Spadone stressed that safety precautions would be taken during the shoot. Workers organized in unions continued to work on the film. The use of “functioning weapons and any form of ammunition” is prohibited. “Live ammunition is – and always has been – forbidden on set,” Spadone said.
In October 2021, Hollywood star Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed 42-year-old camerawoman Halyna Hutchins with a revolver during a film rehearsal in the state of New Mexico. The US actor, who is one of the producers of “Rust”, had previously been presented with the Colt .45 with the words that the gun was “cold”, i.e. not loaded with live ammunition. In fact, it apparently mistakenly also contained a live bullet.
Baldwin and the film’s armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, are charged with involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, the two face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine each. Baldwin pleads not guilty.
At the end of March, assistant director Dave Halls was sentenced to six months’ probation for negligent handling of a deadly weapon. The 63-year-old had pleaded guilty as part of an agreement with prosecutors.
The “Rust” producers had already announced in February that shooting for the low-budget western would continue in the spring. Hutchins’ widower Matthew Hutchins will be involved as a producer. Baldwin has approved conditions imposed by a New Mexico court on the film’s completion, including a gun and alcohol ban. A documentary will be made about the completion of the film and the life of Halyna Hutchins.
