Motion Picture Services Firearms safety for motion picture and theatrical productions "Yes, it IS a gun in my pocket." A Firearms Safety Coordinator is on set to provide three essential services: to ensure the safety of cast and crew when firearms are being handled, to comply with regulations related to filming with firearms, and to advise productions on handling and authenticity. In simple terms, firearms professionals deal with safety issues so that cast and crew can safely do their jobs. This maximizes the talents of cast and crew and directly contributes to the success of the production. Safety Safety when using firearms is far more than simply showing up and handing everyone a gun. Once termed armorers, firearms safety professionals are far more than just the people who provide the firearms. A good Firearms Safety Coordinator not only knows how to keep everyone in the cast and crew as safe as possible and the dangerous range of the many varieties of blanks, they can also train and brief cast and crew as required and can analyze a scene for safety to make instant decisions no matter how fast plans may change. Even scenes without gunfire require the undivided attention of a specialist. Nobody likes looking down the barrel of a firearm even if it is only a replica firearm, and cast and crew not only must be kept safe, they also deserve to KNOW they are safe. Achieving the fantasy on screen or on stage requires attention to detail, a professional approach to safety and a good understanding of the many myths about firearms that have developed over the years. Legality Firearms in Canada may only be handled by persons with valid Firearms Licences, or must be under the direct supervision of a person with a licence. In addition, replicas are considered prohibited weapons and must be handled and supervised by qualified individuals who know and understand all the legal implications. No matter how large or small the budget, there are certain legal restrictions on the handling and supervision of firearms and replicas and the discharge of blanks. Authenticity It seems that there are as many ways to hold a handgun as there are actors. Unfortunately, most of these techniques are wrong. When authenticity is an issue, an experienced firearms specialist knows exactly how the real experts hold and use firearms and can communicate that to the director and to the cast when required. Working with Dave Brown and his unique approach to safety The reality is that almost anyone with training and experience can make a firearms scene safe, but it takes a special skill to be able to work directly with cast in a way that inspires trust. Once affectionately called, "the most anal guy in Hollywood," Dave Brown takes extra care to make people FEEL safe. Once the cast and crew have confidence knowing that a professional is there to keep them safe, they can devote their energy towards their jobs. This quiet, low-key approach and a meticulous attention to detail makes Dave very popular with the cast. If the actors know they are safe, they can then better concentrate on their acting and making it look real. “He's very professional ... I feel very safe shooting with him.” - Rob Estes, actor - Winnipeg Free Press June 29 1997 When handled properly, firearms and replicas are no more dangerous than any other prop on the set. The most complex and exciting action scene should involve NO unwanted surprises. “My goal is always to have everyone walk away safely, thinking, 'Well that was nothing. I can't understand what all the fuss was about.'” - Dave Brown Filmography Dave Brown has been entrusted with the safety of thousands of actors and crew and has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. For a list of productions, see Dave's Filmography Page. Some recent comments: “It was a pleasure working with you! You are always so calm and professional.” - Mark Mylod, director - The Big White “Thanks Dave. You made me feel very safe.” - Robin Williams, actor “I love working with Dave Brown. He works with the calm confidence of a Christian with four aces and has the nicest looking guns this side of the Mississippi.” - Gary Yates, director, Seven Times Lucky, High Life “Brown ... is fastidiously careful, but he is also patient and easy-going, an invaluable asset when working with actors.” - Randall King, entertainment writer, Winnipeg Free Press, April 2 2005 To see what projects Dave has been working on recently, check out his What's New Page. “My dream is to one day see a disclaimer at the end of every movie that states NO HUMANS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS PICTURE.” - Dave Brown
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