‘Rust’ movie eyes spring back into production as criminal case looms

the rustThe indie western on which cinematographer Halina Hutchins was shot and killed in October 2021 with a prop gun fired by Alec Baldwin is eyeing a spring start date to resume production.

The film’s producer, Rust Movie Productions, confirmed the news on Tuesday, said Bianca Cline, whose recent credits include Marcel the shell with shoes onA mix of new and previous crewmembers came aboard as joining cinematographers.

Producers said Cline will donate his salary to charity in Hutchins’ honor.

Returning original crew members along with director Joel Souza — who were shot and wounded in the incident in which Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reid have been charged with involuntary manslaughter — include stunt coordinator Alan Graf, costume designer Terres Davis, head of makeup Stacey Lockhart and others. Head of Hair Department Anna Williams.

Halina Hutchins’ husband Matthew will serve as an executive producer, as will Grant Hill (The Thin red line), alongside the original producers. Rust Movie Productions also said today that director Rachel Mason and producer Julie Metz, with the help of Matthew Hutchins, will produce a documentary about the life and work of Halina Hutchins. the rust.

Matthew Hutchins had previously filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Baldwin and Rust Movie Productions over the shooting; The parties reached an agreement on a deal in October 2022 that included Hutchins helping to finish the film as an EP.

At the time of the settlement, producers said production would resume in January 2023 with the original cast. Based on today’s news, it’s unclear when or where shooting will resume, or who is returning from the cast.

Rust Movie Productions has been fined $136,793 by the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau for “willful and serious” violations of workplace safety procedures following an investigation into the shooting. Producers said today that the production will “prohibit the use of any working weapons and ammunition of any kind.”

“Although bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team joining the former cast and crew is committed to completing what Halina and I started,” Souza said in a statement today. “My every effort in this film will be dedicated to honoring Halina’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see it from him.”

Baldwin and Reed were formally charged on January 31 by the Santa Fe DA’s office. Baldwin has long denied that he actually pulled the trigger on the 1880s prop gun that killed Hutchins and wounded Soza on the Bonanza Creek Ranch set.

The first hearing of their case is on February 24.