This Code of Conduct applies to all Black Paw members, platform users, producers, guests, and anyone who accesses talent or crew through militaryactors.com. By using the Platform or hiring through it, you agree to uphold these standards. Violations may result in suspension or permanent removal from the Platform.
01
OUR STANDARD
Black Paw members are military veterans and active service members — people who have already demonstrated discipline, professionalism, and commitment under the most demanding conditions on earth. We bring that same standard to every set, every production, and every interaction on this platform.
We are not just talent. We are ambassadors of a community built on service, honor, and trust. Everything we do on and off set reflects on every veteran who came before us and every one who follows.
THE BLACK PAW STANDARD
"We served with honor. We work with honor. We represent our community with the same discipline and professionalism we brought to our service. On every set, in every role, we are Black Paw."
02
PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT
⏰
Punctuality
Arrive on time — or early. Call time is call time. If you will be late for any reason, notify the production coordinator immediately. Repeated lateness is grounds for removal from a production.
👔
Appearance & Preparedness
Arrive prepared and in appropriate condition for your role. Know your lines, your blocking, and your character. Be physically and mentally ready to work.
🤝
Respect for All
Treat every person on set with respect regardless of their role — from PA to director. Disrespectful, demeaning, or abusive behavior toward any crew member, cast member, or production staff will not be tolerated.
📵
Device Policy
Follow the production's device policy. When in doubt, phones are off or silenced on set. Never photograph or record on set without explicit permission from the director or production coordinator.
🚫
Substances
Zero tolerance for alcohol or controlled substances on set or during any production-related activity. You must be fully alert and capable of performing safely. This is non-negotiable.
✅
Follow Direction
Follow reasonable direction from the director and department heads. If you have concerns about safety or ethics, raise them professionally and through proper channels — never disrupt the set.
03
WEAPONS ON SET
⚠ WEAPONS PROTOCOL — NON-NEGOTIABLE
All weapons handling on set is governed exclusively by the licensed on-set armorer and applicable federal, state, and local law. No exceptions. No shortcuts. No improvisation.
Black Paw members may have extensive real-world weapons experience. That experience does not override set protocol. Every production has its own safety chain of command. Respect it completely.
🔫
Armorer Authority
The licensed armorer has final authority over all weapons on set. Their instructions supersede all others regarding handling, loading, storage, and use of any firearm or weapon prop.
🛑
Never Handle Without Authorization
Never pick up, move, or handle any weapon — real or prop — without explicit instruction from the armorer. Treat every firearm as loaded at all times. Never point a weapon at anyone not explicitly blocked by the director and cleared by the armorer.
📋
Local Law Compliance
All weapons use must comply with applicable federal, state, and local law in the jurisdiction where filming occurs. It is the production's responsibility to ensure legal compliance. If you have concerns about legality, raise them before the scene — not during.
🚨
Safety Calls
"Cold gun" means the weapon has been checked by the armorer and is safe. Never assume — always verify. Any member has the right and responsibility to call a safety stop if they believe a weapons situation is unsafe.
SMASHCAM Films LLC / BLACKPAW bears no liability for on-set weapons use. All weapons handling is the sole responsibility of the licensed armorer and the production. Black Paw facilitates connections only and is not present on set.
04
COMMUNICATION RULES
🔒
Route Through Black Paw
All initial hiring inquiries, offer negotiations, and contract discussions must route through militaryactors.com. Direct contact information — personal phone numbers, personal email — is never shared through the Platform until both parties have agreed to an offer.
🤐
No Off-Platform Solicitation
Members may not use Black Paw to solicit work outside the Platform for the purpose of bypassing Platform fees or agreements. Attempting to move a hiring relationship off-platform prematurely is a violation.
📢
Honest Representation
Your profile must accurately represent your skills, experience, and credentials. Misrepresenting qualifications — including military service, weapons certifications, or acting credits — is grounds for immediate removal.
🛡
No Harassment
Harassment of any kind — including unwanted contact, threatening messages, or repeated unsolicited communication — will result in immediate suspension pending investigation and potential permanent ban.
