LOS ANGELES, CA — The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) announced the appointment of two industry veterans to serve as official Industry Firearms Experts for the entertainment labor union. Larry Zanoff, a longtime member of IATSE Local 44, will serve as the Firearms Expert representing the Basic Agreement, while Brook Yeaton, Prop Master, Armorer, and President of IATSE Local 478, will serve in the same capacity but instead representing the Area Standards Agreement.

In these newly created advisory roles, Zanoff and Yeaton will work closely with IATSE’s Negotiating Committees on contract negotiations and relevant proposals, assist in addressing and mitigating firearm safety issues, and represent IATSE in key industry forums, legislative hearings, and regulatory matters that require expert opinions or testimony relating to firearm use and safety protocols within the entertainment industry.

Zanoff brings decades of specialized knowledge to this role. With a background in law enforcement, combat service, and a degree in gunsmithing, Zanoff is a recognized leader in firearm safety for the entertainment industry. His extensive work as a motion picture armorer, expert witness, and educator, combined with his appearances on programs like Hollywood Weapons and Gun Stories, underscores his unmatched expertise in the field.

“I am honored to be selected by my peers for this position, and look forward to bringing my knowledge and experience to this new role assisting my fellow members and industry colleagues in maintaining the highest level of safety on set,” Zanoff  said.

Yeaton has been a proud IATSE member for over 30 years, contributing his skills as a Property Master and Armorer on iconic productions like NCIS: New Orleans and The Wire. As President of Local 478, Yeaton is a tireless advocate for safety and professionalism on set. His deep industry knowledge and leadership experience make him an invaluable asset to this critical role. Yeaton added: “Weapon safety is everyone’s responsibility.”

IATSE continues to advocate for robust safety protocols across all aspects of the entertainment industry. This includes addressing emerging challenges and working with experts like Zanoff and Yeaton to protect members in every workplace. While IATSE hasn’t appointed Industry Firearm Experts formally in the past, expert input is always gathered and incorporated into IATSE contracts via the members on the union’s Negotiating Committees, who are generally appointed by their local unions.

IATSE International President Matthew D. Loeb said, “Safety has always been a pillar of the union’s mission. While our contracts, enforcement, partnerships, and advocacy are designed to address dozens of types of hazards, firearms on set present unique risks that require specialized knowledge and experience to mitigate. Larry Zanoff and Brook Yeaton bring unparalleled expertise and a shared commitment to protecting safety in our industry. Their involvement will ensure safety remains at the forefront of everything we do.”