Alec Baldwin "Rust" Shooting

Started by Jarhead0331, March 05, 2024, 10:17:24 AM

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Jarhead0331

Anyone else following the trial of the Rust set armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed? Pretty interesting stuff. As most people may know, while filming a scene for the movie, Alec Baldwin drew a revolver that discharged a live round, striking and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The bullet also passed through Hutchins hitting an assistant producer who survived. Gutierrez-Reed is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of tampering with evidence. If found guilty, she could serve up to three years.


The prosecution rested on Monday. Defense should finish their case before the end of the week. Trial is being aired and can be seen in segments on YouTube Court TV or Law & Crime Network.

Alec Baldwin's trial is scheduled to begin in July.
Grogheads Uber Alles
Semper Grog
"No beast is more alpha than JH." Gusington, 10/23/18


ArizonaTank

Tragic and very sad. A young lady is dead and a man was injured due to carelessness. Hopefully an urgent sense of weapon safety comes out of this in Hollywood. Even if they don't do it themselves, the insurance underwriters will probably see to it.
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al_infierno

Quote from: Jarhead0331 on March 05, 2024, 10:17:24 AMAnyone else following the trial of the Rust set armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed? Pretty interesting stuff. As most people may know, while filming a scene for the movie, Alec Baldwin drew a revolver that discharged a live round, striking and killing cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The bullet also passed through Hutchins hitting an assistant producer who survived. Gutierrez-Reed is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of tampering with evidence. If found guilty, she could serve up to three years.


The prosecution rested on Monday. Defense should finish their case before the end of the week. Trial is being aired and can be seen in segments on YouTube Court TV or Law & Crime Network.

Alec Baldwin's trial is scheduled to begin in July.

I'm very curious for your take on this issue.  My gut reaction is that Baldwin is at the very least equally at fault because he had the gun in his hand, and anyone who grew up around guns has "don't point it at someone and pull the trigger unless you wanna kill them" ingrained from a very early age... but Baldwin isn't exactly a "gun guy."

On the other hand, people familiar with film sets claim that it's a different dynamic there, that gun safety is basically all on the armorer, and if the actor accidentally kills someone it's 100% the armorer's fault.  I call BS on this because Baldwin was unnecessarily pointing the gun at a human being when he pulled the trigger.
A War of a Madman's Making - a text-based war planning and political survival RPG

It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge.  War endures.  As well ask men what they think of stone.  War was always here.  Before man was, war waited for him.  The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner.  That is the way it was and will be.  That way and not some other way.
- Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian


If they made nothing but WWII games, I'd be perfectly content.  Hypothetical matchups from alternate history 1980s, asymmetrical US-bashes-some-3rd world guerillas, or minor wars between Upper Bumblescum and outer Kaboomistan hold no appeal for me.
- Silent Disapproval Robot


I guess it's sort of nice that the word "tactical" seems to refer to some kind of seriousness during your moments of mental clarity.
- MengJiao

GDS_Starfury

#3
Quote from: al_infierno on March 05, 2024, 09:51:41 PMOn the other hand, people familiar with film sets claim that it's a different dynamic there, that gun safety is basically all on the armorer, and if the actor accidentally kills someone it's 100% the armorer's fault.  I call BS on this because Baldwin was unnecessarily pointing the gun at a human being when he pulled the trigger.


the first part is correct.  the second part is not.  an actor is handed a prop by the armorer and expects it to be in a safe to operate condition.  this is why theres a prop master and an armorer.  the take the director wanted had Baldwin pointing the gun at the camera.  this is done it tons of action scenes.
Jarhead - Yeah. You're probably right.

Gus - I use sweatpants with flannel shorts to soak up my crotch sweat.

Banzai Cat - There is no "partial credit" in grammar. Like anal sex. It's either in, or it's not.

Mirth - We learned long ago that they key isn't to outrun Star, it's to outrun Gus.

Martok - I don't know if it's possible to have an "anti-boner"...but I now have one.

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al_infierno

Quote from: GDS_Starfury on March 05, 2024, 10:01:01 PM
Quote from: al_infierno on March 05, 2024, 09:51:41 PMOn the other hand, people familiar with film sets claim that it's a different dynamic there, that gun safety is basically all on the armorer, and if the actor accidentally kills someone it's 100% the armorer's fault.  I call BS on this because Baldwin was unnecessarily pointing the gun at a human being when he pulled the trigger.


the first part is correct.  the second part in not.  an actor is handed a prop by the armorer and expects it to be in a safe to operate condition.  the take the director wanted had Baldwin pointing the gun at the camera.  this is done it tons of action scenes.

