Armourers are responsible for the transport, storage and use of all weaponry and firearms on film sets. As it is illegal to use firearms on set unless a licensed Armourer is present, Productions must hire an Armourer when firearms or other weapons are used during filming, although there are some exceptions. Armourers are highly skilled individuals, with a great deal of responsibility for the safety of the cast and crew. They ensure that weapons are used safely and correctly, and that those who handle them (usually Actors) are competent to do so. They liaise with the Production Designer, Properties Master, Producer, Director, Camera crew and Actors, and they may work with a Fight Director and Stunt team if they are employed on the production.

Responsibilities
Armourers analyse the script, in collaboration with the Producer, Director and Properties Master*, and detail the types of weapons required. They may carry out research into the style of weaponry needed, according to the period and genre of the film. Armourers may also consult with the Production Designer and the Prop Maker on the design of any tailor-made weapons. They advise the Director and Producer about the types of firearms that are appropriate for the film. They also advise on the legal requirements of the relevant Firearm Acts, and produce a full risk assessment report. If any scenes involving weapons are to be shot outside the studio environment, Armourers must contact the police and obtain the appropriate permissions.

Armourers source the weapons needed by either hiring them from a licensed Armoury, or by using their own. Prior to shooting the scenes involving weapons, Armourers set up a safety brief of controls for the Actors and crew, including safe distances and areas, and draw up an "On Set Code of Practice" to eliminate the possibility of injury to anyone on the set. Armourers liase with the Director of Photography in order to determine which camera angles will most effectively minimise any risk of injury. During rehearsals Armourers coach the Actors in the correct use of the firearms, and explain their possible dangers. They help to choreograph any gunfire action sequences, so that the edited footage is realistic and believable. During filming Armourers must be present on set, and continually check weapons during breaks (and during rehearsals) to ensure that safety controls are still intact. They also ensure that, when not in use, any firearms are locked in a secure case, which is stored in a locked room that has restricted access. At the end of film shoots, Armourers return weapons to their source.

Skills
Armourers must be trained and skilled in the use of all the weapons they handle during productions. An in-depth knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures on set, and of the relevant Firearms Acts is essential. A working knowledge of the film industry is vital, and an understanding of the Camera crew's requirements, including angles and distances, is useful. Armourers must work to extremely high standards of efficiency, paying close attention to detail at all times. They need excellent communication and training skills. They may be able to make or modify weapons, and manufacture blank cartridges to suit the required action.

Qualifications/Experience
All Armourers must have undertaken comprehensive training in the use of firearms as a basic requirement. Specialist training, permits and certificates are also required, according to the types of weapons used. These may include: automatic and semi-automatic weaponry, black powder, shotguns, rocket launchers, etc. In the UK, permits and licenses are issued by the Police and the Home Office, under strict conditions, and after detailed screening of applications and applicants. Most Armourers have either: worked in the Props Departments of film productions, and undergone an apprenticeship with an experienced Armourer; or are former Military or Police officers. In both cases, they must have many years of training and experience in the safe handling of weapons.


*this is a generic term, and may refer to a man or woman