Thread by @Variety

A thread on the latest of what we know about the “Rust” movie shooting. bit.ly/2XJizk1

On Friday, an affidavit filed by the Santa Fe County’s Sheriff’s Office revealed that the gun handed to Alec Baldwin on the set of Western film was declared safe by the production’s assistant director. bit.ly/2XJizk1

According to the document obtained by the New York Times and Associated Press, the AD shouted “cold gun,” meaning that the prop gun was safe to use and did not contain any live ammo. bit.ly/2XJizk1

However, when Baldwin pulled the trigger, it fired a projectile that fatally struck cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and hit director Joel Souza. The Times reported that the document says Hutchins was standing in front of Souza at the time of the incident. bit.ly/2XJizk1

The document also contained a search warrant requesting to investigate the set building where the incident happened, which was granted by a state magistrate judge. bit.ly/2XJizk1

As production veterans grappled with the tragic news, knowledgeable sources pointed to a number of concerning industry trends that are reflected in the behind-the-scenes story of the low-budget independent Western. bit.ly/3b90u1J

The spike in demand for content over the past decade has stretched below-the-line talent past its breaking point. “In some places you can’t find qualified people for these jobs so you are taking (crew) with very little experience,” said a veteran producer. bit.ly/3b90u1J

The low barrier to entry in producing for streamers who pay production costs upfront has allowed smaller companies and startups to attempt large-scale productions without adequate staff, skills or equipment. bit.ly/3b90u1J

Film and TV propmasters — and in particular, the armorers who handle on-set guns and other weapons — remain stunned and baffled by what happened on the Santa Fe set. bit.ly/3CiHk5x

“It’s sending reverberations through the entire film community but acutely in the prop world, and very acutely through the armor ranks, of which there’s only 100 or 200 of us at all in the industry,” said property master Dutch Merrick. bit.ly/3CiHk5x

Yesterday, the film’s producers announced that they are suspending production while sheriffs investigate the circumstances of Hutchins’ death. bit.ly/3vGE1CA

“As we go through this crisis, we have made the decision to wrap the set at least until the investigations are complete,” said the statement from the “Rust” production company. bit.ly/3vGE1CA

Producers reiterated that they are conducting an internal review of safety protocols, but reminded that “we are limited in our ability to say anything further publicly or privately” since it is an ongoing investigation. bit.ly/3vGE1CA

“Our hearts are with all of you, as we all go through this tragic time and mourn the loss of our colleague and dear friend, Halyna Hutchins,” the statement said. bit.ly/3vGE1CA

An affidavit released Sunday provides new details into the circumstances of the shooting, revealing that Hutchins was killed while Baldwin was rehearsing a scene that involved pointing a revolver in the direction of the camera. bit.ly/3Ed0oTk

Director Joel Souza, who was also injured in the on-set accident, said that the cast and crew had been assured that the prop gun was a “cold gun,” meaning it had no live rounds. bit.ly/3Ed0oTk

Safety protocols on the set required that the film’s armorer checked to make sure that the barrel was empty, with their work double-checked by the “Rust” assistant director before the firearm was handed to the actors. bit.ly/3Ed0oTk

Souza and Hutchins were standing behind the camera. Baldwin was facing south towards the camera. After noticing a shadow, Souza & Hutchins repositioned. Baldwin was showing them how he planned to pull the gun from his holster when it discharged. bit.ly/3Ed0oTk

A cameraman who was standing next to the two told police that he “remembered Joel having blood on his person, and Ms. Hutchins speaking and saying she couldn’t feel her legs.” bit.ly/3Ed0oTk

Hutchins was pronounced dead Thursday after being airlifted to an Albuquerque hospital. She was 42. bit.ly/3Ed0oTk

Hutchins’ death has prompted calls for greater safety measures on sets and inspired a petition to ban the use of real firearms on sets. That petition has drawn more than 25,000 signatories. bit.ly/2ZmtBMh

Actors including Lena Dunham, Sarah Paulson, Olivia Wilde, Anna Paquin, Holland Taylor and Ariana DeBose have signed and shared the petition, which was started by award-winning “Peace After Marriage” filmmaker Bandar Albuliwi on Friday. bit.ly/2ZmtBMh

In addition, the American Film Institute has set up a scholarship for women cinematographers following death of graduate Halyna Hutchins with the goal of helping “female cinematographers build sustainable careers in the movie business.” bit.ly/3mkjKQx

Here’s how you can donate to the Halyna Hutchins Memorial Scholarship Fund bit.ly/3mkjKQx