Alec Baldwin fired prop gun, killing 1 on movie set, Oct 2021 #5

[PrairieWind]

A film industry worker that I spoke to (camera operator) implied that actors are not required to take fire arms safety classes.

He did, however, state very strongly that all actors, directors etc are expected to follow fire arms protocols:

- Nobody other than the armorer issues a weapon to anybody. Nobody besides the armorer makes any kind of declaration about it.

- The armorer checks the weapon upon issuing it. The receiving actor then re-checks the weapon. If the receiving actor is not familiar with weapons, or is personally opposed to handling them more than absolutely necessary, they are assigned a "shooting partner". The actor's shooting partner then re checks the weapon for the actor.

He also stated that well run sets take the protocols to the extent that rubber guns are still weapons, are issued by the armorer, checked and rechecked.

One thing I learned from watching all the coverage after this tragedy is that it doesn't appear that there really was much of an industry standard. I saw and read lots of interviews with directors and armorers and they were describing very different "standards". So there either isn't a real standard, or different directors/armorers just have very different interpretation of those standards.
I do think we will see a move to eliminate real firearms from movie productions as much as possible.

 

[Laughing]

I don't understand why an investigation would take a year.

New Mexican, still earning a living in the Midwest.

Well, in part, this is (can't get the tilda over the letters) Mananaland. Manana, pronounced 'manyana' is a Spanish word meaning tomorrow. If something could be done tomorrow, why do that today?

No one is in a hurry. Cultural differences in large part. If you move from the East Coast or the Midwest, it is startling.

You get used to it, more or less.

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[DI_Isokawa]

Hollywood Accounting takes charge:

Inside the Secret ‘Rust’ Settlement: Why Did Halyna Hutchins’ Widower Drop His Suit to Become an Executive Producer?

Legal experts detail what the estate and the producers stand to gain by calling a truce and teaming up to complete the movie on which star Alec Baldwin fatally shot the DP in October 2021.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[PrairieWind]

Hollywood Accounting takes charge:

Inside the Secret ‘Rust’ Settlement: Why Did Halyna Hutchins’ Widower Drop His Suit to Become an Executive Producer?

Legal experts detail what the estate and the producers stand to gain by calling a truce and teaming up to complete the movie on which star Alec Baldwin fatally shot the DP in October 2021.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

Very well could have just been a financial decision by the widower.

 

[DI_Isokawa]

Very well could have just been a financial decision by the widower.

Oh, I'm sure it was, and probably the right thing to do for their son.

But the financial structure and especially the incentive to finish the film is typical of an industry that will tell you with a straight face that the movie "The Godfather" never turned a profit.

"Be careful when reading the financials of any company whose primary product is works of fiction." -- heard in a hallway, back in the day.

 

[DI_Isokawa]

Per TMZ, the Sheriff's report has been delivered to the Santa Fe DA and is now under review.

Edit: Also picked up by Deadline, with a bunch of old news added.

 

[GatorFL]

Charges imminent: Santa Fe detectives complete investigation into Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ shooting — criminal charges may be imminent

 

[DI_Isokawa]

Charges imminent: Santa Fe detectives complete investigation into Alec Baldwin ‘Rust’ shooting — criminal charges may be imminent

“may be” is the operative phrase New York Post at it again.

 

[10ofRods]

One thing I learned from watching all the coverage after this tragedy is that it doetosn't appear that there really was much of an industry standard. I saw and read lots of interviews with directors and armorers and they were describing very different "standards". So there either isn't a real standard, or different directors/armorers just have very different interpretation of those standards.
I do think we will see a move to eliminate real firearms from movie productions as much as possible.

This was a union production, which means all the cast and crew had contracts referencing union rules (there are at least 3 unions involved, IMO).

The various unions have rules which are written into contracts. Contracts are binding and constitute a kind of civil law.

People's opinions about union rules or knowledge about them are of course interesting, but in Court, those union rules will be referenced and very important.

Also, I haven't heard any interviews with well-respected armorers or stunt coordinators. The union rules (on all sides) were designed for redundancy. The safety meetings are required (etc). But even if there were no union contracts, employees of a workplace have a legal right to expect safety. When guns and bullets are brought into the workplace, courts have rules that the workplace must have rules in place for their handling.

IOW, it's not okay for your employer to allow your coworkers to handle loaded guns in your presence. Or any other dangerous substance (that's why there's already the finding by OSHA in this case).

 

[cocomod]

Rust is not the only problem in Hollywood productions. Cutting budgets has made it horrible for a lot of different sets. I know a set that currently has at least 3 unions storming to the set this week to discuss concerns including NOT having a safety crew. You would think that what happened on Rust would wake up the industry, but honestly, if they aren't involved, they aren't listening.

Hollywood Crews Are Whispering About Set Safety as Production Ramps Up

As more projects slash budgets, downsize staff and get increasingly tighter deadlines to go to market, safety considerations can get overlooked, writes a veteran nonfiction TV producer.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

At times, these accidents occur despite people trying to prevent them by voicing concerns to stage managers and assistant directors. It’s not uncommon for crewmembers to look out for each other, but when those in power fail to correct these issues, negligence comes into play, inevitably leaving the employees to suffer with a preventable injury.

There are a few reasons why these types of incidents keep happening, despite set pros trying their best to keep working safely. For one, it seems like the industry is trying to plow through the filming process with slashed budgets and increasingly tighter deadlines in order to beat competitors to market. In some instances, this creates an environment where those on set (without even realizing it at times) work haphazardly and feel as though they can’t make the necessary adjustments because they are too worried about the bottom line. Any delay in production could make it look like they aren’t doing their job effectively, so they would prefer to keep moving forward. Yes, money is at stake, but so are lives.

