Standard Operating Procedures

co2, green gas and blank firing props/replicas

 

Prior to arriving on set:

-Make sure the proper permits and insurance are obtained. Example: FilmLA requires permits to list prop firearm use for any production using blank fire (in public view or not) and for any prop firearm usage in possible view of the public. (If permits are not required in the area you are filming, local law enforcement agency still needs to be contacted at least 1 hour before arrival on set based on blank fire and/or pulic view) 

-Insurance is always required for vendors and for liabilty on set. Individual, additionaly insured certificates must be issued to all vendors. Insurance must contain liabilty, rented equipment coverage (for gas powered) and more additions as required by insurance company for blank fire events. It is possible that "stunts" must also be covered. Refer to each individual insurance requirements. (Do not bring prop firearms to a production that does not carry insurance)

 

 When to inform local law enforcement agency:

-no less than one hour before call time

-any time blank fire will be used, indoors or outdoors, in public view or not in public view.

-Anytime prop guns will be used, in their directed way, in view of the public, in a public place and/or from or in a public space, and can be reasonably mistaken for an actual "active shooter" event, by view or sound, or some other real event.

Note: When filming in possible view of the public utilizing any type prop firearms:

-Signage, possible street closures, and live crew monitors must be placed at the four most outer corners of the area designated for prop firearm use. This is to communicate and direct initial interactions with the public or first responders. Live crew monitors must be connected to a primary production coordinator via walkie talkie.

 

General rules, safety standards, best practices:

-An individual carrying a current Entertainment Firearms Permit is required when any and all blank fire ammunition and blank firing replica prop firearms are used or transported.

-treat every gun, prop, replica as if it is real and loaded

-always point guns, prop firearms, replicas and traing firearms in a safe direction; never point prop firearms directly at people.

-keep fingers off triggers until ready to use during filming

-keep all prop firearms/replicas unloaded until ready to use

-no horseplay or games with the firearm prop replicas 

-absolutely no actual, functioning firearms used for bullet type projectiles are allowed on set at any time for any reason. No live ammo is allowed on set ever and at any time. (Actual fuctioning firearms must be converted to use for blank ammunition.)

-no actual, functioning ammunition (bullets) of any kind, including sim or paintball are to be transported with props or brought to the filming location, ever. Only approved blanks (full, half or quater loads), approved "dummy" rounds, brightly colored "snap caps", green gas, black gas, blue gas or approved "dust" balls are allowed. 

-no items with edges or points (kinves, swords, scissors, axes etc) or any other items that could reasonably be used to harm or injure another person or property shall be allowed on or used on set for filming or any other purpose. (Note: Pocket knives and other tools used by other departments are exempt and not in the perview of the wrangler, armorer or prop gun assistants except if they were to be used or handled for and/or during filming by unqualified individuals outside of the respective departments, which is prohibited.

-Only the wrangler/armorer and thier direct staff/crew are allowed to handle the firearm props and associated equipment for the entirety of the work day. There are no exeptions to this rule. Unautorized people include but not limited to Assistant Director, Director, Producer, Production Assistant or any individual other than those crew specifically charged with the responsibilities, safety and operation of the firearm props.

-there must always be available either a manager or assistant in the prop gun department solely dedicated and tasked to maintain possesion and control of the prop firearms at all times.

-prop firearms and associated equipment must be made inaccessable to others if they are to be left unattended. Generally this means in locked boxes or bags.

-no individual, other than authorized personnel, shall approach the prop firearm storage or staging areas unaccompanied by an authorized personnel.

-when only one prop gun crew member is hired; that person must NOT be responsible for any other department's responsibilities, including props, hand props, set decoration etc.

-when a prop firearm is used as set decoration or other possible uses, the wrangler, armorer, or prop gun assistant will maintain full control of the prop firearm. This prop firearm will be brought to and added to set in the same manner as with actors.

-prop firearms may remain in holsters in between takes and while the actor with the prop is within 10 feet of the filming area. Once an actor leaves the vicinity of the filming area, the prop firearm must be retrieved by the prop gun department.

