A year and a half after the fatal shooting of Alec Baldwin, the filming of the film “Rust” resumes – Liberation

2023-04-19 14:19:33

A year and a half after the death of the director of photography due to an accidental shooting of the actor, the production announced that the filming of the western would resume this week.

On October 21, 2021, the making of Rust, a western whose filming was then taking place on a ranch in New Mexico, had turned tragic. In question, actor Alec Baldwin had activated a weapon supposed to be loaded blank, but containing real ammunition. Prelude to the tragic scenario that had shocked all of Hollywood, and provoked calls to ban firearms on the sets. Because the projectile, very real, caused the death of the director of photography, Halyna Hutchins, 42, and injured the director Joel Souza.

Charged with manslaughter, the actor pleaded not guilty. And if the court case continues, filming is due to resume Thursday in Montana. “Production will continue to use unionized crew members and prohibit any use of working weapons and all forms of ammunition”says production lawyer Melina Spadone in a statement.

“Live ammunition is – and always has been – prohibited on set”, she clarifies again. Known in particular for his role in the series “30 Rock”, Alec Baldwin has always claimed his innocence. According to him, he was assured that his weapon was harmless, and he denies having pulled the trigger. An assertion questioned by many experts.

18 months in prison and $5,000 fine

The 65-year-old actor, who is also the film’s co-producer, is currently under judicial supervision. He is prohibited from drinking alcohol and using firearms or dangerous weapons. Like him, the film’s gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is also accused of manslaughter. If found guilty, the two defendants could face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

At the end of March, the film’s first assistant director, Dave Halls, received a six-month suspended prison sentence. It was he who handed the gun at the heart of the drama to the actor, assuring him that he was not dangerous, and he agreed to plead guilty. Filming on the film is set to resume with Halyna Hutchins’ widower, Matthew, serving as executive producer. In October, he dropped his civil lawsuit against Alec Baldwin after an undisclosed settlement.