IATSE Appoints Two Firearms Experts in the Wake of ‘Rust’

As a longtime supporter of IATSE and a firm believer in the importance of safety in the entertainment industry, I wholeheartedly endorse the appointments of Larry Zanoff and Brook Yeaton as firearms experts for the union. Their extensive experience, knowledge, and dedication to ensuring safety on set make them the perfect candidates for these roles.

Following the contentious debut of ‘Rust,’ I, as a movie reviewer, find it noteworthy that the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) has tapped two seasoned professionals as firearms experts within their union’s ranks.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has appointed Larry Zanoff, a veteran member of IATSE Local 44, as the firearms expert under the Basic Agreement, while Brook Yeaton, prop master, armorer, and president of IATSE Local 478, will fulfill the same role but for the Area Standards Agreement.

The upcoming appointments are scheduled following last month’s debated launch of the western movie “Rust,” which incidentally had an on-set gun accident resulting in the death of its cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. This film, premiered at Poland’s EnergaCamerimage, has sparked industry-wide discussions about on-set safety, particularly concerning firearm usage.

In their new advisory positions, Zanoff and Yeaton will collaborate closely with IATSE’s bargaining teams during contract talks and proposal development. They will also help in resolving firearm safety concerns, act as IATSE representatives at significant industry events, legislative hearings, and other occasions that necessitate professional opinions or testimonies regarding firearm usage and safety procedures in the entertainment sector.

Zanoff has a diverse background, encompassing law enforcement, military service, and gunsmithing education. His professional endeavors as a movie firearms specialist, legal expert, and educator have been showcased on programs such as “Hollywood Weapons” and “Gun Stories.” He expressed his gratitude for being chosen for this position by his peers and is eager to utilize his expertise in safety matters to help his fellow professionals in the industry.

For over three decades, I’ve been a proud member of IATSE. Throughout my career, I’ve served as a property master and armorer on productions like NCIS: New Orleans and The Wire. As the president of Local 478, I champion the importance of safety and professionalism on set. In my view, weapon safety is a shared responsibility for all.

In a statement released, IATSE international president Matthew D. Loeb emphasized that the union’s core values have always revolved around ensuring safety. Although their contracts, regulations, collaborations, and lobbying efforts cover numerous types of hazards, the presence of firearms on set poses distinct risks that call for specialized skills and knowledge to manage effectively. Larry Zanoff and Brook Yeaton, with their exceptional expertise and shared dedication to maintaining safety in our field, will play crucial roles in this regard. Their involvement underscores our commitment to prioritizing safety in all aspects of our work.

After the “Rust” incident in October 2021, where actor and producer Alec Baldwin was holding a prop gun at the time of the accident, he was indicted for manslaughter. However, the case was dropped due to the prosecution’s failure to disclose evidence. In contrast, “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed is currently serving an 18-month prison sentence in connection with Halyna Hutchins’ death.

2024-12-13 00:46

IATSE Appoints Two Firearms Experts in the Wake of ‘Rust’

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