A must read article for all actors, directors, producers and crew
Dan Frenkel, armourer, with AR-15's
The shocking news that actor Alec Baldwin has fired a prop gun on set that killed the cinematographer and injured the director has brought up memories of previous tragedies such as the death of Brandon Lee when filming The Crow, and the death of Johann Ofner on the set of a music video for Bliss n Eso.
I’ve been wanting to interview an Australian armourer for some time about safety on sets but was refused by one and didn’t get an answer by another. The subject is too important to wait any longer and in light of the current news, I am lucky that a couple of film amoury supervisors from the USA have agreed to chat to me.
Today I am glad to be chatting to Dan Frenkel and Christopher Kai House.
Christopher Kai House demonstrates how to hold a firearm. Note that his finger is off the trigger.
DB – Hi Guys, thanks for taking the time to chat to me today about firearms on film sets, and set safety. Can I start by asking each of you about your background experience?
DF - I grew up in a family that that’s from Israel and firearms were some thing that was always around for protection and then as I grew older right out of high school I went into law-enforcement before going into the film industry so I felt really comfortable and had an intimate knowledge of firearms and safety.
CKH – I have trained in firearm and bladed weaponry safety for nearly 30 years. I have extensive martial arts training as well as security and Police tactics.
Dan Frenkel on set
DB – that is fantastic guys. It sounds like you both have a wealth of experience to share. Before we get right into it, can I ask you both what drew you to wanting to work with guns? There are some out there that are anti-gun and might have the impression that anyone wanting to work with things that go bang might be a bit gung ho.
DF - I feel that people who are anti-gun just don’t understand firearms and most likely have not been around them when they were younger or kept away from them or were told by people they trusted when they were kids that they were something bad and evil which is absolutely false in my opinion. It’s usually folks that don’t have a good background or education when it comes to firearms that believe that.
CKH – I have always been an advocate for gun safety. As a filmmaker, I was drawn into ensuring weapons are used and handled with the extreme caution they deserve. Anyone can have a gun in their film, you can always spot who doesn't know what they are doing. Add that little bit of authenticity and have an experienced professional help.
Christopher on set with pistol
DB – Glad to hear that you are both responsible types that have some solid set experience. Let’s get right down to the heart of the matter. Why should people have an armourer on set? Surely most safety related issues are just common sense?
DF - The obvious reasons that come to mind for me are for safety and nothing can take the place of an expert that is designated to ensure that a gun has been cleared safely to be used on a film set.
There has to be human liability and responsibility. We cannot have a robot check a weapon and give it to an actor. A human must take that responsibility. So far only an expert and someone who is properly trained can identify a potential lethal mistake so it’s imperative that a licensed expert and someone who is trained for safety is on set at all times when guns, whether they are real or not, are on set of a production
CKH - Very much so. But there is a severe lack of common sense in today's busy world, especially on a film set. To have an experienced armourer on set is such an important element, someone that can train and guide a hurried actor.
Dan Frenkel with a M1917 Browning water cooled 30 cal machine gun
DB – When should a director bring in an armourer and what should they do first to be prepared?
DF - I don’t think that it’s the directors job to bring in a gun handler that is the job of the producers and that person is ultimately hired by a line producer but to basically answer the question the minute a script is given the greenlight and it obviously has weapons in the script they should bring on a very seasoned reputable gun handler immediately so that that person could start working with the crew and the actors for proper protocol and safety protocol to ensure that everyone is on the same page and the safety meeting should happen at the beginning of every shoot before anything is done.
CKH – Anytime there is a firearm or really, any weapon be it a blade or firearm there should be an experienced expert on hand to handle these deadly weapons off screen. I always suggest the actors and even the director take a class in proper firearm handling. Give yourself a day and learn the basics.
Christopher Kai House
DB – What things should an actor look out for so that they can be sure that their safety is being taken care of on set?
DF - Actors should not have to worry about the gun not being safe usually when it is handed to them it is checked thoroughly by a gun handler.
If they wanted to have extra precaution if it’s not supposed to fire the gun handler previously to handing them the gun could open the breach or pull back the slide and show the actor and the rest of the crew and show them that it is not in fact loaded with anything prior to handing the weapon over.
Also if the gun is supposed to be used in an actual scene and is supposed to be fired the actor should not make any adjustments to the gun or do anything that would change the condition it is in when the handler gave it to the actor which could possibly discharge or remove the round out of the chamber or causing it to jam.
CKH – Know your weapon. First and foremost. Make sure the chamber is clear or the blade is sheathed. You absolutely need to have respect for the weapon in your hand. Safety is your priority and overall responsibility not only for yourself but everyone around you.
Dan Frenkel with HK 91 9MM
DB – I’m sure that I’ve only scratched the surface of this important issue and there won’t be time to go over everything that actors, directors, producers and crew should know in this one article. Is there something that I haven’t asked that you feel is very important?
DF- The one thing that I feel can be said to anyone on set that’s about to experience weapons being used or blanks being fired on a production is that there are no stupid questions if there’s a doubt about anything ask the appropriate person for the answer. If there’s doubt about anything ask what’s going to happen so there’s no one in the dark everyone should be paying attention during the safety meeting prior to a stunt being performed or a weapon being used.
CKH – Please use caution with any weapon on your set. An experienced person to handle your weaponry is just a good idea. A film set can be a very busy area and people are always moving. Weapons can get mishandled and that could be a deadly mistake.
Christopher at the Airsoft range at Four Winds Martial Arts
DB – Thanks for helping me out today guys with all of these questions. Where can our readers follow your work?
DF – https://www.facebook.com/danfrenkel.cinematographerhttps://www.facebook.com/danfrenkel.cinematographer
CKH –
You can follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/chris.house.735
Or check out my Film Festival at http://www.twisteddreamsff.com/