Making Props for SF Movies

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by MoviePropMaster2008

Propmasters don't make the final call. The DIRECTOR makes the final call. I've had directors pick the DUMBEST thing on the planet because they (a) knew nothing about guns and (b) thought it was 'cool'. We can't argue with them. That's a fast track to the unemployment line.

So propmasters don't make the initial choices? I thought the director usually just "signs off", unless they're big into micromanaging (that or they're like Michael Mann and DO care exactly what types of guns their characters use).

[k9870]

I've had directors pick the DUMBEST thing on the planet

like? I always get a laugh out of stupid directors, examples?

[ManiacallyChallenged]

I think the question was what kind of futuristic weapon you would make. As in: were you to make a sci-fi movie, what would your ideal future guns look like?

I'd be cool with anything, as long as they didn't try to pass the Calico series off as laser rifles. Maybe I would build something off the Glock 17, since it seems like it would be easy to add a shell to. I actually like the look of that one .22 Select Fire pistol that was made to replace the .45 1911 but failed at it(surprise. Can't replace the 1911.)

Two things also bug me.
1: Shiny laser guns.
2: Really scratched up laser guns.
Both seem like they are far too extreme. Who issues their troopers with guns with the finish 80% off? The Rebels sure, but nobody else in their right mind.

[MoviePropMaster2008]

Originally Posted by MT2008

So propmasters don't make the initial choices? I thought the director usually just "signs off", unless they're big into micromanaging (that or they're like Michael Mann and DO care exactly what types of guns their characters use).

Some don't care. Depends on who you work with. But a good portion of them that I have worked with have asked for stupid guns, or at least didn't take the obviously cool choice. As far as bullpups, it was an easy fix for movies which had NO BUDGET to custom create guns. It takes quite a bit of preproduction $$ to hire someone to make a M590 Assault rifle or Morita Mark I. It is easier to trick out a MZ14 Muzzlelite stocked Ruger Mini14 (like in Space Rangers (1993)).

I remember in the 1990s, everyone wanted one of three guns, a Beretta 92FS, a Glock or an M1911A1. No other guns existed. Every subgun was an Uzi, Every assault rifle was an AK47 or M16. And yes, no other guns existed. And a lot of these people were adamant about wanting what they were familiar with, not with what was either correct or 'cool'.

Sorry, I've tried to push XDs on people with no success!

[ManiacallyChallenged]

Please keep trying with the XD's MPM. I would like to see more, but it really isn't that striking a design for viewers or directors.
Of course, I don't mind seeing P99s, and would like more. Even thought that thing is as wide as a Peterbuilt.

Can't blame them with the bullpup. Bullpup rifles are cool and sexy.

[Gunmaster45]

The new Taurus PT 45 looks kind of cool.

[MT2008]

Originally Posted by ManiacallyChallenged

Can't blame them with the bullpup. Bullpup rifles are cool and sexy.

Were cool and sexy, before everyone realized what a pain in the ass they are to shoot.

Plus, directors, propmasters, etc. in the 1990s figured that all rifle designs in the future would be bullpups. Nobody would have thought that modularity and Picatinny rails would be the defining characteristics of guns in the early-21st century.

[k9870]

Were cool and sexy, before everyone realized what a pain in the ass they are to shoot.

Yeah, Bullpups feel weird for me, and I read so many bad reviews.

Bullpups have a rep of triggers sucking pretty much universally. Balance is usually poor too. I heard FN has their act together though and the F2000 is known to balance well, it sure looks bulky though. Why do the triggers suck that bad? The fact most arent even close to ambidextrous doesn't help. (Kudos to FN for solving that

[Excalibur]

I've held the FN P90 and an FS2000, the P90 is small and really fits tight on your body. I wouldn't mind having something compact like that. The FS2000 which is the civi F2000 does feel real bulky. The butt end is a bit long for me. When I held an M4 again with it's stock position all the way back, it feels less on my shoulder. The F2000, if you compare trigger to trigger with an M4 or M16 has a stock that is a few inches more. If you got long arms, you wouldn't mind the length of the F2000, but if you got shorter arms like me, then it bothers you and tires the hell out of your arms.

[Alcatrazz]

The F2000 truly looks like it shoots death rays, but the Calico family will always be the most futuristic weapons.