Screen Producers Australia issues statement after Alec Baldwin incident

Screen Producers Australia has shared condolences over the tragedy that occurred on the set of Alec Baldwin’s new film, Rust. 

Baldwin accidentally killed Halyna Hutchins, a 42-year-old married mother-of-two and the Director of Photography, on the set of his new movie in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday. 

In a statement posted by TV Tonight, Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner said: ‘SPA was saddened to hear of the tragic passing of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injuries sustained by director Joel Souza in an on-set incident in the US this week. 

‘A film set is a unique environment which presents unique workplace hazards. Safety has always been a priority at SPA, and it is for this reason we have been working closely with the MEAA and the wider industry to implement the National Guidelines for Screen Safety here in Australia.

‘The Guidelines are applicable to productions of all levels – from music videos to feature films – and contain specific provisions for High Risk Production Activities, such as the use of firearms.

‘Everyone involved in bringing a story to the screen – from producers, to directors, actors, and stunt performers – has a responsibility to create and promote a safe workplace culture. I encourage all screen workers to refer to the Guidelines for assistance on identifying, avoiding, and managing risks from the start of pre-production to wrap.

Loss: Baldwin accidentally killed Halyna Hutchins (pictured), a 42-year-old married mother-of-two and the Director of Photography, on the set of his new movie in Santa Fe, New Mexico, on Thursday

Shock: Filming a scene inside an Old West-style church, Baldwin apparently aimed towards the camera and pulled the trigger, accidentally killing Hutchins as she filmed him, and injuring director Joel Souza (pictured), who stood behind her

‘We wish Souza a speedy recovery and send our deepest condolences to Hutchins’ family, friends, and cast and crew working with her on the production.’

Screen Producers Australia was not involved in the production of Rust.  

A distraught Alec Baldwin said on Friday there are ‘no words to convey his shock and sadness’ after accidentally shooting and killing the female cinematographer on the set of his new movie Rust, and that he was cooperating fully with the police investigation into what happened.  

A search warrant released Friday said that armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed laid out three prop guns on a cart outside the filming location, and first assistant director Dave Halls grabbed the gun from the cart and brought it inside to Baldwin, unaware that it was loaded with live rounds.

In a statement posted by TV Tonight, Screen Producers Australia CEO Matthew Deaner said: ‘SPA was saddened to hear of the tragic passing of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and the injuries sustained by director Joel Souza in an on-set incident in the US this week’

‘We wish Souza a speedy recovery and send our deepest condolences to Hutchins’ family, friends, and cast and crew working with her on the production’ the statement read

‘Cold gun!’ shouted Halls before handing the gun to Baldwin, using the phrase to signal to cast and crew that the gun was safe to fire for the scene, the warrant said.

Seconds later, filming a scene inside an Old West-style church, Baldwin apparently aimed towards the camera and pulled the trigger, accidentally killing Hutchins as she filmed him, and injuring director Joel Souza, who stood behind her.

Witnesses cited by Showbiz 411 said the single bullet struck Hutchins in the body, and pierced Souza’s clavicle.  Hutchins was airlifted to the hospital but was pronounced dead. Souza was taken to the hospital by ambulance but was released on Thursday evening. 

Police have disclosed few details about the shooting, saying only that a ‘projectile’ was fired by a ‘prop gun’ and they are investigating. A spokesman for Baldwin last night issued a statement saying only blanks were used. 

Details: Police have disclosed few details about the shooting, saying only that a ‘projectile’ was fired by a ‘prop gun’ and they are investigating. A spokesman for Baldwin last night issued a statement saying only blanks were used

Baldwin, 63, was taken to the sheriff’s department to be questioned. He was released without charge after giving a tearful interview. Afterwards, he was photographed doubled over in shock and grief as he spoke on the phone. 

In two tweets on Friday, Baldwin said described the shooting as a ‘tragic accident.

‘There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother and deeply admired colleague of ours. I’m fully cooperating with the police investigation to address how this tragedy occurred and I am in touch with her husband, offering my support to him and his family. My heart is broken for her husband, their son, and all who knew and loved Halyna,’ he said. 

Hutchins’ grieving husband Matthew told DailyMail.com on Friday morning that he had spoken with the actor. 

‘I have spoken with Alec Baldwin and he is being very supportive,’ he said.  

Hutchins’ grieving husband Matthew told DailyMail.com on Friday morning that he had spoken with the actor: ‘I have spoken with Alec Baldwin and he is being very supportive,’ he said