Police on shooting site. Illustrative photo.
Washington – The producer of the film Rust, during the shooting of which cameraman Halyna Hutchinsová died, has agreed to a fine for violating occupational safety rules while filming the western film. Reuters reported about it today. The producer, the company RMP, will pay the authorities in the state of New Mexico $100,000 (over two million crowns). According to the producer's legal representatives, the agreement will facilitate the continuation of the filming of the film, which has been halted since the tragic incident in 2021.
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In an inspection of the filming, which happened even before the shooting of the camerawoman in October 2021, the authorities pointed to the “planned indifference” of the producers in ensuring safe conditions when handling ammunition and weapons. According to the inspection, the producer did not ensure that the filming was without risk. Initially, the authorities assessed a fine of almost 137,000 dollars, which was the maximum possible penalty. After an agreement with RMP, they then reduced it to $100,000.
According to representatives of the producer, the agreement could bring the resumption of filming closer. “Our top priority has always been to resume filming and complete the film, thereby honoring the life and work of Halyna Hutchins,” said company attorney Melina Spadone. The producer would like to resume filming in the spring.
During filming, cameraman Hutchins was killed by a gunshot from a gun held by actor Alec Baldwin. The gun was supposed to contain a blank cartridge, but instead it is unknown how the actual bullet got into it. She also injured director Joel Souza.
Baldwin and Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who prepared weapons for the production of the western, are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. Both defendants now face a maximum of 18 months in prison.
