'There’s no movie that’s worth a life': Manitoba film community reacts to death on Alec Baldwin set
A member of Manitoba’s film community is issuing a reminder about the importance of safety on film sets in the wake of a fatal shooting during the production of an Alec Baldwin movie.
According to law enforcement, Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer and wounded a director when he discharged a prop gun on set during the filming of the movie "Rust" on Oct. 22.
Halyna Hutchins, who was 42, was the director of photography for Baldwin's latest movie, a Western which was being filmed in New Mexico.
According to law enforcement statements provided to CNN, Hutchins was shot at around 1:50 p.m. Thursday local time and was airlifted to hospital but died of her injuries.
Joao Holowka has worked in the film industry in Manitoba for over 20 years as a chief lighting technician.
He said the tragedy on the set of “Rust” goes beyond the film industry.
“Someone once said, ‘if it’s important enough to run for it, it’s important enough to wait for it,’” Holowka told CTV News Winnipeg.
“So safety first, it’s not a cliché. It’s a lifesaver device. You wait. You don’t run. You don’t take shortcuts. There’s no shot, there’s no frame, there’s no scene, there’s no movie that’s worth a life. Safety first always.”
The gun Baldwin used was one of three that a firearms specialist, or "armorer," had set on a cart outside the building where a scene was being rehearsed, according to court records. Assistant director Dave Halls grabbed a gun off a cart and handed it to Baldwin, indicating that the weapon was safe by yelling "cold gun," court papers say. However, it was loaded with live rounds, according to the records.
Holowka said the film industry has the mentality of making anything possible, but there are and should be limits.
“We are very much a ‘can do’ attitude industry. There’s nothing that we cannot do, with one exception; if you do not feel safe, walk away. It’s just a movie.”
- With files from CNN and The Associated Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.
U.S. vetoes widely supported resolution backing full UN membership for Palestine
The United States vetoed a widely backed UN resolution Thursday that would have paved the way for full United Nations membership for Palestine, a goal the Palestinians have long sought and Israel has worked to prevent.