Film Biz Chat: One on One with Armorer, Dutch Merrick

Prop Gun Safety: In the wake of the uproar over inadequate gun safety on the notorious "Rust" film set in New Mexico, veteran Propmaster and Armorer Dutch Merrick has created an innovative approach to making gun handling safer for crews and cast alike. Using "Total Participant Involvement", workshops held through his company Prop Gun Safety LLC engages participants in an immersive, hands-on approach to Armorer training. Focusing on working Propmasters, assistants and entertainment armorers, the program is designed to create a consistent and higher standard to the handling of Prop Guns for TV, film and theater productions.

Dutch has more than 25 years experience in Film and TV as an Armorer and Propmaster. His roots as a competitive "action shooter" going back to the 1980's lead to his original entry into film. Fully certified as a firearms instructor and with nearly 15 years serving in Union leadership, Dutch is uniquely positioned to bring to the table a more effective safety training for upcoming and experienced prop gun handlers alike. Classes are held bi-weekly in the heart of LA's production circle, Burbank California. Unexpected media exposure: In the immediate aftermath of the death of Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021 with a prop gun loaded with a real bullet, Merrick was interviewed by Variety magazine to illustrate what the existing safety practices for studio armorers are. This lead to numerous televised interviews on ABC's Good Morning America, Nightline, NBC, CBS, CNN and international media broadcasts. He has been a guest lecturer at universities as Dartmouth College and University of Texas/ Austin. Dutch Merrick is regarded as one of the leading voices for improving prop gun handling safety for feature and television productions.