- By Helen Bushby
- entertainment reporter
1 hour ago
Image source, Getty Images
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Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins
Filming on Alec Baldwin’s western Rust resumes Thursday, 18 months after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed on set.
Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter, remains in the lead.
Principal photography begins again at a new location in Montana.
“It will ban any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition,” said Melina Spadone, attorney for Rust Movie Productions.
“Live ammunition is – and always has been – prohibited on set.”
Image source, Getty Images
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Cinematographer Hutchins was considered a rising talent in the film industry
Bianca Cline will take Hutchins’ place as cinematographer, while Joel Souza, who was injured while filming in New Mexico, will return as director.
Hutchin’s husband Matthew will serve as executive producer. Baldwin is both the producer and the star of the film.
Rust Movie Productions, which includes Baldwin, said in February that the scene that was being rehearsed when Hutchins was filmed has now been rewritten.
The company added that Cline, whose credits include Marcel the Shell With Shoes On and American Horror Story, will “complete Halyna’s vision for the film” and donate her salary to charity.
Souza said in February, “While it’s bittersweet, I’m grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team, joining the former cast and crew, is committed to completing what Halyna and I started.
“All of my effort on this film will be dedicated to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to complete this on her behalf.”
charge denied
In October 2021, Baldwin was rehearsing a scene on set at a ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, when the “prop” gun he was holding was fired, resulting in the death of the 42-year-old Ukrainian-born cinematographer led.
He and Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film’s gunsmith, were charged with involuntary manslaughter by the Santa Fe Attorney’s Office last month.
Lawyers for both denied any wrongdoing and said they intend to fight the charges in court.
Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas, called the decision to charge the actor “a terrible miscarriage of justice.”
“Mr Baldwin had no reason to believe there was a live bullet in the gun – or anywhere on the film set,” said Mr Nikas. “He relied on the professionals he worked with to assure him the gun had no live shots.”
A two-week pre-trial hearing is scheduled to begin in Santa Fe in early May to decide whether there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial.
The Hollywood star has reached a settlement in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Mr Hutchins.
In February, the Hutchins family filed a new civil lawsuit against Baldwin and the production company, seeking damages for alleged battery, willful infliction of emotional distress, negligence and loss of syndicate.
Hutchins’ widower Matthew also approved a documentary about her in February.