Gun safety rules apply to prop guns as much as real ones. Actors should feel comfortable and safe when handling prop guns on set and clear communication is vital to verify everyone knows safety protocols and what is expected during filming.
Here are some rules to follow when using prop guns on set.
1. Treat Every Gun the Same
You want to ensure everyone that handles the prop guns acts as if it’s real and loaded and that the prop guns are checked every time they change hands. Prop guns are typically real guns that only fire blanks or replicas designed to look like actual guns but can’t fire a blank or bullet. Airsoft guns are affordable and realistic prop guns that work great for low-budget films.
Blanks can be dangerous because they expel a pyramid of hot gases and gunpowder out of the gun barrel. The actor must fire blanks from a safe distance or they can cause extensive damage to everyone in their path. Safety rules are in place for a reason and should be taken seriously, like having an armorer or other qualified professional responsible for the prop guns on set. Whether handling a prop gun, a real one or a replica, you should treat all guns with the same precautions.
It’s also a good idea to combine scenes when possible and shoot the complex ones first. You might consider filming scenes with firearms initially while your crew is fresh and ready to tackle the day. When you make your production schedule, you want to plan for scenes with prop guns with every necessary precaution. You want your cast and crew to be on top of their game so accidents are less likely to happen.
2. Don’t Get Trigger Happy
Accidents happen, no matter how many safety precautions you take. Be careful when handling a gun and don’t point it directly at the intended target. Safety is paramount when firearm scenes are taking place, even if the gun isn’t real. Injury and even death can occur from pointing a prop gun at a target rather than to the right or left of the character. Ensure you know how and where to aim your prop gun.
Don’t put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot your scene or safely test the chamber. The same universal gun safety rules should apply to prop guns and replicas to verify the safety of everyone on set. Movies often use visual effects in gun scenes rather than prop guns. However, some require real gun effects for storytelling purposes and that’s why props come in.
Although professionals check prop guns every time they change hands, you should recheck them every time you receive them. You want to inspect the firearm and ensure it’s ready for you to fire safely during your scene. Don’t ever try to modify a prop gun yourself — notify the armorer or prop master qualified to make adjustments.
Films typically bring in a gun safety person as a specialist during filming when an actual gun operates on set. The props department handles prop gun use and makes sure everyone meets and follows safety protocols. The Actors’ Equity Association affirms movies abide by proper procedures during filming by providing union representatives as resources for actors to improve working conditions. Educate and train actors to use prop weapons, hire a propmaster and honor state and federal safety laws when filming.
3. Use Protective Shields
When your actors use prop guns safely, they can aid actors’ reactions and reflections, which enhances the storytelling and the general outcome of the film. However, safety rules are paramount and you must prioritize them when using prop guns on set. Protective shields are excellent safety measures for the cast and crew of a film where any sort of gun is going to be used. You should protect anyone nearby and offer them ear protection for scenes that use firearms.
Safe distances are critical when you’re using prop guns on set. A firearm specialist uses the general rule of thumb to triple the required safe distance during filming to accommodate the human factor, which is when actors make mistakes. Typically in films, the actor getting shot isn’t in the same shot as the actor firing the prop gun, which is why it’s such a tight shot. However, the cast and crew filming are exposed to the prop gun’s explosion and it’s your job to protect them with safety measures.
Having an experienced firearm expert on set is of utmost importance, but so is the protective shield you offer to your cast and crew. The blast from a blank can impact the camera operators and the scenes’ actors. Everyone involved with using prop guns or capturing them should have quality earmuffs, wraparound safety glasses and face shields when possible to protect them from debris and other aspects of the explosion. Make sure your team knows how imperative it is that they take necessary precautions.
Prop Gun Rules on Set
Ensure you educate and train your crew to handle prop guns with care, rely on professionals to make modifications and take other necessary precautions. Prop guns can enhance the realism of your film and be a tremendous asset when safety measures and protocols are followed.
