Thread by @Variety

As the industry grapples with the tragic on-set death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, a picture is emerging of a low-budget film set that was already chaotic before the fatal accident occurred. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

Several IATSE crew members on the New Mexico set where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed by a prop gun shot by Alec Baldwin reportedly quit the production because they felt producers were not following safety guidelines, according to reports. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

“Rust” began shooting Oct. 6 at Bonanza Creek Ranch near Sante Fe, and crew members had been observing safety problems for several days. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

Several crew members walked off the set due to concerns over gun safety procedures, other safety issues and COVID protocols not being followed. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

The production had also allegedly refused to pay for hotel rooms in pricey Santa Fe, asking some crew members to stay in Albuquerque instead, a one-hour drive from the ranch. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

Producers called security on the crew members who submitted their resignations to ask them to leave the location. The fatal shooting is said to have occurred about six hours after the union crew members left. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

After the accident, a 911 caller was heard telling a crew member they were supposed to check the guns and placing the blame on them, TMZ reported. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

Hutchins and the Steadicam operator were the only original crew members who remained in the camera and electrical departments, and the other positions had been replaced with non-union members, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

A crew member said there had already been other prop gun misfires before Thursday’s fatal accident, the L.A. Times reported. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

There have also been social media posts from people identifying themselves as members of the “Rust” crew that claim the production was poorly funded and lacked sufficient oversight. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

The film's producers released a statement saying they were not aware of complaints, but would conduct an “internal review” of procedures: “The safety of our cast and crew is the top priority of Rust Productions and everyone associated with the company.” bit.ly/3C2tYKB

“Though we were not made aware of any official complaints concerning weapon or prop safety on set, we will be conducting an internal review of our procedures while production is shut down,” reads the statement from Rust Movie Productions LLC. bit.ly/3C2tYKB

Read more on the developing story variety.com/2021/film/news…