Alec Baldwin Shoots two, Kills One

[00tec]

I just read an article that many of the union crew left about 6 hours prior to the incident and were replaced by a local crew.
The article also indicated there were 2 "misfires" with the prop gun on Saturday and another last week.

[FoxtArt]

Based on the Brandon Lee case, if they were using squibs (powder removed) rounds during the earlier days, they very likely could've gotten a bullet stuck in the barrel. The squibs would be used to film scenes that show the ammunition, so it looks normal. They should have the primers removed to avoid that.

After getting a bullet stuck in the barrel, if they used blanks the following day, it could clear most of the safety checks and still launch that sucker with nearly the full muzzle energy of proper ammunition. And being we don't know what is in a blank round (likely faster burning powder, likely over-loaded) it M.E. may be unpredictable and might even exceed factory pressures/specs.

In any event, it sounds like that is a likely possibility instead of "someone didn't notice it had bullets". It also very closely mirrors the Brandon Lee case.

[Aloha_Shooter]

I'm not involved in any film production whatsoever and I do place primary blame on the individuals charged with ensuring firearm safety on set but I disagree with the idea that the actors are not themselves responsible for checking things for themselves. Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance of commercial aircraft but there's a reason the pilots are supposed to do a preflight. If they don't want that responsibility, they can stick to films that don't involve them handling firearms.

[Fromk]

My wife works in props for the theatre and has regaled me with all the rules and regulations that go along with prop firearms. While working at a range in California that would occasionally host a studio shoot I had the opportunity to pick up a lot of the rules. I don't really have an opinion on what happened other than it is terrible for everyone involved. Just a little insight to add to that huge article a couple posts up.

There's one final rule if you're firing a prop gun regardless of the distance. You don't point it directly at someone. If all the other safety protocols fail you have that last step when the trigger is pulled. A decent cinematographer/camera operator will set up a shot so you can't tell. If you've ever watched a movie or show and clearly sees the actor pointing the gun to the side it's what they're supposed to be doing. It just wasn't captured well. I would have thought Alec has had enough experience to know that. As I understand the shot was him pointing the gun at the camera hence the cinematographer losing her life.

[BushMasterBoy]

wadcutters vs blanks

[Great-Kazoo]

To whom is this response directed? I am not quite following your discussion.

Those on the DB who continue to say. We need to wait, for the report. Not one person on the left, at least on the DB has a clue about guns. Instead of acknowledging someone like baldwin, who talks tough on guns, has no clue regarding handling, safety, etc. Is wondering how live ammo was used, and laying blame on the prop guys /gals.

[flogger]

Interesting read! It will be interesting to see how this all plays out with working conditions in question and lots of other rumors.

Bad situation all around.

[Vic Tory]

This.

I'm not involved in any film production whatsoever and I do place primary blame on the individuals charged with ensuring firearm safety on set but I disagree with the idea that the actors are not themselves responsible for checking things for themselves. Mechanics are responsible for the maintenance of commercial aircraft but there's a reason the pilots are supposed to do a preflight. If they don't want that responsibility, they can stick to films that don't involve them handling firearms.

[O2HeN2]

Will Smith gun safety. At least he has a clue...

[Duman]

There's no excuse for this. Period.