Services

Script Breakdowns

Aside from offering practical ‘hands on’ weapons services, through their passion for military and weapons history, our staff have an incredible range of knowledge that is essential in breaking down scripts during pre-production. The key factors that we take into account are:

The time period in question (weapons in service at that time).
Practicality of weapons use, specific to the actor’s frame and/or costume restrictions.
Requirements for rubber/soft stunt weapons.
Ancillary equipment, such as slings, holsters, webbing etc.
Potential continuity issues (filming with multiple units/weapons availability).
Background artist/extra’s weaponry (replica or live).
The fabrication of specialist weapons.
Blank ammunition requirements.
Recommendations for any pre-production weapons training.

3D Scanning and Printing

Through our 3D Scanning and Printing capabilities, we are also able to provide a range of Soft Weapons, Soft Parts, Breakaway parts and Weapon reproductions. With the volume of our 3D printers we are able to generate prototypes quickly and efficiently, once approval of a prototype is given we proceed to production immediately and ship out to our clients directly. We ensure the process from quoting to approval proceeds smoothly for our clients.

Weapon Hire

We hold an extensive collection of weaponry used throughout the 20th Century. As used in all major conflicts from World War 1, through to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Our collection covers everything from handguns to assault rifles and grenade launchers to heavy machine guns. As well as military style weapons, we also hold a broad range of weaponry that is commonly used globally by law enforcement, criminal organizations and terrorist groups, to name but a few. Our website shows only a small selection of the weapons we can supply and if there is a specific weapon you are seeking that we currently don’t have available, we will undoubtable be able to source you one through our network of collectors and suppliers.

On Set Armourers

Our Armourers are fully qualified in the safe use and instruction of a broad range of weaponry, as well as being responsible for the following:

The transportation of weapons from our armouries to set and their security whilst there.
The instruction of cast members in the safe use of weapons, as well as providing sufficient training so that their use appears natural on camera.
Ensuring all cast & crew are issued and proficient in the use of hearing protection prior to the commencement of any firing. As well as safety glasses or protective shielding to close action camera crews etc. if deemed necessary.
Controlling the loading and preperations prior to action and subsequently the unloading of the weapons, ensuring everything is safe after filming is over for the day.
The supply of blank ammunition, loading of magazines and the removal of empty cartridge cases from set after filming.
The cleaning and if need be the repair of any damage to weapons prior to the following days use.

Actor Training

Prior to the commencement of filming, we strongly advise that any cast members who will be using weaponry attend a pre-production weapons familiarization course, whether they have prior weapons experience or not. As health and safety is critical on a film set on-set training is very important for actors, however due to the demands of other departments there is rarely sufficient time allocated for proper training. The firing of weapons (even with blank ammunition) can be an nerve-racking experience for many, not only first timers. The main aim of our pre-production training is to make the actors comfortable in the handling of firearms, whether it be live-firing, blank firing, or just a soft weapon, in a safe manner. Apart from on-set training we also provide bootcamps, training programmes, and on-range training. These types of training would not only teach them how to handle firearms but also how their character would hold, clean, load and unload the magazine. For example if their character had a military background we would show them how to move like and the habits of a military personnel. The more confident an actor is with the handling of firearms the safer it will be for cast and crew. This will also lead to a more natural and believable performance.

Prop Hire

As well as weaponry we also hold and supply their ancillary equipment, be this bayonets, spare magazines, slings, sight variations, torches, webbing and ammunition pouches. All of these go hand in hand with the weapon in creating the authentic period or military look.

Military themed set dressing such as ammunition/weapon crates and rifle storage racks can also be provided.

Please use our Contact page to discuss your requirements.

Risk Assessments

The use of any firearm and ammunition comes with inherent dangers. Although only using blank ammunition, this danger is often compounded on a film set, due to the close, often confined nature of their use, time constraints between scenes/resets and a general lack of actor training.

As a result, each production we work on will receive a bespoke written risk assessment, where the below areas of concern will have ways to mitigate their risk addressed:

Security of weapons
Loud noises (hearing damage)
Muzzle flashes (burns/injuries from unburnt powder debris)
Ejected cases (burns and impact injuries)
Hot barrels (burns)
Use of heavy weapons (lifting injuries)

During the script breakdown, additional areas of concern can be flagged early, such as if a weapon is to be used at height (possibility of being dropped), or used in a public place, where Police and public prior notice must be given to avoid undue alarm and subsequent filming disruption.