A group of 200 producers, writers and directors including Shonda Rhimes, Mark Ruffalo and Amy Schumer, are committing to reframe how they’ve been using guns in their storytelling, as a step towards reducing gun violence, following the mass shootings in the United States.

Excerpts from the letter:

"Guns are prominently featured in TV and movies in every corner of the globe, but only America has a gun violence epidemic. The responsibility lies with lax gun laws supported by those politicians more afraid of losing power than saving lives. We didn't cause the problem, but we want to help fix it.”

"As America's storytellers, our goal is primarily to entertain, but we also acknowledge that stories have the power to effect change. Cultural attitudes toward smoking, drunk driving, seatbelts and marriage equality have all evolved due in large part to movies' and TV's influence. It's time to take on gun safety.”

"We are not asking anyone to stop showing guns on screen. We are asking writers, directors and producers to be mindful of on-screen gun violence and model gun safety best practices."

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What role will the media play in reducing gun violence without gun control laws?