Movie Gun Services LLC • Specialists in Heavy Weapons and Pyro for the entertainment industry since 1985

These courses have been developed to address a deficiency in the actor's working knowledge. Courses feature guest speakers and instructors who possess the skills and are willing to share their insights. Nowhere else is such information available in such a forum.

Most stage, film and television performers come from backgrounds that typically do not involve firearms. Their exposure to most weapons comes from the media and sadly, this is not an accurate portrayal of the realistic and safe utilization of guns. Actors need to understand how to realistically handle firearms in order to present an extra skill to casting directors when auditioning for parts involving the portrayal of weapons. An actor who knows how to safely handle a handgun or long gun will be easier to direct if that is a necessary skill for the part in question. Having this skill can differentiate one actor from the myriad's of candidates vying for the same role.

Movies and television work has become increasingly more realistic and directors are looking for performers who understand how to handle firearms in a realistic manner. Auditioning for scarce roles is extremely competitive and any edge to be gained or addition to one's resume is worth the effort. Advanced training is also available for more in depth purposes. Spec-Ops operators, SWAT team and Tactical Unit Members use specialized gear other than firearms and actors who receive training in that gear would be essential in order to accurately portray members of those teams.

Knowledge in handcuffing techniques and other means of custodial restraint is available. Historical elements instruction is available, tailored to the timeline to be covered for period portrayals and our experts can teach tactics and techniques that are accurate for any moment in history. Our classes are taught by experts in their fields. They are former military, former police, former federal agent and current certified firearms instructors.

All techniques are 100% accurate and realistic and can be used for auditions for a wide range of roles.

FIREARMS HANDLING FOR PERFORMERS

This course will provide the working actor with concrete knowledge on how to appear to be skilled in the accurate use of handguns, rifles, shotguns, submachine guns and assault rifles. A special section of the class will deal with knives and striking instruments. While no working firearms will be used, realistic replicas will be employed, including blank firing non-guns to give the student hands-on training in practical applications and how to conceal, aim and draw handguns as well as how to hold long guns in all situations. Firing stances and positions will be demonstrated and practiced as well as how to simulate the effect and appearance of recoil. The difference between styles of deployment by various users (e.g. Military, Police and/or Criminal) will be demonstrated and taught to all participants. Safety will be emphasized above all else. ON-SET gun etiquette as well as Do's and Don'ts will be covered. No actual firearms or weapons of any kind will be allowed in the class.

Completion of the class will enable the student to demonstrate to a casting director that they can safely handle a firearm and that they possess sufficient skill and knowledge to portray manipulation of a broad range of weapons. The student will be able to apply the skills learned in this class into any role which requires usage of a firearm, regardless of who is responsible for supplying the props and ensuring technical accuracy. By such demonstration, the prospective performer's value to the production will be demonstrated.

• The dangers of blank firing weapons
• Infamous examples of unsafe firearms handling in Movies and TV
• Safe firearms handling rules
• The need for using eye and ear protection
• Camera angles and safety
• Basic Technical Information
• Types of firearms
• Methods of operations
• Description of ammunition
• Profiles of firearms users

Handguns:

• Types of Handguns
  
  • Revolvers
  • Semi-autos
  • Others
    
• Methods of Operations
  
  • Loading and unloading
  • Concealment and usage of holsters
  • Drawing and presentation
  • Firing holds, stances and aiming
  • Recoil
  • Common differences between police, military and criminal firearms usage
    

Long Guns:

• Types of Long Guns
  
  • Rifles
  • Shotguns
  • Submachine guns
  • Assault Rifles
    
• Methods of Operations
  
  • Loading and unloading
  • Means of carrying, slinging
  • Firing positions and aiming
  • Recoil
  • Variations in usage
    

• Knives
• Nightsticks
• Defensive Sprays

HIGH INTENSITY OPERATIONS DEPICTION (Prerequisite " FIREARMS HANDLING FOR PERFORMERS")

This course will provide the working actor who is "Gun Competent" with a working knowledge of Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Teams and Emergency Services Units. Individual and Team tactics and operations will be covered.
Instructors are all former Tactical Team members of the country's largest police agencies.
Special Topics that could be covered:

• Entry Team Stack-Up
• Operator's Weapons and Tools
• Verbal and Non-Verbal Communications
• Individual & Team Mind sets
• Body-Bunker Manipulation
• Grenadier / Flash-Bang Deployment
• Submachine Gun Operator
• Rifle-caliber Carbine Operator
• Rear or "SIX" Man
• Counter-Sniper Rifleman

In addition, discussion of operational techniques such as:

• The Fan-Out
• Securing Hallways and Rooms
• Using Battering Rams, Wedges and Pry Tools
• Hazards of Tactical Entries
  
• Tactical Handcuffing
• Dealing with Detectives
• Dealing with federal agents

Students who complete this course will have been taught the skills and knowledge base to enable them to properly depict SWAT and ESU Team Members. Hands-on classroom practice using the tools-of-the-trade will add to the learning experience.

Safety will be emphasized above all else. ON-SET gun etiquette as well as Do's and Don'ts will be covered. No actual firearms or weapons of any kind will be allowed in the class.

