Overview

The use of weapons requires the utmost attention to safety protocols and special clearances from the Head of Production (HOP) and the local police. This page outlines the policies, approval procedures, and safety requirements governing the use of prop firearms or other weapons in student productions.

Weapons-related activity introduces significant safety, liability, public communication, and operational concerns that require careful oversight and planning. Strict procedures help productions reduce unnecessary risk, communicate clearly with faculty and staff, and maintain safer working environments for cast, crew, and the surrounding community.

Limitations on Use

When prop weapons are used, it involves a substantial amount of extra time and planning to ensure the safety of everyone on set.

For these reasons, the use of prop weapons is only permitted on advanced-level projects — F3, FC, M2, M3, MC — where students have sufficient time and training to acquire a weapon use authorization and coordinate the production safely.

Prop weapons are not permitted on F1 and M1 projects, or for class homework assignments.

Important Guidelines

Treat all weapons as though they are loaded and/or ready to use. Do not play with weapons and never point one at anyone, including yourself. Follow the directions of the Property Master and/or Weapons Handler regarding all weapons.

The use of firearms and other weapons may require special permits and/or operator certifications. Anyone that will be using a weapon shall know all the operating features and safety devices. All weapons must undergo thorough safety inspection, testing and cleaning on a daily basis by qualified personnel.

Anyone handling a weapon shall receive the proper training and know all operating features and safety devices.

If weapons are used in filming, the designated Weapons Handler must meet with cast and crew and inform them of the safety precautions in effect and answer any questions. Specific safety bulletins for the type of weapon being used must also be attached to call sheets.

Prop Weapons Protocol

If you are planning on using prop weapons (handgun, shotgun, rifle, etc.), you must follow this protocol:

1. Complete the weapon authorization request form.
2. Send the completed form to the HOP for review. The HOP will either require changes or will provide authorization for you to go to the next step.
3. Using one of the email templates for weapons notifications, email the following people about the project (and include the authorization request):
   • If filming in the City of Tallahassee: Sgt. Robert Varble of the Tallahassee PD at Robert.Varble@talgov.com. If filming outside the city, you’ll need to find the contact information for the police or sheriff’s department that has jurisdiction over the location where you plan to film.
   • Lieutenant Edwin Jacobs of the FSU PD at ejacob@fsu.edu (even if you’re filming outside city limits).
   • The HOP for your program. BFA: jstone@fsu.edu. MFA: tciarlariello@admin.fsu.edu.
4. Once you have made contact with the local jurisdiction and received a response, the approval process will be determined. The PD approval may be in the form of an email. If so, you are to save a copy of the email as a PDF and include it with the Authorization Request when submitting delivery.

If you are using a weapon such as a knife or other potentially dangerous or hazardous prop, the process may be the same, but contact the HOP directly to discuss next steps.

On the Day of Filming

1. Announce weapon use at the top of the day safety meeting, and again when the new deal / set up for the scene involving the weapon begins.
2. If filming within Leon County (regardless of PD or Sheriff Jurisdiction): 30 minutes prior to camera roll on any scene involving the weapon, you must always call the CDA (Tallahassee Leon County Consolidated Dispatch Agency) at 850-606-5800. This is to inform them that the scene is about to be filmed. This must only be done when you are sure of the filming schedule. If you are filming close to campus (within a three-mile radius) please also call the FSU Non-Emergency line at 850-644-1234, and let them know you’re about to film.
3. If filming outside Leon County, follow the guidelines provided by the authorizing agency, which should include contacting their local dispatch or non-emergency numbers. But you should plan to ask and find out what their process is.
4. This process should be followed whether you’re filming in a public location or a private location, and whether filming indoors or outdoors.

Safety bulletins

The Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee provides the following safety bulletins related to weapons:

Download the relevant bulletins for your production here.