You are responsible for those weapons.
6. Never Point the Weapon at Someone! Even blank guns and airsofts. That is the nice thing about film, we can cheat the angles and make it look good, yet remain safe. Many times the angle I set up looks better on film, even though the weapon is not pointed at the actor.
7. When in Doubt, hire a competent and educated Armorer! No other explanation needed. There are many more points and advice I could give on this subject, and I will as I think of them. But remember first and foremost, SAFETY!!!!!!!! A film is only good if everyone gets to see it and go home at the end.
8. Lastly..........NEVER USE REAL WEAPONS ON SET!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NEVER, NEVER, NEVER. I hope I have made that clear.
Last edited:
