Alec Baldwin movie Rust's production company hit with maximum fine after cinematographer's death
The production company behind the Alec Baldwin movie Rust has been hit with the maximum fine allowed under the law after the film's cinematographer was fatally shot on set.
Rust Movie Productions LLC was fined $136,793 on Wednesday as the New Mexico Occupational Health and Safety Bureau released a report into the production's alleged safety violations, CBS News and CNN report.
The report faulted the production for having a "plain indifference to the safety of employees by ignoring recognized hazards inherent to the use of firearms and ammunition."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In October 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed after a gun Baldwin was handling unexpectedly went off during rehearsal. The actor has denied responsibility for Hutchins' death, saying he never pulled the trigger of the gun. Hutchins' husband is suing Baldwin and others involved with the film, alleging "reckless behavior and cost-cutting" led to her death.
New Mexico officials recommended a "willful-serious citation" for the production company. Its report concluded the production failed to take "appropriate corrective or investigative actions" after two previous incidents on set involving firearm misfires. Further, the report said the production "failed to follow company safety procedures, which likely would have prevented the accident from occurring."
For instance, the production allegedly did not "develop a process to ensure live rounds were not brought onto set" and didn't provide the armorer time to "thoroughly inventory ammunition." OHSB also said safety meetings weren't conducted each day that firearms were used.
"Our investigation found that this tragic incident never would have happened if Rust Movie Productions, LLC had followed national film industry standards for firearm safety," Environment Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said.
Rust Movie Productions told CBS News it disagrees with the report's conclusions and plans to appeal.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.
-
Why Bhutan hopes tourists will put a smile back on its face
Under The Radar The 'kingdom of happiness' is facing economic problems and unprecedented emigration
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
7 beautiful towns to visit in Switzerland during the holidays
The Week Recommends Find bliss in these charming Swiss locales that blend the traditional with the modern
By Catherine Garcia, The Week US Published
-
The Week contest: Werewolf bill
Puzzles and Quizzes
By The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published