Countless films have featured firearms, and it can give the audience an adrenaline rush. Many up-and-coming filmmakers feel eager to replicate the same reaction when making their own movie with a fake gun.
Unfortunately, purchasing one for your production can be a little expensive.
Shopping for a Fake Firearm
Fake firearms can come at quite a cost, but filmmakers can be more mindful about what piece they’re going with. Follow this advice when shopping for your pistols and rifles.
1. Search for Different Airsoft Guns
Using the keyword “firearms” when browsing may lead you to more real and expensive pieces of weaponry. Consider using the term “airsoft guns” instead, which are replicas that shoot plastic projectile balls. This is a safe option that can prevent cast and crew from being injured on set.
Most theater or movie productions opt for these kinds of props, but airsoft guns can still be relatively pricey. If you’re getting preowned ones, ensure you’re buying from a reputable seller to avoid any defects that can jeopardize you or your crew.
2. Be Intentional With Your Weaponry
Take inspiration from the media when picking firearms. For example, while there was a plethora of different shotguns and rifles in “The Sopranos,” filmmakers were very intentional with the weaponry that different characters used. Tony had a Beretta 92FS as his signature pistol.
Planning what kind of firearms you need for your films can help you reduce your budget for airsoft guns to only get what you need. Knowing the weapon of choice for someone can also help you figure out character development and storybuilding.
3. Experiment With Paint
Plastic and wooden toy guns can work as a budget-friendly option. However, they can appear quite unrealistic, which can make them less impactful. You can try painting them black and gray to get the traditional look of a firearm.
Add a metal copper color to the cartridge as well to make it look more real. Let it dry and do a camera test to see how it would appear on screen. Adjust accordingly with darker paint. You can also top with matte varnish to get rid of glossiness.
4. Get as Few Units as Needed
Buying multiple fake firearms can increase the price tag for your props. Save money by getting just one or two airsoft guns. You can alter and reuse them for different characters and scenes of your film.
For instance, say you have two people facing off and pointing a gun at one another. Have one take where Character A is holding the gun, and then cut and give it to Character B. Move the camera over and say “Action!”
5. Consider Prop Rental Houses
Another way to get bang for your buck is to go to prop rental houses. These are frequently used by film and TV companies, as well as theatrical productions and other themed events. Make sure you alter your filming schedule to accommodate the schedule limitations.
However, this solution is just a budget-saver in the short term. It may be better to buy your own fake firearm if you feel like you’ll be making many more action films in the future. It’s also ideal if you want to save the prop gun as a keepsake,
Other Ways to Keep the Budget Low
The fake firearm you choose will typically dictate how much of your budget goes into it. However, you can take additional steps to keep the budget as low as possible.
1. Film in Private Locations
Film with a fake gun on private property. In Virginia and other states, it is unlawful to carry loaded firearms in public areas. Aside from a jail sentence, you may face some hefty fines for yourself and other people holding the airsoft gun. Create a stage set if your scene requires a public space.
2. Compensate With Movement
Make airsofts look real by having flawless movement when handling them. You can check out and mimic firearms training drills to know how your actors should be moving. Filmmakers can also insinuate certain actions with footage, like the shadow of cocking the gun or a flash of light that mimics the glow of firing a shot.
3. Prioritize Safety
Remember to be careful when using prop guns, especially when they’re loaded. They can cause injury and death when handled improperly. Assign someone in the production to secure the weapons when they aren’t in use and check them before and after each scene. Give them the responsibility to load and unload the cartridge as well.
4. Fix It in Post
There’s always the risk of a prop firearm looking fake to your eagle-eyed movie viewers. Fix what you can in post-production, from the sound to the color of the weapons. You may have to cut certain frames and overlay effects, or work with VFX artists as well. They may charge about $150 per shot, but it’s worth the effort, and you don’t have to shell out extra money.
Find the Perfect Firearm
Avoid rushing and evaluate the options to make the best choice based on your budget and other criteria. Picking the perfect fake firearm for your film is an important decision, after all. Once you’ve gotten your chosen shooters, you’ll be ready to make a bang-up film.
