Alec Baldwin and family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins reach settlement over her death – Rust to continue shooting | Ents & Art News

Alec Baldwin and the production company of the film “Rusty” have reached a settlement with the family of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins who was shot on set.

Under the deal, Rust shooting will resume in January 2023 – with Ms Hutchins‘ Husband Matthew is executive producer, he said in a statement.

Photographer dies with prop gun Baldwin She was released from hospital in New Mexico in October 2021 while rehearsing for the western, and her family filed a wrongful-death lawsuit earlier this year against the star and others involved in the production.

Video released by police shows Alec Baldwin practicing with a gun on the Rust set. The images were taken before cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was seriously injured.
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Video released by police shows Alec Baldwin on set of ‘Rust’ before Halina Hutchins was seriously injured

Baldwin is the film’s producer and its star.

Mr Hutchins said a settlement had now been reached, subject to court approval, and the civil case would be dismissed as part of the deal.

“The shooting of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume in January 2023 with all the original key players involved,” he said. “I have no interest in finger-pointing or finger-pointing (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin).

“We all agree that Halina’s death was a horrific accident. I’m grateful that the producers and the entertainment community came together to pay tribute to Halina’s final work.”

Further details on the settlement have not been released.

Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nicas, of Quinn Emanuel, said: “Through this difficult process, everyone has maintained a specific desire to do what is best for Halina’s son. We thank all Those who have contributed to resolving this tragic and painful situation.”

Nearly a year has passed without charges related to the shooting.

In an on-camera interview a few weeks later, Baldwin recalled the moments that led to the tragedy. He said he got the revolver and told him “it’s a cold shot” – an industry term meaning it’s either empty or full of fake bullets.

He said the gun misfired and he didn’t pull the trigger.However, a recent FBI forensic report found the weapon Can’t fire unless the trigger is pulled.

“We will now finish what I started with Halyna”

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins released new footage and stills from the moment Rust was killed.Image: Santa Fe Police
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Image: Santa Fe Police

Director Joel Souza was also injured when the shots were fired, with a shoulder injury.

In a statement released after the settlement was announced, he paid tribute to Ms Hutchins and said he could only return to direct the film with the participation of her family.

“Those of us who have been lucky enough to spend time with Halyna know that she is incredibly talented, kind, creative, and an incredible source of positive energy,” he said.

“I just hope the world gets to know her in a different context, because it will definitely get to know her through her excellent work.

“In my own attempt at healing, any decision to return to finish directing the film only made sense to me with the involvement of Matt and the Hutchins family.

“While it’s definitely bittersweet, I’m glad we will now complete the work that Harina and I started together. Everything I do on this film will be dedicated to honoring Harina’s legacy and making her proud. It’s an honor to do this on her behalf.”

Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman attorney Melina Spadone, representing Rust Movie Productions, said: “We are delighted that both parties have come together to resolve this issue, which, with court approval, marks an important step in celebrating Halyna’s life and honoring her work one step at a time.”

Ongoing Investigations and Litigation

The settlement was reached after a report found the film’s production company”Knowing that gun safety procedures were not followed on set” and “displayed apparent indifference to employee safety.”

Rust Movie Productions was fined $136,793 (£104,810), the maximum amount allowed under New Mexico law, following a six-month investigation by the state’s environmental department.

Baldwin and Rust producers also face a case brought by script supervisor Mamie Mitchell, though a Los Angeles judge recently ruled they don’t have to face its core claims of assault and intentional emotional distress.

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate. In the last update in August, a spokesman said detectives were waiting to receive and review the call records before forwarding their case files to the state’s district attorney for review.

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