Jay Peterson
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Ten years ago I had something to say about Just Blanks

10/23/2021

3 Comments

 
Now I got something to say about just props.
Insisting on referring to a weapon of any kind as a prop instead of just calling it a weapon is a bit of disingenuous negligence that contributes to hazards like what happened Thursday.
With the rare exceptions of "money," "drugs," and "food," no other object that goes through the props department undergoes anything approaching this treatment.
They're. Still. Weapons.
We can and do use them in ways that make sure our cast and crew all go home safely at the end of the day.
Doesn't change the fact that. they're. still. weapons.
And let's be honest, it's done to soothe ruffled feathers. Weapons are scary. Props are safe.
Well, I hate to be the buzzkill, but there's already a word for something that looks like a weapon and handles like a weapon but isn't a weapon.
That word is "toy."
And now we're surprised that people treated weapons like toys and tragedy ensued.
If you work with weapons and insist on calling them props instead of weapons because honesty gives you the willies?
Then you're part of the problem and you need to either unfuck your head or leave the business.
Preferably before your hangups get someone else hurt.
If you're beholden to a person or institution who insists on calling them props instead of weapons?
Then you're beholden to a chickenshit, still part of the problem, and still have a binary solution set to choose from as described above.
If you're really that bent out of shape about weapons you shouldn't be working on projects that use them in the first place.
I should have screamed this from the rooftops the first time I encountered this asinine case of mental gymnastics: Eight fucking years ago.
At least I'm fucking saying it now. A day late and a dollar short.
Take care of yourselves out there.
3 Comments
Rob Reed
11/5/2021 09:15:04 pm

Somewhat related. I don't know if you ever saw this photo from the set of Public Enemy that shows the Tommy gunner ready to shoot from his platform.

https://bamfstyle.com/2020/01/16/public-enemy-cagney-chalkstripe-suit/

Reply
Jay Peterson
11/6/2021 11:20:19 am

That I never have! I knew the story and I've written about it, but never seen the setup.
Thanks!

Reply
Rob Reed
11/5/2021 09:18:34 pm

I meant to post this as well, sorry.

Cracked of all people had a good article on it a few years back.

Hope you don't mind the comments. Found your post on the topic looking for something else.

https://www.cracked.com/article_24638_6-absurdly-dangerous-special-effects-before-cgi.html

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