Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/33797
FOR MEMBERS The SAFETY ZONE Know Your Weapon Etiquette N o matter if you are a seasoned stunt performer or an actor who has never touched a weapon, safety should be a top priority. Whether it’s a samurai sword or a fork, if it’s being used to attack, it is a weapon and deserves thought and respect. Although it may be tempting to swing a sword about with your best pirate dialect, when on set, you must keep that inner child in check. Because every weapon carries with it the potential for deadly force, respect it by following these tips: Don’t ever point a weapon. Even though it is a prop, you never know how someone may react to having a weapon pointed at them. Only use the weapon as you have rehearsed. Inspect your weapon. Is it constructed well? A well- constructed aluminum prop is usually the best choice. If someone hands you a sharp weapon, don’t take it. Also, pay attention to the weight of it; where is its center of gravity? Take this into account as you practice, and know that a heavy weapon will tire you out faster, so conserve your energy. If you are working with a rubber prop, remember that just because it is rubber doesn’t mean it can’t hurt someone. Know how to use your weapon. Never “wing it”; get familiar with the weapon prior to showing up on set. If training is not available to you, then read about it, study up and, when you ACTORS ‘FORE’ ACTORS: Golf Classic Gathers Support place June 13, once again bringing stars and sportsmanship together in support of fellow actors, their families and the artistic community. This year’s tournament takes place in Tarzana, Calif. at the prestigious El Caballero Country Club. Hosted by Criminal Minds stars Joe T Mantegna and Thomas Gibson, the Golf Classic will continue its tradition of attracting Screen Actors Guild’s biggest names for a worthy cause. As with last year’s inaugural event, proceeds from the Classic will directly benefit the he 2nd Annual Screen Actors Guild Foundation Golf Classic takes get to the set, find the weapons handler and/or stunt coordinator and ask him or her to go through the action with you until you feel comfortable with the weapon. It is also important to rehearse the physical action combined with the acting without your weapon. That way, when the emotions start to flow in a scene, you will have trained your body to react with the weapon as rehearsed. Play well with others. People come to the set with different backgrounds, so when rehearsing the action, respect all performers as equals. Be cooperative, do not direct them and be receptive to the authority on set, usually the fight/stunt coordinator. Accept the weapon as your responsibility. From the moment the weapon is handed to you by the prop master, that weapon is your responsibility. You must keep track of it at all times, until it is returned to the same person who gave it to you. During safety meetings, make sure that you understand everything that is being said. If there is any confusion or safety concern, speak up — there are no stupid questions. This applies not only to the person wielding the weapon but anyone working near it as well. Quoting Jet Li, “A weapon isn’t good or bad, depends on the person who uses it.” Make the choice to be a good, responsible performer so that everyone goes home safely. Catastrophic Health Fund, which brings relief to actors when illness or injury destroys their ability to work, as well as their access to health insurance. Actors such as Oscar® nominee Susan Tyrrell, who lost both of her legs in 2000 due to a rare blood disease, have shared their gratitude for the Fund, which made possible the payment of her extensive medical expenses, as well as her ability to walk again, within two months of her double amputation. “It’s all because of the SAG Foundation,” offers Tyrrell. This year’s Golf Classic Host Committee includes SAG President Ken Howard; National Board members Scott Bakula, Ron Perlman and Pamela Reed; Hollywood Board member Bill Smitrovich; James Casey; Kevin Dobson; Tom Dreesen; Thomas Gibson; Robert Hays; David Hutton; Richard Karn; Richard Kind; Joe Mantegna; and SAG Foundation President JoBeth Williams. A $150,000 contribution from Integrated Wealth Management has secured Presenting Sponsorship, and the SAG Foundation currently seeks further sponsorship and participation for the Golf Classic. For more information, please visit sagfoundation.org/golf or call the SAG Foundation at (323) 549-6708. NEW MEMBER LOANS: New members are eligible for low-interest rate initiation fee loans through the AFTRA-SAG Federal Credit Union, aftrasagfcu.org. Call (800) 826-6946 for more info. Those in New York should contact Actors Federal Credit Union actorsfcu.com, (212) 869-8926. 22 SCREEN ACTOR - Spring 2011 SAG.org Jupiter Images