The former Malco Theatre is set to host one of its first major events with a Hollywood Gun Handling Masterclass led by award-winning stunt performer Anthony Nanakornpanom from February 21-22. The seminar, designed for actors, filmmakers, stunt performers, and even firearms enthusiasts, will focus on firearm safety, handling techniques, and how to make on-screen action appear realistic.
“It’s about teaching them how to manipulate the guns with safety in mind,” Nanakornpanom said. “The goal is to increase safety and awareness, to increase actor and performer confidence, and to increase understanding of the weapons and how they work so that they can adapt to ever-changing situations on movie sets.”
Nanakornpanom has worked as a firearms instructor for nearly three decades and has more than 250 credits in film, TV, and motion capture. He has trained actors and stunt professionals across the world, including in China, Australia, and Los Angeles.
“We don’t have to discuss sight alignment, trigger squeeze, and certain fundamentals of shooting,” Nanakornpanom said. “In Hollywood, you’re going to hit whatever the director wants you to hit. But depending on the character you’re portraying, you might hold that gun differently. That’s what this class is about — bridging that gap so people have an understanding.”
The masterclass includes three levels of instruction:
• Level 1: Foundations of Action Performance (February 21, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – Covers firearm safety, basic handling, stances, and on-screen movement.
• Level 2: Advanced Action Performance (February 21, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.) – Focuses on advanced draws, reloading techniques, weak-side gun manipulation, and reaction timing.
• Level 3: Elite Action Gunfights & Tactical Training (February 22, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – Teaches cinematic realism, weapon transitions, small-team coordination, and tactical movement.
While the class is primarily designed for actors, it is open to the public.
“We’re definitely hoping people from all over will come,” Nanakornpanom said. “Even if there are people who are firearms enthusiasts who want to know more about gun handling, it’s open to everyone.”
Nanakornpanom emphasized that safety is the top priority, noting that the seminar will use only training and airsoft guns that are incapable of firing live ammunition.
“This is going to be completely safe,” he said. “Some of the accidents we’ve had in Hollywood come from pure ignorance. This class is about making sure people understand the difference between Hollywood guns and real ones.”
The event will take place at 5333 Frederica Street.
Event organizers hope the masterclass will highlight Owensboro’s growing potential as a hub for film and entertainment while equipping local talent with Hollywood-standard training.
Those interested can register through Eventbrite:
• Level 1: HollywoodMasterclassGunL1.eventbrite.com
• Level 2: HollywoodMasterclassGunL2.eventbrite.com
• Level 3: HollywoodMasterclassGunL3.eventbrite.com
For more information, contact Michelle Jubilee Gonzalez at 305-753-8431.
