The shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Alec Baldwin's movie "Rust" has brought two counts of involuntary manslaughter against Baldwin and "Rust" armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to the attention of the public this month. The charges, which are punishable by up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine as well as a mandatory five year prison sentence for firearm enhancement, have raised many questions about the future of Baldwin, Gutierrez-Reed and the movie itself.
Assistant director David Halls, who handed Baldwin the gun that went off, has reached a plea agreement that includes a suspended sentence and six months of probation, indicating that he will be helping the prosecution in the case. This tragedy has also served as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols on movie sets, with evidence suggesting that Baldwin's set was "fast and loose" with weapons.
It remains to be seen what the outcome of this case will be, but it has already had a wide-ranging impact on the film industry, sparking conversations about safety on movie sets. As the legal proceedings continue, it is clear that this case will be closely followed by those in the entertainment industry and beyond.