Claims that the Rust set is a “chaotic, dangerous and exploitative” workplace is untrue, according to a new statement.
Alec Baldwin shared an open letter from cast and crew members on his Instagram page – more than a month after cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot on set.
A prop gun was fired by Baldwin during a live match on October 21, and the film’s director was also injured.
The letter – signed by more than 20 people – said that they found “the public narrative surrounding the tragedy at our workplace to be inadequate”.
And while the note admits “often working on non-professional or hectic productions,” it describes Rust as a “professional” environment with “bright areas and more difficult areas” .
It stated that “work ethic on set was very high” and that “laughter and optimism were common among the cast and crew”.
The letter added: “While it is true that some crew members quit before the accident, the vast majority of us stayed, never feeling the need to protest or quit.
“We love our workplace. That disgruntled few do not represent the views of all of us.”
Several people who worked on the set have filed lawsuits against Baldwin, including lead electrician Serge Svetnoy and script supervisor Mamie Mitchell.
The letter said that the cast and crew “stand firm” with their unions and “strongly support the fight for better working conditions” across the industry, but make it clear that they do not believe that the movie Rust is an example of the circumstances they are “fighting against”.
It goes on to pay tribute to Ms Hutchins, describing her as “the heart of our production” and a person with an “inspirational” work ethic.
The letter continued: “We grieve the loss of our friend and colleague, Halyna Hutchins. She was, in many ways, the focus of our production, and the loss of her traumatized her. it”.
“We are grieving the loss of our solidarity, our spirit and our labor. We are grieving for our friends who have been targeted by the public as they themselves grieve. .”
