ABC’s The Rookie is the latest one on the block to ban live weapons on set after the recent fatal mishap surrounding Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust.
Showrunner Alexi Hawley announced a policy change for the police drama show using both CGI and live weapons.
The show is changing its rules and completely banning the latter’s use for the safety of their cast and crew, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
The ban comes just one day after Alec Baldwin “discharged” a prop firearm resulting in the tragic death of Head of Photography Halyna Hutchins and injuries to director Joel Souza on the set of the low-budget film Rust.
The policy change memo obtained by THR states:
As of today, it is now policy on The Rookie that all gunfire on set will be Air Soft guns with CG muzzle flashes added in post. There will be no more “live” weapons on the show. The safety of our cast and crew is too important. Any risk is too much risk.
He even encouraged the team to speak up if they ever felt unsafe yet again.
As always, if you ever feel unsafe or witness anything that concerns you, please don’t hesitate to report it. My door is always open.
Alexi Hawley
The Rookie doesn’t seem the first to implement the ban of live weapons, and many are also hoping it’s not the last.
On Friday, The Boys creator Eric Kripke also tweeted a pledge – to switch live weapons to digital post-production – in honor of Hutchins.
In the post-production, Nathan Fillion-led The Rookie has mostly been using CGI, but they generally used live guns with blanks or quarters for “big” scenes.
However, with the showrunner taking charge in the light of the fatal accident, it remains to be seen if others follow it or not.
There also is a debate on why live weapons are used in the first place. The reason is cost-effectiveness, as CGI takes more money.
The tragic Baldwin incident opened up a much-needed and mostly avoided discussion of Hollywood’s previous live weapons-related deaths.
With Kripke and Hawley taking steps towards a better and safer industry, here’s hoping more people follow suit.
Meanwhile, The Rookie season 4 is currently airing on ABC.
About The Rookie
The Rookie is a 2018 American crime police drama starring Nathan Fillion in the lead, created by Alexi Hawley for ABC. The main cast also includes Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Mercedes Mason, Mekia Cox, Shawn Ashmore and others.
The show revolves around a small-town guy called John Nolan who pursues his dream of being an LAPD officer in his 40s. He becomes the oldest officer in the police department and also the butt of all jokes, sarcasm and skepticism. Nolan uses his experience and knowledge to show others what he’s capable of.
Based on the real life of LAPD officer William Norcross, the show has received goo reception.
Season 4 of The Rookie is currently ongoing on ABC.
Source: Hollywoodreporter
No Comments on The Rookie Showrunner Bans Live Weapons For Safety After Baldwin Mishap