Baldwin film Rust to resume filming this week

Movie's cinematographer was shot dead on set in October 2021

Filming will resume this week on Alec Baldwin's film Rust. AFP

Filming will resume this week on Alec Baldwin's Rust, producers said on Tuesday, some 18 months after it was halted by the fatal on-set shooting of the movie's cinematographer.

Hollywood star Baldwin was holding a Colt .45 gun during rehearsals for the film in the southwestern state of New Mexico when it discharged, killing Halyna Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

Baldwin was charged with manslaughter and has pleaded not guilty.

Principal photography will resume this Thursday at a new location in the northern US state of Montana.

"The production will continue to utilise union crew members and will bar any use of working weapons and any form of ammunition," said Melina Spadone, attorney for Rust Movie Productions.

"Live ammunition is — and always was — prohibited on set."

Producers announced in February that the low-budget Western would resume production this spring, with the deceased cinematographer's widower, Matthew Hutchins, serving as an executive producer.

Baldwin agreed to terms with the New Mexico court that will allow him to complete filming of the movie, including a ban on his using guns or drinking alcohol.

Scroll through images of the aftermath of the shooting below

Alec Baldwin outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico, after he was questioned about a shooting on the set of the film 'Rust', which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and wounded director Joel Souza. AP

A distraught Alec Baldwin lingers in the car park outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office. AP

The entrance to the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

The entrance to the Bonanza Creek Ranch used for film shoots. AP

A vehicle from the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office exiting the set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Media crews outside the gate of the film set of 'Rust'. Reuters

Director of photography Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot by Alec Baldwin on the set of 'Rust'. AP

Journalists outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Office in New Mexico. AP

Security guards block the Bonanza Creek Ranch. AP

The Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed, one day after the incident. Photo: Roberto E Rosales / Albuquerque Journal

A sign points to the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe. AFP

A security guard speaks with a compliance officer from the State of New Mexico at the Bonanza Creek Ranch where 'Rust' was being filmed. AFP

Security guards at the entrance of the 'Rust' film set. AP

A vigil in Albuquerque, New Mexico, held in the honour of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. AP

A candle bearing Halyna Hutchins's name is placed among others during a vigil in her honour. AP

A large crowd of movie industry workers and New Mexico residents attend the candlelight vigil. AP

New Mexico residents at the vigil. AP

Members of the local film community mourn the loss of Halyna Hutchins. Reuters

Film industry worker Jake Extine pays his respects. AP

A sign calling for workplace safety at the vigil. Reuters

People light candles to honour Halyna Hutchins. AP

Director Souza, who is also returning, said in a statement at the time: "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."

"My every effort on this film will be devoted to honouring Halyna's legacy and making her proud. It is a privilege to see this through on her behalf."

A documentary will also be made, covering Halyna Hutchins's life and the completion of the film.

Both Baldwin — a co-producer as well as lead actor — and the film's armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for the weapon on set, are facing charges of voluntary manslaughter.

If found guilty, they face up to 18 months in jail and a $5,000 fine. A weeks-long preliminary hearing is set to begin in early May.

Baldwin, 65, has repeatedly said he was told by the crew that the gun was not loaded.

Dave Halls, the film's safety co-ordinator and assistant director, who handed Baldwin the loaded gun, agreed a plea deal with prosecutors and was sentenced last month to six months' probation.

The accident sent shock waves through Hollywood and led to calls for a total ban on real guns on set. Industry experts have said there are already stringent safety rules in place, but that they were ignored.