We’ll finish film despite Baldw in shooting tragedy vows producer
THE makers of the film Rust, which was halted after Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, have said they hope to finish and release it.
Despite numerous civil lawsuits and an ongoing investigation which may yet result in criminal charges, producer Anjul Nigam said the movie has not been abandoned.
Instead he told the Hollywood Reporter on Monday ‘we are confident we’ll be able to complete the movie’.
He said: ‘Rust is obviously a horrific tragedy. The investigation will hopefully be resolved soon and will unveil what happened. Obviously, there will be people out there who will have negative perspectives, but we’re conMovie fident about continuing to make quality movies.’
He later added: ‘My statement that I was confident the film could be completed was just my optimism and not an actual plan. Many of those who were involved hope to honour Halyna by completing her last work, but at this point it is just hope.’
It was not confirmed whether Baldwin, 64, would return to film any scenes.
The makers of the Western are embroiled in numerous legal actions after the tragedy last year. The New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau fined producers £109,633 ($136,793) for safety violations.
New Mexico Environment Department cabinet secretary James Kenney said managers ‘demonstrated plain indifference’ to safety and the tragedy would never have happened if Rust Productions had followed national film industry standards. The firm has contested the penalty and denied being responsible, calling the probe ‘factually and legally inaccurate’.
The family of Miss Hutchins, 42, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and others. In March Baldwin filed court papers to ask producers to pay his legal fees, claiming his contract has a clause protecting him from liability.
Brian Panish, lawyer for Miss Hutchins’ estate, said: ‘Alec Baldwin once again is trying to avoid liability and accountability for his reckless actions before and on Oct 21st that resulted in the death of Halyna Hutchins.’
Other crew members have filed suits against Baldwin.
The film’s armourer Hannah Gutierrez Reed is suing Seth Kenney, whose firm provided ammunition for the film. Miss Hutchins was killed in a rehearsal in New Mexico, when Baldwin drew a replica pistol and pointed it at her and director Joel Souza, who was also injured.
‘Confident we can complete it’ ‘At this point it is just hope’
Baldwin had been told by assistant director Dave Halls it was ‘cold’, meaning there was no ammunition inside, according to court records.
The gun contained dummy rounds and at least one lead bullet. Nigam is launching a production house with Baldwin at the Cannes Market called Persona Entertainment. They have financed the film False Awakening and are trying to sell it to international distributors.
James Norrie of Amp International, which is seeking to sell the film’s rights, said: ‘So far the reaction has been one of interest.’ Baldwin’s representatives have been approached for comment.