-all rifle style or long gun style firearm props will only be provided to actors directly prior to filming and retrieved immediatly after the camera stops filming. (One exeption is if there is a designated area for training or direction in usage. These activities will be treated the same as when filming.)

-all prop firearms must have "eyes on" by approved personnel from the prop firearm department at all times when prop firearms are away from "Home Base" 

-prop fireams are provided to actors no more than 2 minutes prior to the commencement of filming while the actors are on their "marks" and will be retrieved by the qualified individual(s) immediatly upon the cessastion of filming the specific "take".

-a qualified member of the prop firearms department must be directly next to, and in complete sight of the filming location and must be actively monitoring all activities (blocking, rehearsing, filming) while the prop firearms are out of the possession of the qualified individual(s) and away from the prop firearm Home Base

-when transporting a prop firearm using gas or co2 or an inert prop firearm (like rubbers and blue guns) to set, when entering the set you must call "cold gun on set"

-when transporting a prop firearm using blanks to set, when entering the set you must call 

"hot gun on set"

-during blocking and rehearsing; blue guns, other brightly colored style training guns, finger guns or some other tool that is clearly and obviously not an actual firearm or prop firearm must be used (one exception would be a camera blocking event where the hero prop must be used. In this case, the regular rules of passing off the prop firearms and retrieving them after filming, and protective barrier use applies.)

-when a prop firearm is needed to point towards camera or any persons, a suitable and approved barrier shall be in place. (This should be worked out before the day of filming so the proper materials can be purchased. Optical Polycarbonate/Acrylic Laminate)

-taking pictures for b.t.s etc. is up to the lead wrangler/armorer and the production management SOP. All rules apply and prop firearm control standards shall be upheld.

-B.T.S. with props shall never interfere with the timing of filming or blocking

-whenever possible, prop firearms should not be pointed directly at any individual actor/person during filming exept in very specific camera angles, and with the proper safety practices ie distance, safety barriers, ear and eye protection, etc.

-all blank fire scenarios require a minimum of 25feet clearance in front of the prop firearm while in use.

-all crew members are encouraged to utilize provided ear protection when using blank fire on set

-all prop firearms staged at the designated home base and/or staging area must be layed flat with the breach facing up and the bolt or slide locked open and with chamber safety flags when/if available with all muzzles facing a safe direction.

-while setting up a scene, all crew members will be instructed where not to stand during the use of the prop firearms. If possible, it is best to reduce the amount of crew in the direct vicinity to the use of the prop firearms to needed crew only

 

--Transporting prop firearms:

-have callsheet listing the Wrangler/Armorer, date of filming, filming location readily available for inspection by police or other authority

-all prop firearms must be in cases and locked when possible

-all prop firearms must be in an area of the vehicle that is not accessable to the driver or passengers during transportation

-all prop firearms must be unloaded during transportation

-blank ammunition and/or green gas and/or co2 and/or "dummy" rounds and/or "dust" balls must be kept in a separate container from the firearms during transportation.

Note: When pulled over in a vehicle or questioned by authorities while transporting replica and prop firearms, the person transporting the prop firearm replicas must disclose the contents of the vehicle immediately when asked. Driver must be prepared to show and/or demonstrate any and all props being transported. If not the primary wrangler/armorer, any incident involving the public or any authority while in transport must be reported to the managing individual of the prop firearms department as soon as safely prudent.

 

 

--Upon arrival to set/location where filming will take place:

-Home Base: determine a safe location for the props to be stored, prepared and/or repaired. If only one wrangler/armorer is available, Home Base must be able to be locked and/or made inaccessable to all other crew, actors and administrators etc. when left unattended

-unpack all cases and supplies related to prop firearms from transpo vehicle. Check props against the list of props to veify all is included 

-photograph props in their respective cases to make repacking easier

-create a "staging area" that is either portable (like a rolling cart) or on a table or a furni pad on the ground safely out of the way of the filming/scene area but close enough to hear and see the direct filming area. If there is only one prop firearm crew member available, this staging area should be close enough to the filming area where it can be observed while standing within the filming area. It is possible for home base and staging area to be the same. 

-all blanks, dummys must be triple checked before being placed in the prop firearm

-all prop firearms will be checked for empty barrel and shown empty to all concerned, prior to handing off for use in filming.

