Alec Baldwin to resume Rust production in Montana

Filming on Alec Baldwin's Rust is set to resume in Montana — 18 months after the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

Principal photography will commence today (20 April) at Yellowstone Film Ranch, a spokesperson for Rust Movie Productions said.

Filming has relocated to Montana's Paradise Valley and Baldwin, who is currently facing an involuntary manslaughter charge, will resume his role as the film's lead.

Joel Souza, who was injured by a bullet which passed through Hutchins and lodged in his shoulder, will return as director. Bianca Cline will join the production as new cinematographer. 

"The production will continue to utilise union crew members and will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition," Melina Spadone, lawyer for Rust Movie Productions, said in a statement. "Live ammunition is, and always was, prohibited on set."

Shooting is scheduled to last between 20–25 days. Documentary crew will also film simultaneously with Rust to honour the life of Hutchins.

Production on the western starring Alec Baldwin was stalled in October, 2021 when the actor discharged a firearm (Colt .45 revolver) while practising a gun-drawing technique on set during rehearsal at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Bonanza City, New Mexico. 

Baldwin believed the prop gun was loaded with dummy rounds instead of gunpowder and a projectile. Hours later, Ms Hutchins was pronounced dead at hospital. Mr Souza was treated and released.