After a lengthy pause in production due to a tragic incident, actor Alec Baldwin is set to resume filming Rust again. It has been over 18 months since the movie’s cinematographer was fatally shot on set, leading to a suspension of the project. However, Baldwin is now ready to get back to work and complete the film, despite the difficult circumstances. In this article, we will take a closer look at Baldwin’s decision to return to Rust and how this production has responded to the tragedy that befell them.
The production of the film “Rust” will resume at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Montana, almost a year and a half after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on set in New Mexico. Alec Baldwin, who is still facing an involuntary manslaughter charge, will reprise his role as the main character, while Joel Souza returns as the director, despite being injured by a bullet that traveled through Hutchins and lodged in his shoulder. The new cinematographer, Bianca Cline, will donate her salary to charity in honor of Hutchins.
The Yellowstone Film Ranch has a western town backlot, featuring 28 different buildings, including a saloon, stable, and jail, fitting for the story of a 13-year-old boy who goes on the run with a notorious outlaw. However, unlike the previous shoot, no ammunition will be allowed on set, with Rust Movie Production’s lawyer, Melina Spadone, stating that no live rounds were allowed last time either. “The production will continue to utilise union crew members and will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition,” Spadone said in a statement. “Live ammunition is, and always was, prohibited on set.”
The filming is scheduled to last 20–25 days, and a documentary crew will follow the completion of the film. Meanwhile, a slew of legal battles still hovers over the production, with at least five ongoing civil cases against Baldwin and the producers of Rust. Baldwin and the film’s original armourer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, have also been charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum 18-month prison sentence. Baldwin will not attend the preliminary hearing due to filming commitments in Montana.
The Yellowstone Film Ranch is located in a remote and stunningly beautiful part of Montana, where herds of deer roam the rolling hills, and snow-topped mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop. The cast and crew are staying in this picturesque location, and the road leading to the Ranch is blocked by a blue sedan car and a security guard who is only permitting cast and crew to pass. However, the next entrance along the road has a no trespassing sign, which warns “life is short, don’t make it any shorter.”
The settled case of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by Halyna Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, is the only silver lining to the ongoing legal woes. As part of the settlement, he will become an executive producer on Rust.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted the significance of safety protocols and adherence to them on movie sets. The unsafe handling of a firearm, which took the life of a promising cinematographer and deeply affected their family and loved ones, should serve as a wake-up call to the industry to prioritize safety over other considerations. The fact that the production is resuming amid ongoing legal battles and criminal charges against Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed once again underlines the importance of taking precautions and ensuring safe working conditions at all times.
As Alec Baldwin returns to the set of Rust to resume filming, we can only imagine the weight of emotions that he and his team are carrying with them. The tragic incident that occurred 18 months ago left a mark on everyone involved, but as they come together once again to finish what they started and honor the memory of their beloved cinematographer, it serves as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit that refuses to be held back by tragedy. Baldwin’s recommitment to Rust showcases the resilience and determination of the film industry and a tribute to the colleagues who lost their lives during the making of this project. We can’t wait to see what they create in the next chapter of this story.
