Prop Weapon Usage

The use of prop weapons during CalArts productions requires careful planning, strict supervision, and adherence to Institute policy. Even replica or non-functioning weapons can easily be mistaken for real firearms, creating serious safety concerns for students, employees, law enforcement, and the public.

It is against CalArts policy to bring any firearm, weapon, or prop weapon onto the CalArts campus, store one in a vehicle while on campus, or carry one on your person without following the procedures outlined in this policy.

Failure to comply with these procedures may result in confiscation of the prop weapon, suspension of production activities, disciplinary action, and possible referral to law enforcement.

What Is Considered a Prop Weapon?

For purposes of this policy, the term prop weapon includes, but is not limited to:

• Pistols
• Revolvers
• Rifles
• Carbines
• Shotguns
• Muskets
• Swords
• Sabers
• Daggers
• Knives
• Axes
• Chainsaws
• Airsoft guns
• BB guns
• Rubber weapons
• Resin weapons
• Plastic weapons
• Replica firearms
• Modified firearms
• Any object capable of being mistaken for a real weapon

This definition applies whether the item is real, modified, rubber, plastic, resin, airsoft, BB, disabled, or otherwise resembles a functioning weapon.

General CalArts Policy

Weapons may never be brought onto campus for personal reasons. The only weapons that may be approved for educational purposes are:

• Rubber or resin weapons
• Blunt or dulled weapons
• Replica weapons
• Permanently disabled (plugged-barrel) firearms
• Replica firearms with the firing mechanism permanently removed

These approved items are referred to throughout this handbook as prop weapons.

The following are strictly prohibited for any CalArts production or event, whether on or off campus:

• Real firearms
• Any weapon capable of firing a projectile
• Live ammunition
• Blank ammunition
• Squibs
• Pyrotechnic ammunition
• Homemade or modified ammunition
• Personal or privately owned replica firearms
• Toy guns purchased from retail stores

All approved prop weapons must be rented from an approved professional prop rental house unless otherwise approved in writing by Production Services.

Approval Before Bringing a Prop Weapon to Campus

Before any prop weapon is brought onto campus:

• Complete a Prop Weapon Release Form.
• Describe each prop weapon being used.
• Explain how each prop weapon will be used.
• List the production, performance, or exhibition.
• Identify all campus locations where it will be present.
• List all dates and times it will be be on campus.

Production Services and Risk Management will review the request. If approved, you will be assigned a date and time to bring the prop weapon to campus for inspection.

Bringing a Prop Weapon onto Campus

When transporting an approved prop weapon:

• Notify Campus Safety upon arrival at the main gate.
• Follow their instructions for inspection.
• Proceed to the Facilities Dock if directed.
• Meet with Campus Safety for inspection.
• Allow photographs of every prop weapon to be taken for documentation.
• Remain with the safety escort until arriving at your approved destination.

Prop weapons must always remain concealed inside a locked case, duffel bag, or similar container while being transported across campus.

At no time may a prop weapon be displayed, handled casually, pointed at anyone, or used for demonstrations outside the approved production or performance.

Storage Requirements

When not actively being used:

• Prop weapons must remain under the direct control of the designated Prop Master or Weapons Handler or
• Be secured inside a locked cabinet, locked room, or other approved secure storage.

Prop weapons may never be:

• Left unattended
• Stored in vehicles
• Loaned to unauthorized individuals
• Used for horseplay
• Used for photographs unrelated to production

Signage Requirements

Whenever a prop weapon is being used on campus:

• Clearly visible signage must be posted in the production area.
• Signs should notify the campus community that filming or a performance involving prop weapons is taking place.
• Remove signage immediately after filming concludes.

Confiscation of Weapons

Any weapon found unattended or brought onto campus without approval will be confiscated by Campus Safety. For approved productions:

• Weapons will only be released to the designated owner, Prop Master, Weapons Handler, or Production Manager after written authorization from the appropriate school or department.

Weapons brought onto campus for personal reasons will be confiscated, disposed of by Campus Safety, and may result in disciplinary action.

There are no exceptions.

Film/Video Productions on Campus

Before filming begins:

• Meet with Production Services.
• Designate one individual as the Prop Master or Weapons Handler.
• List prop weapon usage on the call sheet.
• Hold a mandatory safety meeting before the first use.
• Announce to cast and crew immediately before each use of a prop weapon.
• Ensure required signage has been posted.

The designated Prop Master is responsible for:

• Transportation
• Distribution
• Inventory
• Supervision
• Collection
• Secure storage

Treat every prop weapon as though it were a loaded firearm. If Production Services determines that required procedures are not being followed, CalArts may require a Safety Officer to supervise the production. Associated costs may be charged to the student production.

Production Tip

A convincing performance rarely depends on a functioning firearm. Strong acting, proper camera angles, realistic sound design, practical visual effects, and post-production editing are usually sufficient to convince an audience that a weapon is real.

Film/Video Productions Off Campus

Students planning to use prop weapons off campus must first meet with the Head of Production Services.

Requirements include:

• Renting prop weapons from an approved rental house.
• Obtaining all required filming permits.
• Complying with any location-specific restrictions.
• Never using live ammunition, blanks, squibs, or pyrotechnic devices.

Many permit agencies require disclosure whenever prop weapons will be used. Always verify location requirements before finalizing your shoot.

Public Safety Considerations

The greatest danger associated with prop weapons is public misunderstanding. If members of the public can see your production, even briefly, they may reasonably believe a real weapon is present and call 911. Depending on the circumstances, law enforcement officers may respond believing they are confronting an active armed suspect.

To reduce this risk:

• Film indoors whenever possible.
• Close blinds or curtains when practical.
• Post signs reading FILMING and PROP WEAPON IN USE.
• Assign production assistants to monitor pedestrians.
• Use caution tape or barriers when appropriate.
• Prevent passersby from entering the filming area.
• Stop filming immediately if public safety becomes a concern.

When Police Notification Is Required

If a prop weapon may be visible to the public, notify the appropriate law enforcement agency before filming. Whenever possible:

• Contact the Watch Commander for the agency having jurisdiction over your filming location at least one week before production.
• Call again the day before filming.
• Call once more on the day of filming.

Providing advance notice greatly reduces the likelihood of an emergency response to your production. If filming in the Santa Clarita Valley, contact the appropriate Sheriff’s Station or the local film permit office.

Why These Procedures Matter

Law enforcement officers responding to reports of an armed individual have only seconds to assess a rapidly evolving situation. Even experienced officers may be unable to distinguish a replica firearm from a real weapon under stressful conditions.

Across the country, individuals carrying realistic toy or replica firearms have suffered serious injury or death after their weapons were mistaken for real firearms. These procedures exist to protect:

• Students
• Faculty
• Staff
• Cast and crew
• Members of the public
• Responding law enforcement officers

Failure to follow these policies places everyone at unnecessary risk and may result in disciplinary action, suspension of production activities, confiscation of equipment, or removal from the project.

Resources

• Film Santa Clarita: http://filmsantaclarita.com
• Prop Weapon Release Form: 2pop.calarts.edu/student-handbook/weapon-release-form/
• LAPD Area Station Locator: www.lapdonline.org/office-of-the-chief-of-police/office-of-special-operations/office-of-emergency-services/special-events-and-filming/