Thursday 20 October 2022 07:40 PM Alec Baldwin and 'Rust' producers will shift production of the western to ... trends now
Alec Baldwin and the producers of budget western Rust will now film in California instead of using the New Mexico set where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by the actor.
Earlier this month, the producers said filming will resume in January after reaching a confidential settlement with Hutchins' widow, Matthew. He will now serve as executive producer of the film under as part of an agreement under the settlement.
Hutchins was killed nearly a year ago to the day - on October 21, 2021 - and the set was shut down at the Bonanza Creek Ranch set in Sante Fe.
The cinematographer was shot by a gun Baldwin was holding, but the actor insists he didn't pull the trigger and blames prop managers for not checking if the gun was loaded.
Despite the settlement announcement, the local DA's office warned the deal will not impact its criminal investigation into the death and added: 'No one is above the law.'
No charges have been filed pending a report from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office.
The exact production site in California hasn't been confirmed, but the Golden State has dozens of western film sets, including in Pioneer Town in Yucca Valley, Paramount Movie Ranch, Spahn Ranch and Iverson Movie Ranch.
Alec Baldwin and the producers of budget western Rust will now film in California instead of New Mexico
Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on set by Baldwin while on the set of the movie in New Mexico
Baldwin and Matthew Hutchins, Halyna's husband, shared a hug following the prop gun shooting accident
The exact production site in California hasn't been confirmed, but the Golden State has dozens of western film sets. Pictured: Bonanza Creek Ranch where Baldwin shot Hutchins
Baldwin announced the return of Rust's production in a post on his Instagram page, noting the move was part of a 'specific desire to do what is best for Halyna's son' after she was shot dead.
He wrote on social media: 'Throughout this difficult process, everyone has maintained the specific desire to do what is best for Halyna's son.
Matthew Hutchins has previously said that the death of his wife Halyna was a 'terrible accident.'
'I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin),' Matthew previously said. 'All of us believe Halyna's death was a terrible accident.
'I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna's final work.'
Following the announcement of the civil settlement, the DA's office said: 'The proposed settlement announced today in Matthew Hutchins' wrongful death case against Rust movie producers, including Alec Baldwin, in the death of Halyna Hutchins will have no impact on District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altweis' ongoing investigation or her ultimate decision whether to file criminal charges in the case.'
'While civil suits are settled privately and often involve financial awards, criminal cases deal only in facts.
'If the facts and evidence warrant criminal charges under New Mexico law then charges will be brought. No one is above the law.'
While the new set of 'Rust' is yet to be revealed, there are plenty of places in California
