BOMB! Actor Alec Baldwin and the producers of “Rust” have been sued by screenwriter Mamie Mitchell, who was working on the film’s set at the time of filming and was almost hit by the bullet that killed the director of photography. Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza. .
According to Gloria Allred, Mamie’s lawyer, the script for “Rust” did not call for the shot to be fired at the scene of the incident:
“They were going to do three close-ups after lunch. One camera would be focused on the eyes of the accused Baldwin, another on a bloodstain on Baldwin’s shoulder, and a third on the actor’s chest. THERE WAS NO SHOOTING IN THE SCRIPT. The actor neither needed nor should have shot. Therefore, he should have assumed that the gun in question was loaded, ”the lawyer said.
Mitchell claims to have been injured in the city and is suing the actor and producers for “assault and emotional disturbance.”
The gunsmith responsible for ensuring the safety of stage weapons, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, has spoken on the subject for the first time.
In an official statement released to EW magazine by her lawyers, she said she had no idea where the real bullets were coming from. In the document, she claims her innocence, stating that “untruths have been told to the press”. At the time, she still said she was “devastated and completely beside herself with the events that unfolded”.
Enjoy watching:
The statement from Gutierrez-Reed’s attorneys Jason Bowles and Robert Gorence still reflects:
“Safety is Hannah’s number one priority on the set. Ultimately, this set would never have been compromised had it not been for live bullets to be introduced. Hannah has no idea where the real bullets are coming from. Hannah was hired for two roles in this film, which made it extremely difficult to focus on her job as a gunsmith. She struggled to train, days to keep the guns and time to prepare for their use, but ended up being rejected by production and her department. The entire production suite has become unstable due to several factors, including the lack of safety meetings. It wasn’t Hannah’s fault. She also wishes to express her deepest condolences to the family and friends of Halyna, “an inspiring woman in the film whom Hannah admired”.
Recently, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza and Santa Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies held a press conference to update the public on the progress of the work.
At the time, the two professionals were asked about the possibility that star and producer Alec Baldwin could face criminal charges for the accidental shooting that led to the tragedy. In response, Carmack-Altwies said the option was not ruled out.
“Right now, all options are on the table. I will not comment on the charges, whether or not they will be laid, or on whom. We cannot answer this question until we complete a more thorough investigation. No one has been scrapped yet. ”
During the press conference, Mendoza also reflected on the seriousness of the police work, assuring the victims that the operation is proceeding categorically – so questions can be answered:
“Over the past few days, our investigative team has worked diligently to conduct interviews, execute search warrants, and collect and process evidence on site. I want to assure the victims, their families and the public that we are conducting a thorough and objective investigation. “
Regarding possible criminal charges, the couple stressed the importance of completing the investigative process and then moving to this step.
According to the public prosecutor:
“I must stress that a thorough investigation is essential to the conclusion of the police. We take the corroborated facts and evidence and connect them to New Mexico law. We are not there yet. If the facts, evidence, and law support criminal charges, then I will begin the process at this point. ”
Recently, a new affidavit prepared by the Santa Fe County Police Department was released.
The document details what allegedly happened minutes before the shooting, leading to the fatal incident which claimed the life of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
According to information provided to police by director Joel Souza, cited in the statement obtained by EW, actor Alec Baldwin was rehearsing a scene inside Bonanza Creek Farm church when the incident occurred.
The rehearsal involved Baldwin attempting a maneuver, “crossing the draw of his gun and pointing the gun at the camera lens” before the gun fired, according to the affidavits.
Souza, who was by Hutchins’ side, was injured but was quickly released from the hospital. The artist, on the other hand, could not endure the injuries and died in the University of New Mexico hospital.
According to the New York Times, an affidavit issued by the sheriff’s office claimed that one of the film’s assistant directors assured star Alec Baldwin that the weapon given to him was free from any projectile.
According to the document, he took one of the three scenographic weapons prepared by the team of gunsmiths, placed it in their hands and shouted “Cold gun!” – a term used in Hollywood which denotes that the object does not have real bullets inside its cartridge. .
