Last week, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally killed with a prop gun on the set of a movie called "Rust." The tragedy has put an additional spotlight on what union members say are systemic dangers in the industry.

In an interview for "L.A. Times Today," staff writer Anousha Sakoui joined Spectrum News 1 anchor Kelvin Washington with the story. 

What You Need To Know

  • Last week, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was accidentally killed with a prop gun on the set of a movie called "Rust"

  • The tragedy has put an additional spotlight on what union members say are systemic dangers in the industry

  • The shooting took place after six members of the film’s crew walked off the set after complaining to the production company about payment and housing

  • A veteran prop master named Neal W. Zoromski was asked to join the "Rust" crew, but after four days of informal discussions with film managers, he said he got a bad feeling and saw many red flags

Through their reporting, L.A. Times reporters found out there were safety concerns by the crew the night before the shooting.

"So last Thursday in New Mexico, Santa Fe, the 19th-century film 'Rust' was being filmed; Alec Baldwin was the star and producer. And on that day, we know that through our reporting from many reporters here, the camera crew had walked out the night before, citing issues with pay and safety concerns. So, that morning, they were sort of trying to catch up and replace this missing team. We know now some steps that happened, which ultimately culminated that afternoon after lunch in the accidental shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who later died from her injuries; the director, Joel Souza, was also injured," said Sakoui.

This tragedy has impacted the industry and IATSE—a union that represents entertainment crews across the country.

"One thing that's really interesting about this year and these negotiations over the major contracts that govern the working conditions and pay of tens of thousands of crews in Hollywood and across the country. Crews have really found their voice using social media to air what they see as tough, unsafe working conditions. And in the past few days, as you said, on Monday, they were going to strike. But, over the weekend, they managed to avert that with a last-minute deal with an alliance of producers. That includes producers from Apple and Netflix, Disney and many household names. But there were mixed reactions; some believe that it doesn't change their working conditions. And this tragedy has tapped into a lot of those concerns," added Sakoui. 

Sakoui says one of the most prominent issues members of IATSE are concerned about is the hours they work.

"Even in this situation, we know that from our reporting, the camera crew had been asked to travel from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, drive 50 miles there and back every day, and were doing very long hours and were tired. And we've seen deaths of people of crews in similar roles to those involved in the 'Rust' walkout. Some have died because they've been tired of driving home, and under the terms of an agreement that Hollywood Studios propose, a day for your average crew member could be 14 hours. It does give them a rest; 10 hours to travel, including commuting time. And so they're still concerned that they won't get enough rest and that those limits could be blown through by paying penalties," said Sakoui.

A veteran prop master named Neal W. Zoromski was asked to join the "Rust" crew, but after four days of informal discussions with film managers, he said he got a bad feeling and saw many red flags. 

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"He has a huge amount of experience and part of the concerns was how much they were willing to pay to have the necessary kit and safe guns. They were using real guns even if modified, and we believe the budget was about $7 million. But two weeks before the shoot was starting, they still didn't have a prop master, someone who's in charge of all the weapons. He has shown emails to the Times. And the production of 'Rust' has said they're looking into whether there have been any protocol breaches. And no charges have been filed yet. And he had a bad feeling, and he thought an accident would happen," Sakoui said.

The L.A. Times Editorial Board recently wrote a piece stating that real guns are not needed on set at this point.

"So, they argue that there's no need for it. Through social media, we've also seen filmmakers, including cinematographer Rachel Morrison adding their voice, saying that visual effects are very cheap, and it's not worth the risks. And the editorial argues that there are many stringent rules in place for gun safety, but they only apply and only work if you follow them. And the editorial argues that they shouldn't be using guns anymore, "added Sakoui.

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