Tue Oct 26, 2021 10:39 am
#1878587
I'll throw my 2c into this one as a firearms holder here in the UK and I've spent the last 12 years working on films sets, often closely with the armourers for part of my job. The reports are that a live round was in the gun, which seems reasonable since it travelled through the DOP and then into the person behind. It was a rehearsal for a shot with the point of view aimed at the camera.
In this instance, a blank is usually used so that there is movement of the gun, it's slide and a muzzle flash. We often enhance/create the flash in post (vfx) but making the gun move in the hand like that is a much bigger job than just adding flashes. There is always a clear shield in front of the camera and, depending on the range, the camera and operator may be wearing additional protective equipment and the entire camera rig may be wrapped to prevent dust/particles getting everywhere.
The armourer handles the firearm. No-one else is usually allowed to touch them. Ever, except for the actors. This is very strictly controlled. I've never seen an armourer not prove a gun was clear when handing it to them or going through the necessary motions to load and check weapons. We're very, very careful about procedures when guns are on set and the crew are briefed about the scene ahead of time.
On the set of Rust, as I understand it, the 1st AD grabbed a gun from a table just off set, called 'Cold Gun' and handed it to Mr. Baldwin. We know what happened next. I've never worked in the US but that's something that wouldn't happen here. Calling cold gun without proving it just isn't a thing.
The 1st AD in question, who's had previous complaints against him for safety protocols, just should never have touched that firearm because he doesn't have the proper training. They were apparently behind schedule and had been doing 17 hours days and crew had recently walked off set because of the punishing schedule. Ridiculously long days are one of the worst things about the industry, I've regularly worked 90 hour weeks plus travel time and people are tired and make mistakes. Maybe this was one of those but it's symptomatic of the industry as a whole.
As to why it had a live round in, on set, is another question and the idea that people were using that firearm for target shooting is staggering, No armourer would let the crew do that in the UK. Cowboys in more than one sense it would seem.