-conduct a, mandatory attendence prop firearm safety meeting for all crew, actors, admins etc.

 

--Safety meeting notes:

-gather selected prop guns for a visual demo.

-gather all individuals involved in, and in the proximity of, where prop gun storage, staging or useage occurs, in a semi circle 

-perform safety meeting

-explain that the props are not actual fuctioning firearms, demo of the props

-explain that if anyone feels unsafe or observes something they perceive as unsafe, all activities will stop to address the concern.

-anyone can inspect and handle the props under strictly supervision of qualified individual as long as it does not delay or interfere with the actual work.

-address any questions or concerns.

 

Ready to go:

The prop firearm department is now ready to film. It is the prop firearm department's duty to maintain safety in regards to the prop firearms. It is the prop firearm department's duty to stop production, filming and any other activities, at any time if you observe any unsafe condition, situation or action. There is no higher authority on set regarding prop firearms than prop firearm department's team. If a prop gun assistant has a question; always consult the wrangler/armorer/manager for advice, answers or direction, never guess if you dont know the answer to something.

 

--Safety plan:

 

--Safety equipment:

-a basic "boo-boo" field medical kit (prop firearm department is not responsible for medically treating any injury not caused by or to the prop firearm department. Refer to the set medic SOP for any medical issues.

-foam ear plugs (enough for 2 pair a day for any crew who wants to wear them when using blanks)

-small fire extinguisher

-street cones to delineate areas

-reflective vest

 

Emergency action plan:

-prior to commencing your work day, Reach out to the assigned set medic to be on the same page

-prior to commencing your work day, find and note the location of the nearest hospital to where you will be filming. Standard call sheets should already have this info. Take note of local non-energency phone numbers.

-have a plan. 

If needed, Who calls 911? Who manages the injured?

-no one should provide any medical attention they are not trained for. Call 911 immediately for emergencies

 

Procedures for checking blank ammunition and "dummy" hero prop ammunition prior to use on set to the loading of magazines and revolvers on set:

-receive blank ammo or dummys from manufacturer (start notes)

-AMMO FIRST CHECK-

-inspect each individual round by hand to confirm the number count of rounds and that it is a blank round then (make notes)

-transfer each round, individually, by hand to the wranglers ammo containers. (Make notes)

-lock ammo container immediately when transfer and first check are complete (confirm in notes)

-bring locked ammo containers to set plus 1 extra ammo box for each different type of ammo box (empty boxes used for second check) (confirm times etc in notes)

-AMMO SECOND CHECK-

-at the start of every work day, transfer each individual round by hand, while inspecting, in to the matching empty ammo box to confirm the nature of the round and do a complete count. (Make notes, times, counts etc)

-props should not be loaded until needed.

-another ammo check is required if any ammo is out of the wranglers ammo box, out of sight or falls on the floor.

-AMMO THIRD CHECK-

-load each square magazine, tube magazine, and revolver individually by hand. Check and inspect every round to confirm it is a blank round or dummy every time it is picked up by hand.

-when using "dummy" rounds ("bullets that look real, used for hero shots where the ammo is shown on camera either in a prop firearm or loose), for each "AMMO CHECK" you must 

SHAKE THE DUMMY and hear it rattle

 or it will have a hole drilled on one side to indentfy it as inert. If a supposed dummy round does not fall in to one of these scenarios; remove the round from the rest of the ammo and confirm it's nature another way. If a round is found that looks real and doesnt have a drill hole or a bb inside, stop all work and regroup the prop firearm team to recount and reinspect every individual round of ammunition on site (dummys and/or blanks and/or snap caps) including rounds being used for set dressing, in wardrobe, or as props on a "hot set".

 

 

On set Tools:

-Hex head sets standard and metric

-flat and phillips head drivers

-nitrile exam gloves

-Silicone oil for gas powered props

-Gun oil + full firearm tool and cleaning bag for blank firing props

 

Advice:

-your situational awareness is key to safety

-If its going to be hot, bring a hat. Cold? Bring a jacket and warm gloves

-In the woods or desert or... wear snake guards.

-Stay hydrated and take care of the people around you.