Producers on Alec Baldwin movie Rust fined £104,000 over fatal cinematographer shooting

20 April 2022, 17:37 | Updated: 20 April 2022, 20:09

The production company behind Rust was fined over firearm safety breaches
The production company behind Rust was fined over firearm safety breaches. Picture: Getty/Alamy

By Will Taylor

The production company behind the film Rust, which saw Alec Baldwin accidentally shoot and kill a cinematographer during its making, "knew firearm safety procedures were not being followed on set".

Rust Movie Productions must pay $139,793 [£104,818], the maximum fine allowed by law in the US state of New Mexico.

Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on the set of the film, triggering an investigation and outcry over Hollywood's approach to firearms safety.

The incident happened in October last year when a prop gun used by Baldwin discharged.

Joel Souza, the director, was wounded during filming at the Bonanza Creek Ranch set near Santa Fe.

A report following a six-month investigation by the New Mexico Environment Department also found the company "demonstrated plain indifference to employee safety".

It found management "knew that firearm safety procedures were not being followed on set and demonstrated plain indifference to employee safety by failing to review work practices and take corrective action".

New Mexico environment cabinet secretary James Kenney said: "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.

"This is a complete failure of the employer to follow recognised national protocols that keep employees safe.

"Employees should speak up about unsafe workplace conditions or report them anonymously to us."

Robert Genoway, chief of the New Mexico Environment Department's Occupational Health and Safety Bureau Bureau, said: "As a reminder, it is illegal for any employer to retaliate against any employee who alleges a workplace safety violation."

Updates to follow

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Weather maps show areas of the UK which could be hit by snow

UK weather maps show regions expected to see heavy snowfall as cold and wintry spell on the way

Cynthia Erivo

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo says feeling like an outsider and 'not fitting in' drew her to role of Elphaba

Robert F Kennedy Jr

Donald Trump picks anti-vaccine activist Robert F Kennedy Jr to lead Department of Health

France and Israel fans clash with police in Paris despite ramped up police presence following Amsterdam unrest

France and Israel fans clash amid ramped up police presence in Paris for UEFA Nations League game

c

'I hope I live to see the day': Ex-political prisoner Vladimir Kara-Murza shares wish to see Putin on trial for war crimes

M5 Motorway, Bristol, UK. 4th July, 2022. A rolling roadblock has been formed to protest the cost of fuel. Protestors have set off from Bridgewater and are holding up traffic by driving slowly along the M5 Motorway. Credit: JMF News/Alamy Live News

Teenager hit and killed in horror M5 collision after fleeing police car named

Exclusive
Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza recalls 'longest day of his life' after historic prisoner swap between Russia and West

Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza recalls 'longest day of his life' after historic prisoner swap between Russia and West

Mohamed Al Fayed's brother Salah accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former Harrods employees

Mohamed Al Fayed's brother Salah accused of sexual assault and trafficking by former Harrods employees

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson

Man who turned up outside Parliament in armour carrying samurai swords wanted to 'speak with Boris Johnson'

Basem Naim, a Hamas leader

Hamas prepared for 'immediate' ceasefire in Gaza but claims Israel has not offered any 'serious proposals' in months

London, UK. 9 October 2023. Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves speaking during the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool. Photo credit should read: Matt Crossick/Empics/Alamy Live News

Rachel Reeves to 'rip up financial red tape' with pension 'mega funds' freeing up £80 billion for investment

Labour divided over assisted dying as MP who introduced bill hits out at Health Secretary

Labour divided over assisted dying bill as MP tabling legislation labels Wes Streeting's objections 'disappointing'

Reverend Sue Colman was asked to step back after the Makin Report found her and her husband Jason knew about John Smyth's abuse and failed to act

Mustard heir and Church of England minister wife step back from church roles after damning abuse report

File photo of Broadway Market, where the attack took place

Horror as 'man doused in bleach' in busy Hackney market with manhunt underway and attacker still at loose

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to string of sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Former Met Police officer David Carrick pleads not guilty to sex attacks including indecent assault against teen

Jack Bradley took part in the failed ram raid

Moment drug addict in 4x4 rams Tesco superstore in failed bid to steal safe, with terrified staff still inside shop