Thursday, February 09, 2012
The Enormous Secret Weapons Depot Hidden Underneath Manhattan
Gizmodo: Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood is mostly filled with bored models and stupid-expensive boutiques. But on one grimy, absolutely ignorable corner is the entrance to a cavern stuffed with guns, rockets, cocaine, and riot shields. This is where Hollywood locks and loads.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
I had no idea this sort of shop even existed! I realize of course that all sorts of security and safety measures are necessary to ensure the proper use of onstage/on camera weaponry, but I am impressed at how organized The Specialists' operation really is. They seem to have thought out everything, knowing that their operation could easily appear suspicious. I had always imagined that most prop shops manufactured faux-weaponry of sorts, but it is cool that this shop have dedicated themselves to that specific area of expertise. I'm sure the next time I watch a movie or show, I'll be wondering if the guns they use came from there!
This is so cool! Upon reading the titled, I was expecting an article much different from the one which exists, and I was pleasantly surprised. Like Becca said, I will surely be wondering if the guns I see in the next movie or TV show I watch are from The Specialists. Also, I admire how secretive they have been able to keep their location and dealings. In the modern world, it is difficult to fly under the radar. I respect not only that they are trying their best to stay under wraps and avoid any trouble with the law, but also that they have been incredibly humble about the fabulous work they do.
As someone who has always been fascinated with guns and weapons, this was an amazing find. The most fascinating thing I found in this article is the shere precaution they take. While yes, every time a firearm is rigged to explode precautions must be taken, you would think that with thier own manufacturing, they might be prone to less precaution because they know they cannot fire. But no, they treat every piece with the utmost caution. From now on when I see a gun on a movie or TV show, I'll be thinking "Did his come from The SPecialists?"
Props are very important to the way that a movie or a show runs. Having specialists like these weapon specialists are incredibly important when we are going for a realistic approach. Especially now, with HD and Blue ray and all of these other features that we now use to enhance our viewing experience. And I think that this is what that type of technology has done. It has upped the level of accuracy in every detail of a prop or even a costume. Guns and other weaponry, especially in a shop in the city is incredibly sensitive. It makes sense that this is secretive and that the connections that they have made are strong because their product is so precise.
The video was also helpful in showing off all the details of these instruments. I only wish that we could hear a little bit about what these guys specifically do. How they got into their line of work and what goes into each weapon.
Such an intriguing article. I always assumed someone had to have some sort of arsenal like this, but reading about it makes it even cooler. It is fascinating how they employ the safety of a real gun with their fakes and how secretive they are of everything else. I wonder why they are so secretive if their weapons are harmless..... so are they? kidding. but seriously it would be so interesting to see a day in a life of behind the walls of that place just to understand what hoops they have to jump through in order to deliver such a perfect prop.
I never really thought about this before, but having prop guns and weapons is pretty important. I think if I were in that shop, I would have a little bit of normal fear seeing all the guns surrounding me. I thought it was interesting how they treated each weapon with the true respect it deserves. I’m sure wierder things have happened than a real gun being mixed in with a bunch of prop guns. I guess learning proper weapon etiquette is important for everyone involved. First, because of the safety , but also because of the authenticity of the actor using the weapon.
1. I love Gizmodo. 2. This is awesome. 3. I don't know why I started numbering sentences. I'm really impressed with the owner, his gun safety rules for fake guns, and how carefully he tends to everything.
I have to say, though, (and of course I'm going to be the person to bring this up) this also screams "conspiracy" to me. WHAT IF... some of those guns are real? You probably couldn't easily tell, they would hide well among the fake ones, and the business is legitimized because they actually do provide props. But it could be a front for actual arms dealing. He made the reporter observe gun safety, wouldn't let him disclose the address, etc. It's the perfect cover! Dun dun dun....
The amount of work and detail that has to go into props, especially in film is fascinating. I had no idea that this company existed in Manhattan. It's also interesting to consider how the quality of props used in the film/TV industry have had to increase over the years as new technologies such as 1080p HD filming are becoming standard. More details are seen on the screen, so more detail is required of the props that are used. When such a level of detail is required, it really does require a team of specialists.
Post a Comment