In Hollywood, "The show must go on". The shooting of the film Rust of Alec Baldwin will resume this week, announced Tuesday the production, a year and a half after the death of the director of photography because of an accidental shooting of the actor.

The making of this western on a ranch in New Mexico had turned into drama on October 21, 2021, when Alec Baldwin had activated a weapon supposed to contain only blank bullets, but whose real projectile had killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, and wounded director Joel Souza. Charged with manslaughter, Alec Baldwin has pleaded not guilty.

A court case still ongoing

If the court case continues, filming is scheduled to resume Thursday in Montana. "Production will continue to use unionized crew members and will prohibit the use of work weapons and any form of ammunition," said production lawyer Melina Spadone. "Live ammunition is – and always has been – banned on the set," she said. This rare news item had provoked calls to ban firearms on sets.

Known in particular for his role in the series 30 Rock, Alec Baldwin has always maintained his innocence. According to him, he had been assured that his weapon was harmless, and he denies pulling the trigger. A claim questioned by many experts.

The 65-year-old actor, who is also a co-producer of the film, is currently under judicial control. In particular, he is prohibited from drinking alcohol and from using firearms or dangerous weapons. Like him, the film's gunsmith, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, is also charged with manslaughter. If convicted, both defendants face up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Halyna Hutchins' widower as executive producer

At the end of March, the film's first assistant director, Dave Halls, received a six-month suspended sentence. It was he who had handed the gun at the heart of the drama to Alec Baldwin, assuring him that she was not dangerous, and he had agreed to plead guilty.

Filming is set to resume with Halyna Hutchins' widower, Matthew, as executive producer. In October, he dropped civil charges against Alec Baldwin in an undisclosed settlement. The Ukrainian parents and the sister of the former cinematographer, however, are still seeking civil damages.

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