[SML] Use of weapons in production

[Paul Guncheon]

I’ll weigh in on this a bit. I would say that first of all, be
concerned (as you say) but not worried. Respect the weapon but don’t
fear it.

 Secondly, you really need to know ‘what’ weapon you’re going to use,
then come back to us. Otherwise, and it’s kinda too late for this, the
gang here will go off into space about all manner of precautions and
procedures that may have nothing to do with your situation. Also, the
suggestions made will be fresher in your memory.

 It would also be helpful to know the action(s) to be enacted with the
weapon. Is it military, police action, crime, suicide, duel? That will
have bearing on whom to involve in coaching use of the weapon.
Involving a fight choreographer is highly advised, not only for the
safety aspect, but so the action doesn’t look ummm… ‘stupid’
(technical term) on stage. This is true about these guys even if a
weapon is not involved. In the case of fighting, ‘real’ doesn’t always
look ‘real’. And you want a fight 'choreographer', not simply a guy
who is familiar with the weapon. You really want a guy who is familiar
with using the weapon on a stage or in front of a camera. They know
what 'looks' right... I guess the phrase is "They get it."

 Laters,

 Paul 1