226: Behind the Scenes: Prop Masters, Armorers, and Gun Safety in Hollywood

Ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes world of prop masters and armorers in Hollywood? Join us as we chat with Dutch Merrick, founder of Prop Gun Safety and a veteran propmaster with 25 years of experience. As the man maintaining the guns on set, Dutch occupies a unique position within film — setting up actors to look their best, while also keeping them safe. As we kick off the beginning of our podcast series on how Hollywood can fight back about gun violence, Dutch shares his insights on the differences between on-set firearm safety and firearms in the "real world," how the tragedy on the Rust set sent shockwaves throughout the film industry, and the role that folks behind the camera can have in changing unsafe or irresponsible gun culture and behavior.

Further reading:
Hollywood Armorer Reacts to ‘Rust’ Manslaughter Charges: ‘There Is So Much Fault to Go Around (Variety)
How the entertainment industry changed after the fatal 'Rust' shooting (CBS)
Top Showrunners and Producers Make Gun Safety Pledge in Wake of Uvalde, Buffalo Mass Shootings (Variety)
USC’s Norman Lear Center Report Urges Hollywood To Re-Examine Gun Violence In Films & TV Shows (Deadline)