SAS credo

 

Theatrical and film use of firearms brings many production challenges; issues such as safety concerns, lack of expertise, and locating props & theatrical blank-firing guns. And rightly so.

 

In the case of blank-firing weapons, without knowledgeable care and safe handling, they can be hazardous. Any gun, prop or blank-firing, is not a toy and should be treated accordingly.

 

From an artistic standpoint, improper handling and incorrect props can cause a ‘credibility gap’ that may seriously detract from the overall effect of a production. While not everyone can distinguish a Glock from a blunderbuss, most people can recognize a starter pistol or “Davy Crockett” toy rifle when they see one. It screams ‘fake’ and can ruin the dramatic tension inherent with the presence of a firearm on stage.

 

Moreover, the actor cannot convincingly portray, say, a Civil War soldier while using firearm techniques picked up from watching “Shaft.”

 

SAS is here to help. As always, Safety is the top priority. We all know horror stories of tragic events on stage or on set- things that could have been easily prevented with proper training and supervision of firearm props. Our motto is "Nobody gets hurt on our watch!"

 

SAS history

 

Stage Armament Solutions officially launched in 2003, but the roots go back much further.

Owner/operator Brian Dettling has been involved with the stage since age 10, the film industry since 1994, and theatrical firearms since 1996.
As an experienced and accomplished actor, he understands stage and set space awareness and dramatic presence, which enables him to provide exciting staging of gun fight and shooting scenes.
The foundation of his experience is a lifetime of firing real weapons of many types. His theatrical firearms career began with a production of “Oliver!” and the Ridley Scott film “G.I. Jane” as well as a founding member of the “Garlock Gunslingers,” a Wild West shoot-out and skit show that has traveled throughout much of Southern California.