DGA “Disappointed” on California Legislative Inaction on Gun Safety for IATSE Film, TV Sets

A bill regulating the use of guns in movies and television in California failed in the state legislature.

DGA and IATSE issued a joint statement expressing their dissatisfaction.

“The DGA and IATSE are disappointed and disappointed that this critical piece of legislation that requires significant safety protections for our members and all workers in our industry has not passed this legislative session,” the unions said. “Unfortunately, we were unable to get studios to support the important, meaningful and practical security reforms currently being implemented in other parts of the world.” We are committed to reforms that protect our members through work or negotiation with the law in California and other states. These changes require prioritizing security and allocating resources to make it happen in place.

Two unions supported Senate Bill 831, which was introduced after cinematographer Halina Hutchins and director Joel Souza were accidentally shot on the film’s New Mexico set. Oxide last October

The bill would ban the use of ammunition in movies, television and commercials, except in stipulated situations subject to certain safety regulations and laws. It also requires employers to ensure that any employee responsible for using or being around a firearm receives firearms specific training or equivalent training.

Employers were required to hire a qualified safety supervisor for all film and television productions to conduct a risk assessment, which must be completed before the first day of a movie, TV show, or program. This person was on set every day to ensure that the cast and crew were not involved in or exposed to an environment or activity that endangered the health and safety of employees.

It will allow the manufacture of firearms and blank ammunition containing gunpowder or other explosive charges only for certain purposes and under certain safety conditions, and will require a qualified gunsmith, proprietor or appointed gunsmith in the manufacturing process. There is a special state permit. Armored personnel will receive some firearms training and have a designated federal license to possess and store firearms.

The bill also required employers to document and report incidents involving firearms or empty ammunition that occurred during film or television production.

The Motion Picture Association sponsored SB 829, a narrower focused and competing bill that also failed to pass the state legislature. This bill, with certain exceptions, would ban the use of ammunition in the production of a movie or television show, and would allow firearms to be used in the production of firearms as long as they are used empty and remain under security surveillance. employee. . any moment. It also prohibits performing other gunsmith duties, responsibilities or obligations while the performer uses a firearm and requires employers to ensure that a fire code officer is present in any production when firearms and bullets are available. used in production.