Halyna Hutchins.Photo: James Gourley/Shutterstock
As local authorities in New Mexico continue to investigate the accidental on-set shooting thatkilledRustcinematographer Halyna Hutchins, more details are emerging about the crew’s feelings on safety issues before the tragedy occurred.
The update comes after a production source told PEOPLE that crew members working on the movie “didn’t feel safe” on set of theAlec Baldwinfilm in New Mexico.
TheLos Angeles Timesreports that a half-dozen camera operators and their assistants walked off the set in protest of tiring working conditions, long hours, and long commutes.
Safety protocols — including gun inspections — were not strictly followed, sources told the outlet. TheLA Timesalso reported that three crew members said they were concerned about previous accidental prop gun discharges.
“They all made it clear they didn’t feel safe and that they had to spend a long time to get to set, so everyone was tired even before they got there,” the insider said. “They were concerned and angry that the proposed union strike that was meant to address these issues never happened.”
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As the assistant director retrieved the weapon, they yelled “Cold Gun!” (a phrase that is meant to indicate that the gun is not loaded and is safe to handle), the documents read, per theNYTandSF Reporter.
A spokesperson for the movie’s production company, Rust Movie Productions, LLC, told PEOPLE on Friday, “The safety of our cast and crew is the top priority of Rust Productions and everyone associated with the company. Though we were not made aware of any official complaints concerning weapon or prop safety on set, we will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down. We will continue to cooperate with the Santa Fe authorities in their investigation and offer mental health services to the cast and crew during this tragic time.”
Hutchins was airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where she died from her injuries, according to the sheriff’s department. Souza was hospitalized, but his reps toldDeadlinehe has since been released.
So far, no charges have been filed. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
TheRustfilm set has been shut down following Hutchins' death, with production indefinitely paused, according to the production company, Rust Movie Productions, LLC.
source: people.com
