Train to Be the Person Every Set Can Trust With Its Firearms.
Hollywood Armorer is a hands-on, four-day certification course for set armorers and the crew who work alongside them — built around one non-negotiable goal: every prop firearm on every set is safe, accounted for, and handled by trained people.
Not a government license or third-party accreditation. See education disclaimer below.
An Industry Gap, Brought Into Focus
In October 2021, a prop firearm discharged a live round on the set of the independent Western Rust in New Mexico. A member of the crew lost her life and another was injured. The investigations and legal proceedings that followed drew wide attention to how firearms are managed on productions — and to how few formally trained armorers are available to do that work.
Since then, productions, studios, unions, and insurers have placed renewed emphasis on qualified armorers, clear chain-of-custody procedures, and a safety culture in which anyone on set can stop the work if something is not right.
Hollywood Armorer was created to help close that gap with structured, practical training rooted in the fundamentals.
Our commitments
- Live ammunition has no place on a working set.
- Every firearm is inspected, documented, and in the armorer’s custody from arrival to wrap.
- Safety meetings happen before any firearm is used — every time.
- Consider the safest option first: replicas, non-firing props, or digital effects where they serve the shot.
- Anyone on set can call a stop. Nobody is too senior to be questioned about safety.
Built for Productions That Take Safety Seriously
The course is designed for aspiring and working armorers, and for crew whose jobs intersect with firearms on set.
Armorers & Props
Aspiring armorers and prop department crew seeking a structured foundation in firearms safety for production.
ADs & Producers
Understand what a qualified armorer should be doing so you can plan, schedule, and supervise with confidence.
Stunts & Actors
Learn safe handling, what to expect from the armorer, and how to speak up when something feels wrong.
Productions & Insurers
Crew who complete a documented, assessed course help support risk management and due-diligence expectations.
Four Days. Classroom, Range, and Mock Set.
Each day builds on the last, moving from fundamentals to full on-set scenarios, and closes with a written and practical assessment.
Foundations
Firearms safety fundamentals, the four rules, mechanics, and the armorer’s role on a production.
Set Protocols
Chain of custody, inspection, cold/hot procedures, safety meetings, and documentation.
Blanks & Alternatives
Blank-firing firearms, blank and dummy rounds, verification, and non-firing / digital options.
On Set & Assessment
Law and regulation overview, working with the crew, mock-set practicals, and final assessment.
Taught From Experience
Led by Ross D. Seymour — U.S. Marine Corps veteran, SAG actor and filmmaker, stunt performer, and longtime Old West cowboy action shooter. Meet the instructor.
Assessed & Documented
Participants who pass the final written and practical assessment receive a Certified Hollywood Armorer certificate of completion from Hollywood Armorer. [ADD: certificate details]
Small Classes
Hands-on time matters. Class sizes are kept limited so every participant gets supervised practice. [ADD: max class size]
Reserve Your Seat
Sessions are limited. Register your interest and we will follow up with upcoming dates, location, and enrollment details.
Register Now