Also according to the statement, which was issued as part of a search warrant request, the deputy director “did not know there were real bullets in the gun” when he did so.
No charges have been laid and the investigation is ongoing.
According to a Los Angeles Times report, the incident occurred hours after half a dozen members of the film crew left the set to protest the working conditions.
A source told The Times that protesting staff members who were part of the Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees have been replaced with non-union professionals.
The fatal accident claimed the lives of director of photography Halyna Hutchins and seriously injured director Joel Souza. After being rushed to the University of New Mexico hospital, the professional couldn’t resist his injuries, dying at 42.
Hours later, the star released a statement via her official Twitter account, regretting what had happened and making herself available to the Hutchins family.
At the time, he said:
“No words can describe my shock and sadness at the tragic accident which claimed the life of Halyna Hutchins: wife, mother and colleague whom we deeply admire. I am fully cooperating with the police investigation to determine how this tragedy occurred.
In another post, he adds:
“I am in contact with your husband, offering my full support to him and his family. My heart is broken for him, for their son and for everyone who knew and loved Halyna.
To verify:
“Alec Baldwin has released an official statement on the death of filmmaker Halyna Hutchins, which he accidentally shot on the set of ‘Rust’.”
#AlecBaldwin has released an official statement on the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who accidentally shot on the set of #Rust. pic.twitter.com/cn2neaqK9D
– Binge Watch This (@BingeWatchThis_) October 22, 2021
Who was Halyna Hutchins?
At 42, Hutchins had worked as a director of photography since 2012, and since then she has accumulated credits in short films, television productions and short films.
Throughout his career he has been behind the goals of “Archenemy” (2020), “Blindfire” (2020) and “The Mad Hatter” (2021).
His most famous work was “A Luv Tale: The Series”, presented at BET + between 2018 and 2021, and “Rust” would be his gateway to major productions.
Born in Ukraine, Hutchins studied film in Los Angeles and also earned a journalism degree from Kyiv National University.
She even worked as an investigative journalist on several documentaries across Europe before embarking on fiction productions.
In her latest post on social media, the filmmaker shared a behind-the-scenes video of “Rust”.
In caption, she wrote:
“One of the perks of shooting a western is riding a horse on your day off.”
It’s worth remembering that writer and director Joel Souza has also been touched by Baldwin, but has already been fired from Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, located in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The information was leaked by actress Frances Fisher, who is also part of the cast.
On her Twitter profile, she shared the news of the shooting and said that Joel himself had spoken to her.
As of now, there aren’t many details on the director’s exit, but it’s possible he’ll make some statements about what happened once he recovers from the shock.
Check out Fisher’s post:
“Director Joel Souza told me he was already released from the hospital.”
Director Joel Souza told me he was released from the hospital.
– Frances Fisher (@Frances_Fisher) October 22, 2021
Through a press release, the authorities in charge of the case detailed the event:
“The sheriff’s office confirms that two individuals were shot while filming Rust. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and director Joel Souza, 48, were shot dead when a shot was fired by Alec Baldwin, 63, producer and actor. Ms Hutchins was transported by helicopter to the University of New Mexico hospital where she was pronounced dead by medical staff. Mr. Souza was transported by ambulance to Christus St. Vincent Regional Medical Center, where he is being treated for his injuries. This investigation remains open and active. No charges have been laid in relation to this incident. Witnesses continue to be questioned by detectives.
In the plot of “Rust”, Baldwin plays the titular thug Harland Rust, whose 13-year-old grandson has been convicted of accidental murder. The film follows “Rust “‘s attempt to get his grandson out of prison.
Detectives continue to question witnesses.
🚨 Actor Alec Baldwin accidentally shot a gun while filming “Rust” and cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was eventually shot. Sadly, she passed away. Director Joel Souza was also affected and is hospitalized. pic.twitter.com/hVCCHz8GvZ
– VHS (@vhscut) October 22, 2021
The footage shows Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust, where the actor fired with a loaded cinematic pistol and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured the director. The affair is reminiscent of The Crow with Brandon Lee. pic.twitter.com/n3bveC8yqR
