I agree with your points, but I object to this statement:
Even if the actor had done a basic check to ensure the gun was only loaded with blanks, it’s entirely reasonable that he did not look down the barrel to make sure it wasn’t blocked.
You and I have very different definitions of “basic check.” Especially when using blanks, checking that the barrel is clear is (a) not hard, and (b) should be considered part of a basic check. It’s no harder than pointing the barrel at a light source - of which, on a set, there will be any number of bright options - and looking through the open breech to see on there’s light.
That said, what baffles me about the entire industry is that they use real guns at all. Or that they don’t just buy whatever real gun they want and weld-plug the barrel; even an expensive handgun is going to cost them $2k - the welder’s time might double that. An extra $4k is peanuts to any professional production. Shit, there must be a company who’s entire business is providing prop gun rentals to movies. You’re already employing prop people, like Adam Savage; have them replace the front part of the barrel with a solid rod of steel. It has to be cheaper than employing an armoror, and safer than relying on processes.
This part, I’ve never understood. Maybe someone can explain it: why does anyone have to - and why does the industry allow - anyone using Union labor to use real, functioning guns?
I agree with your points, but I object to this statement:
You and I have very different definitions of “basic check.” Especially when using blanks, checking that the barrel is clear is (a) not hard, and (b) should be considered part of a basic check. It’s no harder than pointing the barrel at a light source - of which, on a set, there will be any number of bright options - and looking through the open breech to see on there’s light.
That said, what baffles me about the entire industry is that they use real guns at all. Or that they don’t just buy whatever real gun they want and weld-plug the barrel; even an expensive handgun is going to cost them $2k - the welder’s time might double that. An extra $4k is peanuts to any professional production. Shit, there must be a company who’s entire business is providing prop gun rentals to movies. You’re already employing prop people, like Adam Savage; have them replace the front part of the barrel with a solid rod of steel. It has to be cheaper than employing an armoror, and safer than relying on processes.
This part, I’ve never understood. Maybe someone can explain it: why does anyone have to - and why does the industry allow - anyone using Union labor to use real, functioning guns?