Gold Coast actor Johann Ofner has died after being shot in the chest while Australian hip hop group Bliss n Eso filmed a music video at a bar in Eagle Lane in the Brisbane CBD.

Mr Ofner, 28, was shot in what police called a “workplace incident” just before 2:00pm.

Detective Inspector Tom Armitt said he died inside the Brooklyn Standard bar, which had been hired as a location for the music video.

“During the filming of that scene, several firearms were used,” Detective Inspector Armitt said.

“As a result of the use of those firearms one of the actors has received wounds to the chest and has subsequently died from his injuries.

“At this point in time, Queensland police are conducting a criminal investigation.

“We do not know specifically how those injuries occurred at this point in time and that’ll be (the) subject of our investigation.”

Shortly before the alleged shooting, Johann Ofner uploaded several videos of the music video set to his Instagram story.
In the footage, Mr Ofner brandishes a weapon and mentions ‘faulty props’ in reference to a stunt knife that repeatedly jams.

Watch Johann Ofner’s Instagram story

Group members Bliss, Eso and Izm released a statement on Facebook on Monday night, expressing their sadness over the accident.

“We were not on set at the time and our management team are currently working with the police and the production company filming the video to get more details,” they said.

“The three of us are extremely upset and shaken up by this and our hearts and prayers go out to the victim’s family and friends as well as the cast and crew who were involved in the clip today.”

Their management also released a statement, confirming Mr Ofner died during filming for the band.

“The video production crew and our team are currently working with the police in their investigation and we are unable to provide further comment at this time,” it said.

The band had issued a call out seeking actors to play the parts of businessmen, taxi drivers and drug dealers in the music video.

Firearm details not confirmed: police

Inspector Armitt said police were receiving complete cooperation from both the film crew and production company.

“I can’t tell you whether they’re live or real firearms, I can’t tell you the type of ammunition that were being used.

“The deceased person was an actor in the scene.

“No other actors were injured, no other persons who were present were injured.”

Actors union the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) offered its “deepest condolences” to the family and friends of the victim and to all affected on set.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder that the screen industry is inherently dangerous and of the need for total vigilance about workplace safety at all times on set,” MEAA spokeswoman Zoe Angus said.

The Hollywood blockbuster Pacific Rim: Uprising has been shooting on location in the same area and was filming just across the road on Sunday.

Brisbane shooting: Man was fatally shot on music video set, police say https://t.co/blf5AAzVJJ pic.twitter.com/VZi6V0P0Ke

— ABC News (@abcnews) January 23, 2017

A publicist for Pacific Rim issued a brief statement confirming the accident had nothing to do with their set, which was not operating on Monday.

Brooklyn Standard issued a statement via social media on Monday afternoon.

“The incident occurred during a film shoot at the venue, for which Brooklyn Standard had been wholly rented out, outside of opening hours,” the statement said.

“We would like everyone to know that none of our staff were involved in the incident and everyone is safe, and we are doing everything we can to help the police investigation at this time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the individual involved, and we appreciate your respect and understanding at this time.”

Entry to the bar is via Eagle Lane.

Occupants of the high-rise building above the bar were advised to stay away from Eagle Lane, which had been blocked off by police.