Hollywood is concerned that there is no exemption in the SAFE Act for them:
“… Officials in the movie and television industry say the new laws could prevent them from using the lifelike assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that they have employed in shows like “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and films like “The Dark Knight Rises.” … Industry workers say that they need to use real weapons for verisimilitude, that it would be impractical to try to manufacture fake weapons that could fire blanks, and that the entertainment industry should not be penalized accidentally by a law intended as a response to mass shootings. “Weapons are part of our history as a culture as humans,” said Ryder Washburn, vice president of the Specialists, a leading supplier of firearms for productions that is based in Manhattan. “To tell stories, you need them.” …”
Que the Sad Trombone.
“… Gun rights activists, who are challenging the new firearm restrictions in court, have mocked the idea of a so-called Hollywood exception. “They’re saying, ‘Why are we being held to this standard when Hollywood is getting a pass, and they’re the ones who are promoting the violence?’ ” said Thomas H. King, the president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association …”
Exactly.
Some Republicans have come out against an exemption:
“… “My concern is why are you doing for Hollywood and others cannot do the same thing?” Skelos said in an interview today. “I don’t believe they should be treated any differently.” …”
Others are attacking the Governor:
“… Assembly Republicans on Tuesday urged the Democratic majority to reduce the $425 million in tax breaks for film productions and restore a $90 million cut to the state Office of People with Developmental Disabilities … Assemblyman Bill Nojay, R-Pittsford, Monroe County, accused Cuomo of pandering to the film industry in exchange for campaign contributions … Nojay said the state is giving $5 million for next year’s Super Bowl in New Jersey and spending $30 million to enforce the gun-control law, which Republicans have opposed …”
True, Cuomo has been sucking up to Hollywood:
“… The governor — still fresh from his victory securing marriage equality in New York — will arrive on December 2 for a reception and dinner co-hosted by Hollywood reliables Rob and Michele Reiner, Steve Bing, Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams, Candy Spelling, Darren Star, Chris Albrecht, Kevin Huvane, and Laura and Casey Wasserman, among others …”
If he was really concerned about “gun violence” then Cuomo should call upon Hollywood to follow his lead. With campaign cash on the table that isn’t going to happen.