The drama dates back to October 21, 2021. Alec Baldwin, who denies having pressed the trigger of the weapon supposed to contain blank bullets, is charged with manslaughter.
The filming of Alec Baldwin’s film “Rust” will resume this week, the production announced on Tuesday April 18, a year and a half after the death of the director of photography because of an accidental shooting of the actor.
The production of this western on a ranch in New Mexico had turned tragic on October 21, 2021, when comedian Alec Baldwin had activated a weapon supposed to contain only blank bullets, but whose very real projectile had killed the director of photography Halyna Hutchins, 42, and injured director Joel Souza. Charged with manslaughter, Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty.
Prohibited weapons and ammunition
If the court case continues, filming should resume Thursday, April 20 in Montana. “The production will continue to use unionized crew members and prohibit all use of work weapons and any form of ammunition”explained production lawyer Melina Spadone in a statement sent to AFP.
“Live ammunition is – and always has been – prohibited on set”, she clarified. This rare news item had shocked Hollywood and provoked calls to ban firearms on the sets. Known in particular for his role in the series 30Rock, Alec Baldwin has always claimed his innocence. According to him, he had been assured that his weapon was harmless, and he denies having pulled the trigger (link in English). An assertion questioned by many experts.
Alec Baldwin under judicial control
The 65-year-old actor, who is also the film’s co-producer, is currently under judicial supervision. In particular, he is prohibited from drinking alcohol and using firearms or dangerous weapons. Like him, the film’s gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is also charged with 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 had handed the gun at the heart of the drama to Alec Baldwin, assuring him that she was not dangerous, and he had 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. The Ukrainian parents and the sister of the ex-director of photography, on the other hand, are still claiming civil damages.