...

Within the last two years, some of the most horrific accidents on film and television sets have been reported on, like the shooting on the set of Rust that caused the death of Halyna Hutchins, or the crewmember on Law & Order: Organized Crime who was shot while sitting in his car on what was supposed to be a closed set.


This line right here is what bothers my husband the most!

No one should feel like they can’t raise red flags regarding safety measures because they think it will be ignored or put their job at risk.

The project that he is currently working on has had numerous people being told if they don't simmer down, they will be fired. In other words, shut up and work or we will let you go! This culture is so negative!

 

[Marysmith]

Rust is not the only problem in Hollywood productions. Cutting budgets has made it horrible for a lot of different sets. I know a set that currently has at least 3 unions storming to the set this week to discuss concerns including NOT having a safety crew. You would think that what happened on Rust would wake up the industry, but honestly, if they aren't involved, they aren't listening.

Hollywood Crews Are Whispering About Set Safety as Production Ramps Up

As more projects slash budgets, downsize staff and get increasingly tighter deadlines to go to market, safety considerations can get overlooked, writes a veteran nonfiction TV producer.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

At times, these accidents occur despite people trying to prevent them by voicing concerns to stage managers and assistant directors. It’s not uncommon for crewmembers to look out for each other, but when those in power fail to correct these issues, negligence comes into play, inevitably leaving the employees to suffer with a preventable injury.

There are a few reasons why these types of incidents keep happening, despite set pros trying their best to keep working safely. For one, it seems like the industry is trying to plow through the filming process with slashed budgets and increasingly tighter deadlines in order to beat competitors to market. In some instances, this creates an environment where those on set (without even realizing it at times) work haphazardly and feel as though they can’t make the necessary adjustments because they are too worried about the bottom line. Any delay in production could make it look like they aren’t doing their job effectively, so they would prefer to keep moving forward. Yes, money is at stake, but so are lives.

...

Within the last two years, some of the most horrific accidents on film and television sets have been reported on, like the shooting on the set of Rust that caused the death of Halyna Hutchins, or the crewmember on Law & Order: Organized Crime who was shot while sitting in his car on what was supposed to be a closed set.


This line right here is what bothers my husband the most!

No one should feel like they can’t raise red flags regarding safety measures because they think it will be ignored or put their job at risk.

The project that he is currently working on has had numerous people being told if they don't simmer down, they will be fired. In other words, shut up and work or we will let you go! This culture is so negative!

Wow… this is so sad. Especially in an industry like that. Sorry for your husband.

 

[DI_Isokawa]

More movement in the civil arena:

Alec Baldwin Loses Bid To Be Removed From ‘Rust’ Script Supervisor Lawsuit; Punitive Damages Remain On Table – Update

UPDATED with latest: A Los Angeles Superior Court judge on Tuesday ruled that Rust script supervisor Mamie Mitchell can pursue her negligence and other claims against Alec Baldwin, who fired a load…

deadline.com

 

[Blondie in Spokane]

Judge hints he may throw out claims against Alec Baldwin's film studio

LA Superior Court Judge Michael Whitaker also says he is inclined to deny a defense motion to strike Mamie Mitchell's claim for punitive damages against Baldwin and his firm, El Dorado Pictures.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[DI_Isokawa]

This story contains a link to the actual decision in the Mitchell case:

Alec Baldwin Can’t Escape Lawsuit From ‘Rust’ Script Supervisor

The ruling represents a major win for Mamie Mitchell after the court dismissed most claims against the producers of the movie.

www.hollywoodreporter.com

 

[DI_Isokawa]

Baldwin files cross-complaint:

Baldwin sues 'Rust' armorer, weapons supplier, assistant director and prop master

Alec Baldwin sues the armorer, weapons supplier, assistant director and prop master of the movie "Rust."

www.latimes.com

 

[Laughing]

Baldwin files cross-complaint:

Baldwin sues 'Rust' armorer, weapons supplier, assistant director and prop master

Alec Baldwin sues the armorer, weapons supplier, assistant director and prop master of the movie "Rust."

www.latimes.com

Well, not exactly a surprise -- but imho disgusting for the actor who declined to participate in the armorer's safety training 3 times according to previously linked articles.

“Baldwin’s cross complaint is a shameful attempt to shift the blame to others, just as he has done since he fired the fatal shot which killed Ms. Hutchins and injured our client, Mamie Mitchell,” Gloria Allred, attorney for Mitchell, said in a statement.

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[Dawookie]

Well, not exactly a surprise -- but imho disgusting for the actor who declined to participate in the armorer's safety training 3 times according to previously linked articles.

“Baldwin’s cross complaint is a shameful attempt to shift the blame to others, just as he has done since he fired the fatal shot which killed Ms. Hutchins and injured our client, Mamie Mitchell,” Gloria Allred, attorney for Mitchell, said in a statement.

jmho ymmv lrr

I have to agree. He's just trying to avoid having to take responsibility for his actions

 

[DI_Isokawa]

TMZ just dropped what appear to be official Santa Fe Sheriff's Dept. evidence photos of seven live rounds, five in a gun belt and two loose. All appear to have intact primers and all appear to have the same brand of casing. Some interesting implications of that grouping, all speculative at this point.

 

[philippa26]

Don't know what to think about Alec suing! Knowing what we know he's definitely somewhat complicit in the negligence that led to the accident in the first place... guess we'll have to wait and see what comes of that

 

[DI_Isokawa]

Don't know what to think about Alec suing! Knowing what we know he's definitely somewhat complicit in the negligence that led to the accident in the first place... guess we'll have to wait and see what comes of that

IANAL, but it is my understanding that this is a pretty standard move in such cases. Perhaps our verified attorney can chime in.