SWFS4A ARMOURER FIREARMS SAFETY OFFICER

Armorer On set Firearms Safety Officer.

National Firearms Association

Safty Officer / Armourer

Membbership No 20230019A

(John Wick Reenatment Society)

UK FILM & T.V REgISTRATION SCHEME

S.A Membership No WDC/6085/1141

ARMOURER CONTACT National Firearms Association Uk Film & TV Registration Scheme

Health & Safety Executive Information Sheet

Gary Medcalf Testimonial

I have recently had the pleasure of working with Gary on a production. I am an Actor with 30 years police experience. I have considerable firearms experience and command experience of firearms incidents. I have also had the pleasure of working with some of the most experienced armourers in the business. I found Gary to be entirely professional in his role ensuring that health and safety was at forefront of everything. He especially took the time to explain things to some very inexperienced members of the team which ensured a safe and enjoyable shoot. Gary was also happy to listen to advice on police tactics and I found that we worked very well together. I look forward to working with Gary again.

Ray Wilks

(10) AR15 With extendible stock & extended Barrel and tripod fitted with Telescopic Scope & Long Suppressor.

WHEN filming with firearms Do YOU need to inform anyonE?

If you are using any form of firearm, replica or real, where they can be seen or heard by the public, then the police will need to be informed. They will advise on what precautions need to be undertaken in order to prevent the general public from being alarmed, such as signage and police presence depending on the area. We can assist you in liaising with the police and act as a point of contact during filming.

Are blanks dangerous?

Blank ammunition can cause injury, and in some extreme cases, death if used incorrectly. The armourer is responsible for instructing everyone on their use prior to any firing taking place and ensuring safety during and after firing. There are some specialist types of blank ammunition which can be safely used at short range. Even non-firing weapons can cause distress and alarm if misused, both to the cast and crew as well as the general public. The latter usually resulting in a visit from firearms police.

What is an armourer and do i need one?

An armourer is an employee of the company that owns the weaponry and holds the necessary licences. They are responsible for the firearms and their use on set. This includes their security, their safe handling and that all persons handling them are suitably trained. Bare Arms Armourers are all ex-military personnel who are experts in handling firearms and can instruct and advise on how they would be used for real.

Any weapon that requires a licence requires an armourer. Even realistic dummy weapons can cause problems if mishandled and your local police force may require you to have an experienced armourer supervising their use if they are being used in or around the public.

What training do performers need to have in order to use firearms?

Legally no training is required for performers to handle weapons, but being safe with firearms takes common sense and a reasonable amount of training. I would always recommend a day of dedicated teaching for key cast. Being confident and competent however can take much longer. So I Recommend the following Organisations

Firearm Training for Film & TV LTD https://www.firearmtraining.co.uk/courses

& Arms Bare Arms https://barearms.co.uk/

They both run full 2 & 3 day courses and Specialist Theatrical Firearms Courses, which are designed to take a novice performer and give them the skills and knowledge to be safe on set with a variety of weaponry.

I recommend all specialists to have completed if they are non-military. Along with both of these I can also offer On-set and one-on-one training that can also be arranged on request. Working effectively with firearms requires a solid understanding of their mechanics, as well as the knowledge of how they are used for real. Above all, they need to be treated with the utmost care in order to keep cast and crew safe when they are being used.

There are many different types of firearms that can be used in a theatrical setting, each with their own positive and negative aspects. What works for stage, won’t necessarily work for screen, and what is suitable for a wide shot, might not be suitable for a close-up. I can guide and advise to find the most suitable set of solutions for your needs.

On set Firearms Safety Officer.

So with Reference to the Health & Safety Executive Information Sheet I follow the following Producers and Rule on Set with reference to the supply and use of all Firearms, R.I.Fs and Dummy Firearms at all times.

After the Problems on the Production of the Film 2021 “RUST”

during which the D.O.P HAYLNA HUTCHINS died because of poor on set saft regarding Firearms. Whether the film is using R.I.Fs (soft-air) or Blank Firing or Live rounds they should always be treated as live firing weapon’s and should be treated as such for the safety of the performers and all Crew and visitors to the set. So please read conditions of use bellow.

1. Whether the film is using Real Imitation Firearms or R.I.Fs (soft-air) or Blank Firing or Live rounds all firearms will always Be-

ASSUMED TO BE AND TREATED AS LVE FIRING WEPON’S and will be treated as such at all times.

2. I will cover Normal Safety Procedures for all Actors & Stunt Person’s and will oversee film direction and D.O.P assistance for scene filming with drawn Firearms.

3 When D.O.Ps & Directors are setting the Shot I shall be consulted about how this is to be done when Firearms are DRAWN FOR THE REQUIRED SCENE.

4 Responsibility for contacting the Police &/or Other Authorities for the use of Firearms during the filming process shall be the responsibilities of the Producer’s & Directors Team.

5 A SECURE AREA WILL ALWAYS PROVIDED by the PRODUCTION COMPANY FOR THE SAFE STORAGE ON SET FOR ALL FIREARMS.

6 While Firearms are in view during filming notification and Security shall be provided by the production team to keep the General Public Aware that firearms are in use for the use during the day’s filming.

7 All firearm safety will be fully under my purview and any persons not following the recognised safety instructions will be MADE TO RELINQUISH their firearms until they can satisfy those needs.

8 Once the Firearms are singed for (as per N.S.P’s) the firearm

SHALL BE THE SOLE RESPONSABLITY OF THE PERFORMER WHO HAS SINGED IT OUT.

9 AT ANY TIME THAT THE PERFORMER IS SEEN TO BE MISS HANDLING OR MISS USING THE FIREARM, THEY WILL RELINQUISH THEIR FIREARM.

10 Upon the PRODUCER/DIRECTOR having been made

AWARE OF THE INFRACTION THE FIREARM MAYBE RETURNED.

11 Basic handling and Advanced Handling (when need will be given to all performers) before the start of the fist scenes involving any Firearms.

12 Before Daily Filming a short safety briefing will always be given to all on set .

13 I SHALL NOT COVER ANY ACCIDENT ARRISING FROM THE MISS HANDLING OF THE FIREARMS BY THE PERFORMERS OR ANY PRODUCTION STAFF After they have gone through the N.S.P briefing and training.

14I SHALL COVER UNDER MY INSURANCE ANY ACCIDENT CAUSED BY FAULTY EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY MYSELF.

15 When working with trained STUNT PERSONEL I will liaise with the Stunt Coordinator in regard to the use of firearms along with any Pyrotechnics to be use while filming or otherwise.

I can offer Real Imitation Firearms with Supervision for film sets.