Gold Coast actor, Johann Ofner, has died after being shot in the chest, in what police called a “workplace incident”.
During the filming a music video for Australian hip hop trio Bliss N Eso, the 28-year-old stuntman and actor was killed while filming a scene where several firearms were used. The scene, depicting a robbery at a poker game, used plastic replica guns and a real shotgun, all supplied by an armourer.
The production company filming the video engaged an accredited stunt company, who in turn engaged a licensed armourer, to provide theatrical and weapon supplies for the video clip. However, some theatrical armourers have questioned whether the standards for licensing of weapons on film sets are stringent enough. Veteran gun experts, with decades of experience supplying weapons for film and TV productions, hope the tragedy sparks an overhaul.
The exact cause of Mr Ofner’s fatal injury is still to be confirmed but as the gun was loaded with blanks, not live ammunition.
A blank is a type of cartridge for a firearm that contains gunpowder, but no bullet or shot. Blanks use paper or plastic wadding to seal the gunpowder into the cartridge. When fired, the blank makes a flash and explosive sound, propelling the wadding from the barrel of the gun. Blanks are commonly used when the sound and flash of gunfire is needed, but a projectile would not be safe – as is the case for the film and TV industry.
This tragic fatality is currently being investigated by Queensland Police and the workplace health and safety regulator, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ). The investigation will focus on whether workplace health and safety laws were followed before this tragic workplace incident occurred.
Zoe Angus, Director of the Actors union Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance, said the death serves as a warning. “This tragedy is a stark reminder that the screen industry is inherently dangerous and of the need for total vigilance about workplace safety at all times on set.”
The film and TV safety guidelines were written and enacted in 1983 to ensure safety for all. In 2004, the industry went through a process of consultation to update the guidelines. Unfortunately no agreement was reached between the producers and the industry. Therefore the 1983 guidelines remain as the enforceable guidelines.