The production company behind the film Rust has agreed to pay a fine of 100,000 US dollars following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
Ms Hutchins was shot on the set of film Rust in October 2021, as the movie was being filmed in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) previously issued a fine of 136,793 US dollars (£104,810) to the film’s production company last April - the maximum allowable by state law in New Mexico.
Under the settlement, which is pending approval, the bureau downgraded its claim from “wilful-serious” to a “serious” violation.
Actor Alec Baldwin has been charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter by the Santa Fe District Attorney’s office, over Ms Hutchins’ death.
He pleaded not guilty to the two charges on Thursday.
The actor will next face a preliminary hearing at a date yet to be set, which will determine whether or not the case will go to trial.
Melina Spadone, senior counsel at Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman and lawyer for Rust Movie Productions, said: “We are pleased to have entered into an agreement with OHSB, subject to approval, which downgrades the citation and reduces penalties.
“Our top priority has always been resuming production and completing this film so we can honour the life and work of Halyna Hutchins.
“Settling this case rather than litigating is how we can best move forward to achieve that goal.”
