The tragic incident involving Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust has sparked heated debates about gun safety in filmmaking. As the industry grapples with the fallout, seasoned Hollywood insider and firearms expert Will Roberts offers critical insights into the responsibilities of actors, producers, and armorers on set. With 45 years of experience in the entertainment industry and two world records in firearms handling, Roberts is uniquely positioned to address the complexities of using guns in movies.
Here’s how Roberts explains the nuances of gun safety on set, the roles of key individuals, and what lessons the film industry can learn to prevent future tragedies.
Understanding the Role of Firearms in Film
Firearms have long been a staple in Hollywood, especially in genres like Westerns, action films, and historical dramas. Roberts, who has worked extensively with single-action revolvers like the Colt .45, emphasizes the specialized knowledge required to handle these weapons. Unlike double-action guns that fire with a single trigger pull, single-action revolvers require the hammer to be cocked manually before each shot.
“These guns are not automatic,” Roberts explains. “They require precise handling—pulling the hammer back and then the trigger. It’s why they’re favored for authenticity in cowboy films.”
Roberts’ expertise in handling such firearms has earned him world records, but he’s quick to point out that even experienced professionals must adhere to strict safety protocols on set.
The Importance of Gun Safety on Movie Sets
Roberts underscores that safety begins with the armorer, the person responsible for overseeing all firearms on set. The armorer’s duties include ensuring that guns are not loaded with live ammunition, demonstrating that the chambers are clear, and maintaining complete control over the weapons at all times.
“Actors are not supposed to handle firearms casually on set,” Roberts states. “When a gun is handed to an actor, they’re told it’s ‘cold’—meaning unloaded and safe to use. The actor’s job is to perform the action required for the scene, nothing more.”
However, Roberts acknowledges that lapses in protocol can occur, particularly on lower-budget productions or non-union sets. He recounts instances where cast and crew engaged in off-set target practice with real guns, a practice he strongly condemns.
Alec Baldwin’s Dual Role: Actor and Producer
The Rust incident highlights the complexities of Baldwin’s dual role as both an actor and a producer. Roberts points out that while actors rely on the armorer and assistant director to ensure safety, producers bear ultimate responsibility for the overall safety of the set.
“As a producer, Baldwin was responsible for hiring qualified personnel,” Roberts says. “The armorer on Rust—Hannah Gutierrez-Reed—was relatively inexperienced, and there were reports of crew members engaging in unsafe practices like live target shooting. These decisions fall under the purview of the production team.”
Roberts believes Baldwin’s indictment is tied more to his role as a producer than as an actor. “If you own a business and your employees act irresponsibly, you’re held accountable,” Roberts explains. “It’s the same on a movie set.”
The Industry’s Need for Better Safety Standards
The Rust tragedy has exposed gaps in the film industry’s safety protocols, particularly on smaller productions. Roberts advocates for stricter standards, including:
Hiring Qualified Armorers: Only experienced professionals should be trusted with overseeing firearms on set.
Eliminating Live Ammunition: There is no justification for having live rounds on a movie set. Prop guns and CGI can achieve the same effects without the risk.
Comprehensive Training: Actors and crew should receive mandatory safety training to understand the basics of firearm handling and on-set protocols.
Adopting New Technology: Innovations like rubber guns and advanced CGI offer safe alternatives to using real firearms.
Roberts also emphasizes the importance of treating every gun as if it’s loaded, a foundational rule of firearms safety that can prevent accidental discharges.
Moving Forward: Lessons for Filmmakers
For Roberts, the Rust incident serves as a wake-up call for the entire industry. “Stop treating this as a political issue,” he urges. “Focus on what matters—ensuring that everyone on set is safe and that tragedies like this never happen again.”
Roberts’ advice extends beyond safety protocols. He encourages filmmakers to be meticulous in their hiring practices and to prioritize expertise over cost-cutting. “Make sure you hire people who know what they’re doing,” he says. “The price of negligence is too high.”
A Call to Action
The film industry is at a crossroads, and the Rust tragedy has underscored the urgent need for reform. Roberts’ insights offer a path forward, emphasizing the importance of accountability, expertise, and unwavering adherence to safety protocols.
As Hollywood and independent filmmakers alike reflect on the lessons of this incident, Roberts reminds us of the shared responsibility to protect everyone on set. “At the end of the day, filmmaking is a collaborative art. Let’s ensure it’s also a safe one.”
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