Completion of the class will enable the student to demonstrate to a casting director that they can safely handle a firearm and that they possess sufficient skill and knowledge to portray manipulation of a broad range of weapons in a tactical setting. The successful student will be able to apply the skills learned in this class into any role which requires depiction of a law enforcement Special Operations Team,. By such demonstration, the prospective performer's value to the production will be enhanced.

FEDERAL AGENT MANNERISUMS & TECHNIQUES (Prerequisite " FIREARMS HANDLING FOR PERFORMERS")

This course will provide the working actor who is "Gun Competent" with a working knowledge of federal Special Agents and their agencies. Investigative techniques as well as federal "attitude" will be covered.
Instructors are all former federal special agents.
Special Topics that could be covered:

• Structure of authority between municipal and federal
• Dress and Equipment
• Achieving the fed "LOOK"
• Communication skills
• Interrogation skills
• Expressing the "air" of authority over local cops

Agency structure and interpersonal politics as well as federal "assets" usable to a special agent during an investigation can be subjects for discussion. No specific operations or investigations will be presented; all discussion will be of general topics.
Actors can use this information to better depict Special Agents from:

• IRS - Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CID)
• Secret Service
• Marshal's Service
• Diplomatic Security Service (DSS)
• N.C.I.S.
• D.E.A.
• B.A.T.F.E.
• Immigrations & Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
• Federal Air Marshal
  
  

Students who complete this course will have been taught the skills and knowledge base to enable them to properly depict a federal agent. Hands-on classroom practice using the tools-of-the-trade will add to the learning experience.

Safety will be emphasized above all else. ON-SET gun etiquette as well as Do's and Don'ts will be covered. No actual firearms or weapons of any kind will be allowed in the class.

Completion of the class will enable the student to demonstrate to a casting director that they can safely handle a firearm and that they possess sufficient skill and knowledge to portray manipulation of a broad range of weapons in a investigative setting. The successful student will be able to apply the skills learned in this class into any role which requires depiction of a federal special agent. By such demonstration, the prospective performer's value to the production will be enhanced.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER MIND SET & EXPERIANCES (Prerequisite " FIREARMS HANDLING FOR PERFORMERS")

This course will provide the working actor who is "Gun Competent" with a working knowledge of Correctional Facilities and the officers who work in them. In-Jail operational procedures will be covered.
Instructors are all former correctional officers.
Special Topics that could be covered:

• Structure of correctional facilities and "Tier" assignment
• Equipment
• Life of a Correctional Officer
• Communication skills
• Specialty Units within the Jail
• Officer / Inmate interactions

All discussion will be of general topics. No specific facility or agency will be discussed.
Actors can use this information to better depict Correctional Officers from:

• Federal Bureau of Prisons Transport Unit
• US Marshal's Transport Unit
• New York City Corrections Transport Unit
• NYCD / Rikers Island Corrections
  
  

Students who complete this course will have been taught the skills and knowledge base to enable them to properly depict a Corrections Officer. Hands-on classroom practice using the tools-of-the-trade will add to the learning experience.

Safety will be emphasized above all else. ON-SET gun etiquette as well as Do's and Don'ts will be covered. No actual firearms or weapons of any kind will be allowed in the class.

Completion of the class will enable the student to demonstrate to a casting director that they can safely handle a firearm and that they possess sufficient skill and knowledge to portray manipulation of a broad range of weapons in a correctional setting. The successful student will be able to apply the skills learned in this class into any role which requires depiction of a Corrections Officer. By such demonstration, the prospective performer's value to the production will be enhanced.

FIREARMS SAFETY COORDINATOR (FSC) CERTIFICATION
(Prerequisite " FIREARMS HANDLING FOR PERFORMERS")

This certification course is for the film technician or "Gun Handler" who is "Gun Competent."
State certification as a "Licensed" Gun Wrangler is necessary in New York State in order to rent or lease "Blanked" Firearms.
The student must be possess a NYS Pistol License or have applied for one prior to taking this course.
If assistance is needed, we can provide help in this.

This course is intended for:

• Individuals who wish to provide on-set gun handling in NYS as a service
• Employees of NYS stage and television production companies who wish to handle guns

New York State has no provisions in it's Penal Law for un-licensed possession of firearms (pistols, revolvers & assault weapons) regardless of usage or intentions. In order to rent from a Movie Armorer "blanked" firearms, the renter must be licensed for the class of firearms desired. Firearms Safety Coordinator Certification is necessary for Production Insurance and Completion Bonding.

If you are intending to "Handle" LIVE blanked handguns, you will need to secure a NYS Pistol License prior to this course.

This course is taught by Nationally Certified Trainers, This is a two week course with extensive range time shooting live firearms.

"LIVE FIRE" RANGE TIME FOR "LICENSED" ACTORS (Prerequisite " FIREARMS HANDLING FOR PERFORMERS")

This is where the actor who has acquired his pistol license get to experience what it's like to fire everything from suppressed .22 caliber "Wet Work" pistols to heavy Belt-Feed Machine guns. The knowledge gained from hands-on practice with such firepower would be invaluable to the working actor and their efforts to broaden their appeal to casting agents and directors.

Safety will be emphasized above all else. This is a one-day course at our outdoor range facility.