05
INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
All Black Paw talent and crew are independent contractors. You are not an employee of SMASHCAM Films LLC, BLACKPAW, or any production you work with through the Platform unless a separate written employment agreement explicitly states otherwise.
As an independent contractor you are responsible for:
- Your own federal, state, and local tax obligations
- Your own liability insurance where applicable
- Compliance with all laws in your jurisdiction
- Your own equipment, transportation, and personal expenses unless explicitly covered by the production agreement
- Negotiating your own rate and terms through the Platform
BlackPaw is a marketplace only — not an employer of record. All parties handle their own tax and legal obligations in their US location. Short-term engagements process through Stripe. Long-term engagements may use Gusto payroll at the production's election.
06
ON-SET SAFETY
🏥
Know the Safety Chain
On your first day on any production, identify the safety officer, first aid location, and emergency procedures. Never assume someone else has done this.
🛑
Right to Stop
Any member has the right to call a safety stop without fear of retaliation. If something feels unsafe — physically, ethically, or legally — you have the right and responsibility to speak up. Say "safety" to pause any scene immediately.
📝
Know Your Agreement
Before accepting any role, ensure you have a written agreement covering your rate, dates, role description, and any stunt or weapons work. Do not perform stunt work or weapons handling that was not disclosed and agreed upon in advance.
🚑
Medical Disclosure
If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to safely perform your role — particularly for physical, stunt, or weapons-related work — disclose it to the production before accepting the offer.
07
NON-DISCRIMINATION AND INCLUSION
Black Paw does not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
This applies to all interactions on and through the Platform — messaging, offers, profile content, on-set behavior, and any other activity connected to Black Paw.
Members who engage in discriminatory conduct will be removed from the Platform. Productions that engage in discriminatory hiring practices will be banned.
08
CONFIDENTIALITY
Respect the confidentiality of any production you work on. Do not share scripts, story details, casting information, or other non-public production information without written permission from the production company.
Social media posts about your involvement in a production should be cleared with the production's PR or marketing contact before posting. When in doubt — ask first.
Never share another member's personal contact information obtained through the Platform without their explicit consent.
09
REPORTING VIOLATIONS
If you witness or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, report it immediately through one of the following channels:
- Platform messaging — contact Black Paw support through your dashboard
- Email — info@militaryactors.com with subject line "Conduct Report"
- Emergency / imminent danger — call 911 immediately, then notify Black Paw
All reports are taken seriously and handled with discretion. Retaliation against anyone who reports a violation in good faith is itself a violation of this Code.
Black Paw reserves the right, but not the obligation, to investigate reported violations and take appropriate action including suspension or permanent removal from the Platform.
10
VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
Violations of this Code of Conduct are evaluated based on severity, pattern, and impact. Black Paw reserves sole discretion in determining appropriate consequences.
⚠ Warning
First-time minor violations. Formal written notice. Documented in account record. Repeat violations escalate.
⏸ Suspension
Repeated violations, serious misconduct, or on-set safety issues. Temporary removal pending review. May include removal from active productions.
🚫 Permanent Ban
Weapons violations, harassment, fraud, misrepresentation of military service, or any conduct that creates legal or safety risk to the Platform or its members.
Zero tolerance violations — immediate permanent ban: Misrepresenting military service or veteran status · Weapons handling that endangers life · Sexual harassment or assault · Fraud or theft from a production · Sharing another member's private information without consent
★
THE PLEDGE
By using the Black Paw platform — as a member, producer, guest, or any other capacity — you agree to uphold this Code of Conduct in all interactions connected to the Platform.
I PLEDGE
"To conduct myself with professionalism and honor in every production I participate in through Black Paw. To follow all weapons protocols and safety procedures without exception. To treat every person on set with respect. To represent the military community with the dignity it deserves. To route all communication through the Platform and to never misrepresent my credentials or experience. I understand that my conduct reflects on every veteran who serves alongside me in this industry."