Actor Alec Baldwin is heading to Montana to resume filming “Rust,” which paused production in October 2021 after the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Baldwin and “Rust” armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are each facing two counts of involuntary manslaughter for her death and could each face up to eighteen months in prison as well as fines.
The preliminary trial begins at the beginning of May, but in the meantime, Baldwin and most of the original cast and crew have headed to Montana to resume production on the Western film.
Alec Baldwin Will Resume Filming ‘Rust’ After Fatal Shooting Of Halyna Hutchins In October 2021
This week, star Alec Baldwin and the rest of the crew will resume filming more than a year after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed inside a church in Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico.
A spokesperson for the film told CNN that filming is scheduled to resume on Thursday, April 20 at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana. Halyna’s husband, Matthew Hutchins, will serve as an executive producer on the new film after reaching a settlement in his wrongful death lawsuit last October.
Baldwin is still facing several new lawsuits, in addition to a new lawsuit filed by Halyna’s parents and sister. The “Rust” script supervisor and three crew members have all filed lawsuits against Alec Baldwin and other “Rust” producers.
The “30 Rock” actor and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are also facing two criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter. In February, they both pled not guilty. The firearm enhancement charge, which would have resulted in a mandatory five-year prison sentence if convicted, was dropped earlier this year.
‘Rust’ Will Not Use Working Weapons On Set Of The Western Film
“The production will continue to utilize union crew members and will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition,” Melina Spadone, Attorney for Rust Movie Productions, told Entertainment Tonight. “Live ammunition is — and always was — prohibited on set.”
It is still unclear how a loaded gun ended up on the set in New Mexico. First assistant director David Halls pled guilty to the charge of the negligent use of a deadly weapon after he allegedly was the one who told Baldwin that it was a “cold gun” – a gun that did not contain live ammunition.
Last month, Deadline reported that “Rust” producers were still looking for a new child actor before production resumed. The character of Jacob Hollister is described as a supporting role, with the description calling him “a smart, sweet little boy who knows nothing of the world other than what his older brother Lucas has created for him. Lucas is all Jacob has in the world.”
After scouting locations in California, the film decided to move to the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana. The location opened in 2020 and has hosted several film productions, such as “The Old Way,” starring Nicolas Cage. Ironically, that film marked Hannah Gutierrez-Reed’s first credit as an armorer.
Yellowstone Film Ranch co-founders Richard Gray, Carter Boehm, and Colin Davis released a statement, saying, “The dedication and passion of the entire Rust production team to honor Halyna’s vision has deeply moved us. We’ve learned so much about Halyna as a friend and colleague, the depth of her artistry, and the lasting impact she had on so many. We are honored to play a role in the realization of her vision and to carry forward her inspiring legacy through championing this film.”
New ‘Rust’ Cinematographer To Donate Her Salary To Charity
Director Joel Souza, who was hospitalized in the fatal “Rust” shooting, added, “I am deeply grateful to Richie, Carter, and Colin for the invitation to the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana. Their unwavering friendship, support, and now partnership in completing Rust and honoring Halyna means the world to me and our entire production team. The beauty of Montana surpasses words, and the warm hospitality and kindness extended by everyone I’ve met has been both humbling and inspiring. It is a privilege to work with such great partners as we see this through on Halyna’s behalf.”
Bianca Cline, who has worked on the critically acclaimed “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On,” is serving as the film’s new cinematographer. According to Rust Movie Productions, Cline will donate her salary to charity and has Matthew Hutchins’ “blessing and support.”
