Rust Producers Have Agreed to Pay $100,000 Fine Over Death of Cinematographer

Rust movie producers said they have agreed to pay a $100,000 fine to an occupational health and safety bureau following the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on a New Mexico film set in 2021.

The New Mexico Environment Department’s Occupational Health and Safety Bureau (OHSB) had issued the maximum workplace safety fine of $136,796, but it was reduced to $100,000.

Hutchins was killed when actor Alec Baldwin fired a live gun during filming in October 2021. According to Reuters, OHSB said in a statement “Rust Movie Production (RMP) violated workplace safety laws by exposing employees to being struck by discharged rounds or projectiles when firearms were used on the set.”

Melina Spadone, Lawyer for RMP said in Sky News report “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 honor the life and work of Halyna Hucthins. Settling this case rather than litigating is how we can best move forward to achieve that goal.”

Alec Baldwin on Thursday, pleaded not guilty to two charges of involuntary manslaughter over the death of Hutchins. The producers have announced that filming will resume in the US state of Montana later this spring.

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