Prop Guns on Film Sets: A History of Hazards and the Growing Call for Banishment

Strategic Insights -

The devastating incident involving actor Alec Baldwin and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust" in New Mexico has brought attention to the use of prop guns in film productions. Prop guns, loaded with blank cartridges, are used to add authenticity to scenes, but they can be just as deadly as real guns. The incident has sparked a renewed call for a ban on prop guns, with some producers arguing that computer-generated imaging offers a safer alternative. The history of prop-gun incidents on movie sets is marred with tragic events, including the deaths of Jon-Erik Hexum and Brandon Lee.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prop guns are real guns loaded with blank cartridges, which contain real gunpowder and can injure or kill.
  • Despite being designed to prevent acceptance of real ammunition, prop guns can still be loaded with live rounds, as demonstrated by the incident on the set of "Rust".
  • The use of blanks in prop guns can produce a recoil, loud bang, and muzzle flash, making them a viable option for film productions.
  • However, prop guns can be dangerous even when unloaded, as the muzzle flash and superheated gas expelled during firing can cause significant damage.
  • The industry is shifting towards CGI, with directors like Craig Zobel opting for digital gunfire in productions like "Mare of Easttown".
  • Prop guns have been involved in previous incidents, including the deaths of Jon-Erik Hexum and Brandon Lee, highlighting the need for stricter safety protocols.
  • The North Carolina district attorney attributed the death of Brandon Lee to the crew's negligence, highlighting the importance of proper handling and inspection of prop guns.
  • Weapons expert Bill Davis has emphasized that prop guns are extremely dangerous and should only be handled by firearms experts.
  • As the industry moves towards greater safety and awareness, some producers are heeding the call to ban prop guns from film sets.

Statistics:

  • The incident on the set of "Rust" involved a prop gun loaded with a blank cartridge that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza.
  • The use of blanks in prop guns has been linked to previous incidents, including the deaths of Jon-Erik Hexum and Brandon Lee.
  • The North Carolina district attorney attributed the death of Brandon Lee to the crew's negligence, citing the failure to visually inspect the prop gun before use.
  • The "Cover Up" incident in 1984 saw Jon-Erik Hexum die two days after accidentally shooting himself in the head with a prop gun.
  • The "The Crow" incident in 1993 resulted in the death of Brandon Lee, 28, after being shot in the abdomen with a prop gun that was supposed to be loaded with blank and "dummy" rounds.

Sources:

  • Timothy Bella, "Alec Baldwin shoots two people on film set in New Mexico, killing cinematographer", The Washington Post
  • Jaclyn Peiser, "Prop guns on film sets: A history of hazards and the growing call for banishment", The Washington Post
  • David Slack, Twitter
  • Stephen Gutowski, Twitter
  • Bill Davis, The BBC
  • Noah Kulwin, Twitter
  • June Diane Raphael, Twitter
  • Jaclyn Peiser, "Prop guns on film sets: A history of hazards and the growing call for banishment", The Washington Post