Without going into obvious safety reasons why I prefer Airsoft replicas over real firearms with blanks on set, I find that Airsoft replicas, also known as a RIF (Realistic Imitation Firearm) is far more cost effective and safer.  

 

Having said that, sometimes, having the real thing in the form of a deactivated weapon, will always look more authentic for those close-up camera shots, if required by production. I say if required, because as shown numerous times on my YouTube shorts and Instagram page, many studios are not too fussed when it comes to attention to detail with firearms on film. They often leave in shots that clearly show the prop is an Airsoft gun. And I mean CLEARLY!  

 

Others go out of their way to make sure that never happens. I tend to lean towards the latter. See my video on this subject matter. However, there are a few Airsoft replicas that visually look so close to the real thing, it means we need nothing else on set! 

 

Although I am currently not officially fully immersed in my dream career, yet, I have been on a few sets and helped with the armourer side of things alongside an official armourer. A bit like a voluntary “see how we work” type thing and what I could bring to the party in terms of my Airsoft RIF collection and experience. 

 

For many years I have had a light connection with the film industry. It was nothing official, other than, I knew the right people so was privileged to be on set for numerous productions. 

 

I was once given the opportunity to sit in on a “TV spot” promotional edit for the 2011 movie Colombiana. Basically, anything you saw on television, at the time, officially promoting that movie and certain edits of the movie itself, I was there during the editing process. In a small editing suite in London. Yes, London! It is amazing how many major American blockbuster movies are actually filmed in the UK, or at least many aspects of the production are contracted out to UK companies.  

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So, there I was, feeding my interest in the industry while the TV promos, amongst other things, were being edited. Because of these connections I had in the industry, I gradually started to get more involved with the filming aspect and editing. Again, on a voluntary basis, gaining experience.  

 

I then, by chance was asked by an artist (music) if I could supply a few props (RIFS) for a music video shoot, in the UK. They knew about my presence in the Airsoft scene on YouTube and my huge collection. 

 

I immediately thought yes! This is my chance! I would love to do that, however, my Airsoft collection could never be just “hired out or lent" to the artist or production, I would have to be with my RIFS during filming. 

 

However, just before I was about to promise the earth for free, regarding my collection, a friend in the industry dropped some knowledge in my direction that immediately put a stop to my offering my RIFS. 

 

I then did a whole bunch of research and quickly learnt that there is an actual process to go through first! You can’t just rock up on set and hand out RIFs, as a nobody! 

 

Any official film set or studio that requires “firearms” in a scene, requires the services of an official armourer/armorer. (However, certain armature production setups may inadvertently forget or ignore this!) Tut tut! 

An armourer is someone that either owns or is an employee of a company that owns the “weaponry” and holds the necessary licences, certificates, insurance, exemptions and training. NOTE: This is regardless of the type of “weaponry” used on set. It could be a blank firer, a real firearm with blanks, Airsoft replicas, deactivated weapons or even a dummy and/or purpose-built bespoke item.  

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NOTE: Real firearms on set, with blanks, is not something the industry defaults to anymore. I refer you to my opening paragraph.  

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An armourer is responsible for the firearms and their use on set. This includes their security, and training for people handling them.  

Funny enough, in actual law, there are no legal requirements for actors to be trained to handle these props, however, it would be crazy not to provide the training. 

 

Now because of my current contractual “day job”, I am unable to fully immerse myself into the industry or be remunerated, however, that particular contract is up soon and once completed, I will go full steam ahead into the industry. Well, as long as AI does not replace the role! 😅 

 

Right now, a percentage of my equipment has already been transferred to an existing company that is already firmly established within the industry and owned by a close friend of mine.  

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A handful of my collection has already made their onscreen debut in various productions! I have been on set and observed the proceedings. I also ensure certain things are adhered to when it comes to Airsoft replicas. 

 

I can’t say too much about this yet, but ultimately I will own that company, and until I transition to the role, there is nothing more to say here, but will revisit this specific page in the future, for updates.