On Set Firearms. How We Work in New Zealand

With the recent firearm tragedy on the set of Rust in the USA, we asked Gunner Ashford to explain and clarify the law and safety protocols you can expect on any New Zealand film set.

Due to the tragic events of 21 Oct 2021 on the film set at Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, it is appropriate to explain our safety with firearms on NZ film sets.

The events that unfolded will take time to come out, and we can not comment on what happened as we were not there.

The INDUSTRY WIDE LABOR-MANAGEMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE in the USA issues safety bulletins.

SAFETY BULLETIN # 1 is

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFETY WITH FIREARMS AND USE OF "BLANK AMMUNITION"

Opening PARAGRAPH states

BLANKS CAN KILL.

TREAT ALL FIREARMS AS THOUGH THEY ARE LOADED.

"LIVE AMMUNITION" IS NEVER TO BE USED NOR BROUGHT ONTO ANY STUDIO LOT OR STAGE.

This safety bulletin is what our safety documents are based on, and I believe are similar the world over.

The main difference between USA and NZ is the gun culture of USA, where firearms licences are not required for a large selection of firearms. Whereas in NZ everyone requires a firearms licence and for theatrical work a number of endorsements have to be applied for through NZ POLICE. People are vetted to their suitability to obtain these. With the ever-changing Firearms Acts and Regulations over the last few years, this is a long and drawn-out process, and now to supply firearms to a film set, armourers must hold a NZ POLICE DEALERS Licence which has to be renewed each year, and you are interviewed as well as needing to supply two referees as to your suitability to continue to hold the licence.

Theatrical Armourers are responsible for the transport, secure storage and use of all firearms on film sets. They ensure firearms are used safely and correctly, and that those who are to use them are trained and competent to do so. They must have an in-depth knowledge of the relevant firearms laws and health and safety requirements.

Armourers set up a safety brief prior to any scenes requiring firearms, and set the safe distances and safe areas in conjunction with the First AD and Director, as to the camera angles which will minimise any risk of injury from blank firing. They must be on set whenever firearms are on set, regardless if firing blanks is taking place or not.

Before firearms are taken on set they are to be inspected by the Armourer as fit and safe for use, and clear of any ammunition. On arrival on-set the 1st AD and safety officer must be informed, and they must check that the firearms are unloaded and clear of any ammunition. They are then to remain in the armourer's custody at all times.

The safety officer and the armourer inspect all blank and dummy ammunition to ensure no live ammunition is present. Dummy ammunition will have a hole drilled through the cartridge case or a bead inside it so when you shake it, it will rattle to indicate that no propellant powder is inside the case.

Prior to filming a sample of blank ammunition is tested to ensure that it meets the standard required and no wadding or material is expelled when fired. Blank ammunition comes in various loads for various muzzle signatures that the director may require. Common loads are FLASH or SMOKE effects, and loads are 1/4, 1/2 or Full. These are identified by colour sealant on the crimp of the cartridge case at manufacture. The majority of film blank ammunition is imported from international sources who manufacture for the film industry to a set consistent standard. Small quantities of blank may be manufactured by armourers locally to meet the film needs.

Whenever DUMMY ammunition is used it is inspected by the Armourer and Safety Officer and 1st AD. It is then shown to the person using the firearm and camera crew. The firearm loading is observed by the person using it and on completion of the scene it is inspected to ensure it is complete and the firearm is inspected to ensure the action and barrel are clear. This is the same process when blank ammunition is used.

According to Police records there are 164 Theatrical licence endorsements in NZ for film and television and re-enacting.

A new chapter to cover firearms use in NZ film and television is being written at present to be included in the SCREENSAFE document.

Prior to firearms going to a film set Police are notified and written permission is required.

Prior to any blank firing Police are notified and an event number is entered into the police control centre and then cancelled when firing is complete. It is also a requirement to notify surrounding properties when any firearms are fired or in public view.