Gotcha, thanks for the clarification!
A War of a Madman's Making - a text-based war planning and political survival RPG

It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge.  War endures.  As well ask men what they think of stone.  War was always here.  Before man was, war waited for him.  The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner.  That is the way it was and will be.  That way and not some other way.
- Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian


If they made nothing but WWII games, I'd be perfectly content.  Hypothetical matchups from alternate history 1980s, asymmetrical US-bashes-some-3rd world guerillas, or minor wars between Upper Bumblescum and outer Kaboomistan hold no appeal for me.
- Silent Disapproval Robot


I guess it's sort of nice that the word "tactical" seems to refer to some kind of seriousness during your moments of mental clarity.
- MengJiao

GDS_Starfury

#5
back in the day I worked at a mega club in Ft Lauderdale and we would run live scenes from movies on stage while the djs were doing there thing.  one night we did a bit from Reservoir Dogs and this dipshit wanted to use a Luger as a prop.  I kept asking him to take out the magazine and clear the gun.  he kept refusing to the point where I was about to grab him by the neck and start punching until the general manager walked up asking what the problem was.  after I explained the situation he was fired.  this was maybe 2 years after the Crow accident. 
Jarhead - Yeah. You're probably right.

Gus - I use sweatpants with flannel shorts to soak up my crotch sweat.

Banzai Cat - There is no "partial credit" in grammar. Like anal sex. It's either in, or it's not.

Mirth - We learned long ago that they key isn't to outrun Star, it's to outrun Gus.

Martok - I don't know if it's possible to have an "anti-boner"...but I now have one.

Gus - Celery is vile and has no reason to exist. Like underwear on Star.


al_infierno

^ Holy cow, I thought that was bad until I read "2 years after The Crow incident."  What a dummy! 
A War of a Madman's Making - a text-based war planning and political survival RPG

It makes no difference what men think of war, said the judge.  War endures.  As well ask men what they think of stone.  War was always here.  Before man was, war waited for him.  The ultimate trade awaiting its ultimate practitioner.  That is the way it was and will be.  That way and not some other way.
- Cormac McCarthy, Blood Meridian


If they made nothing but WWII games, I'd be perfectly content.  Hypothetical matchups from alternate history 1980s, asymmetrical US-bashes-some-3rd world guerillas, or minor wars between Upper Bumblescum and outer Kaboomistan hold no appeal for me.
- Silent Disapproval Robot


I guess it's sort of nice that the word "tactical" seems to refer to some kind of seriousness during your moments of mental clarity.
- MengJiao

GDS_Starfury

I've also never seen a situation where there are lots of actors/extras and a table full of real guns and people just grab what they want.  each individual weapon is logged out to a specific person.  exceptions to this might be repurposed nerf guns or some such thing.  there are also lots of real gun shells that cant fire bullets but are rigged up with propane cartridges to simulate muzzle flash.  the first big use of that system, I think, was Airwolf.

its good to be informed.   :RockOn:
Jarhead - Yeah. You're probably right.

Gus - I use sweatpants with flannel shorts to soak up my crotch sweat.

Banzai Cat - There is no "partial credit" in grammar. Like anal sex. It's either in, or it's not.

Mirth - We learned long ago that they key isn't to outrun Star, it's to outrun Gus.

Martok - I don't know if it's possible to have an "anti-boner"...but I now have one.

Gus - Celery is vile and has no reason to exist. Like underwear on Star.


Jarhead0331

#8
Quote from: GDS_Starfury on March 05, 2024, 10:01:01 PM
Quote from: al_infierno on March 05, 2024, 09:51:41 PMOn the other hand, people familiar with film sets claim that it's a different dynamic there, that gun safety is basically all on the armorer, and if the actor accidentally kills someone it's 100% the armorer's fault.  I call BS on this because Baldwin was unnecessarily pointing the gun at a human being when he pulled the trigger.


the first part is correct.  the second part is not.  an actor is handed a prop by the armorer and expects it to be in a safe to operate condition.  this is why theres a prop master and an armorer.  the take the director wanted had Baldwin pointing the gun at the camera.  this is done it tons of action scenes.

It is much more complicated than this. If it wasn't, you can rest assured that prosecutors would not have charged Baldwin or been able to get a grand jury indictment against him. Under Mew Mexico law, a jury can very plausibly conclude that Baldwin is guilty of involuntary manslaughter, even if his conduct was not intentional, assuming his conduct was "reckless." Section 2.02 of the Model Penal Code defines criminal recklessness as follows:

"A person acts recklessly...when he consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that [death] will result from his conduct. The risk must be of such a nature and degree that, considering the nature and purpose of his conduct and the circumstances known to him, its disregard involves a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a law-abiding person would observe in the actor's situation."

It is important to note that Baldwin was not only an actor on this set, he was also a producer. Therefore, his duties with respect to safety are varied and multi-layered. When firearms are involved, there are many safety requirements at state and federal levels imposed on the film industry. For instance, an OSHA inspector testified today that film producers failed to follow required guidelines for scenes where firearms are pointed in the direction of cameras and crew.

