Has Anyone Ever Served As 'Weapons Master' On A Film Set?

[Kind of Blued]

As we all know, having historically accurate firearms in a film, and seeing the actors operate them in the way that they actually operate can make or break a film for "people like us". I first noticed the existence of such a 'job' on the credits of the "Band of Brothers" mini-series, in which the weapons master did excellent work.

I am curious if anyone here has ever held the position and how you got into it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weapons_master

 

[mekender]

had a friend that was the armorer for universal studios on the T2-3D ride... he got into it because he was licensed for pyrotechnic displays and the law required one to be on hand when blanks are used... he also did the fireworks shows for them, so im guessing that he had a pretty secure job

 

[AZ_Rebel]

I was hired as "armorer" and supplied weapons, technical advise and training for a film called "Love Potion" filmed in Canada about 15 years ago. The film company went to the local police department to ask about a "weapons expert" and the PD recommended me.

 

[kingjoey]

I likewise provided weaponry, equipment, and technical input for an indie film done here in AZ two years ago. It was fun, but really challenging trying to show people who aren't firearms-saavy how to look the part in a limited amount of time. Might end up doing it again on their next film.

 

[George Hill]

Two small local film pieces and two stage productions. I was asked out of the blue. I was paid, about 500 bucks for 3 days for the films and a lot less for a lot longer for the stage stuff. I made more performing on stage. Singing cowboy in the Outlaw Trail Theater. No, there is no video, so don't ask.

 

[50 Freak]

"Weapons Master" was and is my dream job.

 

[BobbyQuickdraw]

I did two small "web exclusive" tidbits, two technology demonstration videos (photo manipulation and color correction/SFX addition) and 1 play.

I want to get into it more, think it would be fun. I live in Hollywood and most of the armorers here don't need much help - its generally a family and friends thing at the bigger places.

 

[Red Dragon]

I have been a Weapons Technical Advisor for a 12 episode independent series, the movie based on that series, and 2 other independent films so far. (in the Detroit area)

 

[Neo-Luddite]

Not for a film, but I have been a consultant for a stage production (Vietman War-era) that involved familiarization live fire for the cast and crew and very minor field exercises (movement to contact in the woods on a 24 acre parcel). My friend, who later ended up serving in Iraq, handled the live fire coaching AND provided the venue. It was all done for comp tickets and (IIRC) a thanks in the program. We even supplied the weapons and ammo.

It's been long enough in the past so (until this thread came up) I'd forgot that we ever did it--it was 1996-97 maybe. College kids from an affluent university just north of Chicago. I did it for a close, all but life-long friend who wrote and directed the piece, the younger brother of my oldest friend. He's still working in the industry as an actor, and from what I've seen from his experience it's a pretty hard way to earn a living.

 

[MilsurpShooter]

No, not on film. However I've helped 3 or 4 authors and 2 or 3 web comic illustrators on proper handling, operation and other specifications of firearms

 

[CWL]

Nope but one of my trainers was an adviser on the film "Heat". He helped coordinate the bank robbery shootout as well as the scene at the hotel where DeNiro "took out" the LEO who had a gun on his back.

Real tactics make this movie good to watch over and over.

 

[Owen Sparks]

My Karate instructor, who is also a former IDPA state pistol champ did. It was an independent studio production. He said that the vast majority of the time was spent standing around waiting. Very boring