“The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Department confirmed Thursday night that Alec Baldwin ‘discharged’ the prop gun that killed Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza on the set of the Western feature film on location in New Mexico.”
—Anthony D’Alessandro, Dominic Patten, Deadline
Years ago,
I was fired by a producer for speaking up about the need to have a safety meeting regarding the weapons on the set of a SAG feature.
It was the first and only time in my life I’ve been fired from anything. I was devastated.
I was the grown up who had to compose myself to approach the production team/producer after wrap to discuss the issue. Was told roughly “you may make another outburst like that again, so I can’t have that on my set. And I can’t predict if you will or take your word that you won’t. Plus, my mind’s made up. Once I’ve made up my mind, that’s it. Sorry.”
They claimed my “outburst” on the walkie near video village distracted our director.
Didn’t even have the courage to fire me to my face at the end of the day. And there was no recourse for me as a non union trade worker.
I may not have had the most elegant delivery, there was a sass tone when I questioned the Assistant Director on ch. 1, but if my attitude is a concern then respectfully pull me aside. The problem, attitude or not, is that the **costume assistant** shouldn’t be asking for this.
At the time I was an on set costume assistant … the last person in my mind who should be stepping in to say something. The entire crew felt unnerved, I took the hit but I (still) have no regrets.
In film production, dangerous calls are made everyday for the sake of saving time and money. The usual response isn’t to fix the problem, it’s to get rid of the person questioning it.
While details are slowly being released about this tragic accident, I implore anyone working on a set to remember safety is everyone’s responsibility.
As much as it was a terrible mistake on the prop/armorer this is the rule:
1.
NEVER. EVER. POINT A WEAPON AT SOMEONE YOU DON’T INTEND TO SHOOT.
It’s not a joke. it’s not necessary for rehearsal.
2.
Keep Your Trigger Finger Straight
AGAINST THE FRAME
until you are prepared to fire,
NOT ON THE TRIGGER.
I’m not a gun expert by any means. But the person in charge of the weapon/prop needs to be given the time and space to teach/remind everyone on set the proper protocols and safety measures.
Did we learn nothing from Sarah Jones??
Ignoring safety “is fine” until it’s not.
—michelle cosco
Flommist Michelle Cosco is an existentialist trying to make sense of the overwhelming subjectivity of the world. Avid photographer and animal lover. She seeks to see other peoples views in the peripheral of her adventures. Copyright © 2021 Michelle Cosco.
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