While there is no direct precedent for these charges, it is clear that Baldwin's defense that he relied on professionals with whom he worked who assured him that the gun did not have live rounds, might not exonerate him in the eyes of the jury considering the risk involved if the "professionals" are wrong.

The jury could conclude that the actor was reckless in not checking before he aims and fires off a lethal shot because the actor who is to point a real pistol at another human being, and pull the trigger, also has a duty to check, and does not shed the legal or moral responsibility elsewhere. In other words, the actor firing a supposedly "cold" gun at another human being is the person with the last clear chance to avert a senseless tragedy and since under New Mexico law, involuntary manslaughter is the "unlawful killing of a human being without malice committed in the commission of ... a lawful act which might produce death ... without due caution and circumspection..." Baldwin can be found guilty if the jury concludes, based on the weight of the evidence, that Baldwin's conduct was reckless and that he acted without due caution and circumspection.

It has been made very clear that this set was extremely chaotic and disorganized and that there were failures in firearms safety at many levels. In my personal opinion, many people have culpability for this tragedy, of which Baldwin is but one.
Grogheads Uber Alles
Semper Grog
"No beast is more alpha than JH." Gusington, 10/23/18


Uberhaus

What do the role of Baldwin's cajoling the armourer to hurry, combined with his power to hire and fire as well as end a career, play in his responsibility as well as limiting the irresponsible armourer's culpability?

Jarhead0331

#10
Quote from: Uberhaus on March 06, 2024, 08:11:51 AMWhat do the role of Baldwin's cajoling the armourer to hurry, combined with his power to hire and fire as well as end a career, play in his responsibility as well as limiting the irresponsible armourer's culpability?

I don't think that Baldwin's conduct will serve as a complete defense to the criminal negligence of the armorer. However, and as noted in my post above, Baldwin's dual role as actor and producer does increase his exposure in that as someone with managerial authority, he had at least some responsibility to ensure that the safety protocols that were adopted by the production team were actually followed. There has been testimony that beyond adopting the policies, nothing was done to actually implement them. I think this, in and of itself, can serve as a basis for culpability under the standards imposed by NM law for a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Hell, even the First assistant director plead guilty to the negligent use of a weapon and while on the stand, he took full responsibility for the role his omissions played in the tragedy.
Grogheads Uber Alles
Semper Grog
"No beast is more alpha than JH." Gusington, 10/23/18


GDS_Starfury

fwiw a lot of "producers" have the title because they get funding for the production.  they have very little or no direct oversight of running things on set day to day.  thats the directors job.
Jarhead - Yeah. You're probably right.

Gus - I use sweatpants with flannel shorts to soak up my crotch sweat.

Banzai Cat - There is no "partial credit" in grammar. Like anal sex. It's either in, or it's not.

Mirth - We learned long ago that they key isn't to outrun Star, it's to outrun Gus.

Martok - I don't know if it's possible to have an "anti-boner"...but I now have one.

Gus - Celery is vile and has no reason to exist. Like underwear on Star.


GDS_Starfury

iirc this whole thing happened while doing establishment shots for future filming.
Jarhead - Yeah. You're probably right.

Gus - I use sweatpants with flannel shorts to soak up my crotch sweat.

Banzai Cat - There is no "partial credit" in grammar. Like anal sex. It's either in, or it's not.

Mirth - We learned long ago that they key isn't to outrun Star, it's to outrun Gus.

Martok - I don't know if it's possible to have an "anti-boner"...but I now have one.

Gus - Celery is vile and has no reason to exist. Like underwear on Star.


Jarhead0331

Quote from: GDS_Starfury on March 06, 2024, 01:00:38 PMfwiw a lot of "producers" have the title because they get funding for the production.  they have very little or no direct oversight of running things on set day to day.  thats the directors job.

That clearly is not the case on this is set. All you have to do is watch some of the videos of Baldwin directing the armorer to "hurry up" and "load the guns" and "load more than one gun at a time so we're ready to go..." Baldwin exerted a lot of direct control and there has been testimony that his instructions to the armorer were way beyond what should have been permissible. A more experienced armorer may have pushed back, but with a young girl on her second film against a star of his caliber, the pressure must have been very intense.
Grogheads Uber Alles
Semper Grog
"No beast is more alpha than JH." Gusington, 10/23/18


GDS_Starfury

admittedly I have paid almost no attention to the case, I'm just giving you my experiences of working in the environment.
Jarhead - Yeah. You're probably right.

Gus - I use sweatpants with flannel shorts to soak up my crotch sweat.

Banzai Cat - There is no "partial credit" in grammar. Like anal sex. It's either in, or it's not.

Mirth - We learned long ago that they key isn't to outrun Star, it's to outrun Gus.

Martok - I don't know if it's possible to have an "anti-boner"...but I now have one.

Gus - Celery is vile and has no reason to exist. Like underwear on Star.