‘Rust’ Names New Cinematographer to Succeed Halyna Hutchins

Producers also announced a documentary about the making of the film and Hutchins

Alec Baldwin's role in an on-set death on "Rust" highlighted the issue of crew safety.
Alec Baldwin's role in an on-set death on "Rust" highlighted the issue of crew safety.

Alec Baldwin and the production team behind “Rust” have hired a cinematographer who will take over in place of Halyna Hutchins, who was shot and killed on the set in October 2021.

Bianca Cline (“Marcel The Shell With Shoes On”) will fill the role “at the behest” and with the “blessing and support” of Hutchins’ husband, Matthew. She will donate her salary to charity in Halyna Hutchins’ honor.

Filming was originally set to resume in January; it will now pick up in the spring.

As decided by last October’s settlement between Baldwin, the producers and Hutchins’ estate, Matthew Hutchins has signed on as an executive producer. He’s joined by Grant Hill (“The Thin Red Line,” “The Tree of Life”), along with the original producers.   

In addition to a number of returning crew members – including director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the incident – “Rust” will bring on safety officers Gary Jensen and Paul Jordan, producer Stephen Marinaccio and production designer Christine Brandt.

“Though bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant and dedicated new production team joining former cast and crew are committed to completing what Halyna and I started,” Souza said in a press release. “My every effort on this film will be devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf.”

Emphasizing that “live ammunition is – and always was – prohibited on set,” the release stated that the production will “continue to utilize union crew members” and prohibit the use of working weapons and ammunition.

“Rust” producers also announced their “full support” for a documentary about Hutchins’ life and work, including the completion of “Rust.” Rachel Mason (Netflix’s “Circus of Books”) and producer Julee Metz will helm the film, with Matthew Hutchins serving as an executive producer.

These developments come less than a week after Hutchins’ parents and sister filed a new lawsuit against Rust Movie Productions, Brittany House Pictures, El Dorado Pictures, Short Porch Pictures and Thomasville Pictures. The civil suit also names Baldwin and armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, both of whom are facing criminal charges of involuntary manslaughter. They are due to be arraigned next week.

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