Gun violence continues to be the number one killer of children in America. The grief, anxiety, and lasting trauma that gun violence inflicts on children, teens, families, and whole communities is incalculable. What if we could help prevent the next tragedy—not just in our schools, but across the country—by changing how guns are depicted in the stories we watch every day?
Why Hollywood’s Role Matters
Movies, TV shows, and streaming series reach millions of eyes and hearts. They’ve helped reduce drunk driving and youth smoking simply by changing what we see on screen—and how. If Hollywood was part of the solution, then it can be again.
That’s why I’m excited about Brady’s South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026 conference submission: “Show Gun Safety: How TV/Film Can Prevent the Next Tragedy.” This panel brings together a powerhouse team: Kris Brown (President, Brady), Fred Guttenberg (gun safety advocate and survivor), Dennis St. Rose (CAA Foundation), and actor Adam Brody. They are challenging the entertainment industry to model simple, on-screen gun safety—without sacrificing creativity or storytelling. Because what we all see on screens (both large and small) shapes what is considered “normal” in real life.
SXSW Panel Picker is Open For Community Voting!
This panel will share:
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How Hollywood’s quiet tweaks in storytelling can save lives through responsible firearm depictions.
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Examples of current shows and films leading the way in on-screen gun safety.
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Tips and traps for writers, producers, and directors about how to handle firearms in scripts and scenes.
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Fresh research and real-world stories that connect pop culture to public health.
Voting is open to the public right now (August 5–24, 2025)! It’s easy, free, and takes just a moment: click the heart on this proposal to show your support. Your vote helps decide which topics appear at SXSW 2026—and, ultimately, what choices Hollywood is encouraged to make about gun safety.
How You Can Make a Difference
To vote for “Show Gun Safety: How TV/Film Can Prevent the Next Tragedy” at SXSW, use this official voting page:
Sign in or create a free SXSW account, then click the heart icon to cast your vote for this session.
Resources for More Insight
Want to learn more?
- Watch this YouTube video pitch:
- Explore a Show Gun Safety Action Sheet
- Check out recent press on Hollywood’s efforts to address gun safety in entertainment:
Hollywood’s Drive to Help Curb Gun Deaths (CNN)
Norman Lear Center Gun Safety Guide (Hollywood Reporter)
Brady Consulting for “Station 19” Gun Safety Episode (PR Newswire)
The safety of our children and teens is up to all of us. A simple click—your voice, your vote—helps amplify the call for a safer media landscape and a healthier future for our kids.
Vote now. Because what we see matters. And so does what we do.
