London student filmmakers were pinned to the ground and handcuffed by armed police officers as they made a “gangster” student film.
According to the Standard, armed police officers responded to the scene following reports had been seen with a weapon. Witnesses said London Screen Academy students were put on the ground by police officers. The students were patted down and released after it was discovered they were using a BB gun during filming.
One of the student filmmakers, Ryan O'Donnell,16, said he begged the police not to shoot.
“We noticed the car pulling up, it was really close to hitting us,” he told the Islington Gazette.
“We had to get out the way. All of a sudden they jumped out. I was like, ‘Please don't shoot'. I just didn't want to get shot. It was panicky getting a gun pointed in your face and being told to get down by everyone. I was a little bit shook and I didn't want to do anything that could get me shot.”
Ryan said he has since been suspended from the film school for a week. The Met Police's guidelines for filming stipulate that people using fake firearms must get advanced permission, and get a film weapon crime reference number. The guidelines also say that film crews “tell us about any activity involving weapons to prevent the emergency deployment of armed police”.
What is the LSA?
The LSA is a new film school founded by Barbara Broccoli, who has produced over a dozen James Bond movies and David Heyman, who is the producer of all eight Harry Potter movies.
An LSA spokesman said: “The students in question have learned a very good lesson that everything to do with the filming has to be taken seriously.
“Disciplinary action has been taken and we apologize to all the authorities involved for any inconvenience caused.”
A Met spokesman said: “Firearms officers attended the scene and a group of school children were stopped and spoken to. A BB gun was recovered and school staff has been informed; they will be dealing with the matter. No arrests were made.”
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