Production for “Rust” will move to Montana when it resumes more than a year after the fatal on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, producers said Wednesday.
Filming will take place at the Yellowstone Film Ranch in Livingston this spring after previously being held at the Bonanza Creek Ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, according to the announcement.
“The beauty of Montana surpasses words, and the warm hospitality and kindness extended by everyone I’ve met has been both humbling and inspiring,” director Joel Souza said in a statement. “It is a privilege to work with such great partners as we see this through on Halyna’s behalf.”
Hutchins, who was 42, died in October 2021 after being shot by a firearm handled by Alec Baldwin, a star and producer on the film.
Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez Reed were charged last month with involuntary manslaughter. Baldwin has claimed he was told the gun was cold, indicating it wasn’t loaded with live ammunition.
On Monday, New Mexico 1st Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies dropped a firearm enhancement, eliminating a minimum five-year sentence, after Baldwin’s legal team argued the charge stemmed from a statute that passed months after the shooting. Baldwin now faces a maximum sentence of 18 months with no minimum sentence.
Producers announced last week their plans to restart “Rust” in the spring with a combination of original and new crew members. Bianca Cline will take over as the Western film’s cinematographer and Hutchins’ widower, Matthew Hutchins, will serve as executive producer.
Baldwin wasn’t mentioned in last week’s announcement but is expected to be back as an actor and producer, the Daily News learned. Gutierrez Reed will not return.
“The dedication and passion of the entire Rust production team to honor Halyna’s vision has deeply moved us,” the co-founders of Yellowstone Film Ranch said in a statement Wednesday.
“We’ve learned so much about Halyna as a friend and colleague, the depth of her artistry, and the lasting impact she had on so many. We are honored to play a role in the realization of her vision and to carry forward her inspiring legacy through championing this film.”
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