Halyna Hutchins, the cinematographer who tragically lost her life when actor Alec Baldwin fired a prop gun on the set of the film “Rust,” is being remembered for her unique talent and the profound impact she had on those who knew her. Hutchins was working as the director of photography on the set of “Rust” when the incident occurred. Her death has left the film industry in shock and mourning.
Hutchins was recognized as a rising star in the industry, having been named one of American Cinematographer magazine’s rising stars in 2019. She had previously worked on the 2020 independent superhero film “Archenemy.” The film’s director, Adam Egypt Mortimer, expressed his disbelief at her untimely death, describing her as an incredible artist who was just beginning to gain widespread recognition. “The fact that she would be killed on a set in an accident like this is unfathomable,” Mortimer said.
Hutchins’ most recent Instagram post, shared just days before the incident, showed her riding horses on set, a testament to her adventurous spirit and love for her work. Alec Baldwin, who was involved in the tragic incident, expressed his deep sorrow on Twitter, stating, “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness regarding the tragic accident that took the life of Halyna Hutchins, a wife, mother, and deeply admired colleague of ours.”
Fellow cinematographer Catherine Goldschmidt described Hutchins as “lovely, warm, funny, charming, outgoing,” and praised her immense talent. Goldschmidt also highlighted the challenges Hutchins faced as a mother working in the film industry, noting her admiration for Hutchins’ ability to balance her career and family life.
Alex Fedosov, a Ukrainian filmmaker like Hutchins, remembered her as a “rockstar cinematographer” with a unique vision and strong ideas. He recounted their time working together, emphasizing her calm demeanor and determination to achieve her artistic goals. Innovative Artists, the agency that represented Hutchins, described her as “a ray of light” and praised her immense talent and love for her family.
The tragic incident has raised questions about safety standards on film sets. Fedosov expressed his disbelief, stating, “Standards of safety in the US are very high. There is always an expert on set. There are always checks ahead of filming.” Director Adam Egypt Mortimer echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the paramount importance of safety on movie sets.
James Gunn, director of “The Suicide Squad” and “Guardians of the Galaxy,” shared his fears about on-set safety, expressing his hope that such a tragedy would never occur on his sets. Director and cinematographer Elle Schneider, a close friend of Hutchins, wrote a heartfelt thread on Twitter, expressing her devastation and calling for answers.
Hutchins’ life story is as unique as her talent. Born in Ukraine in 1979, she grew up on a Soviet military base in the Arctic Circle. She later pursued a degree in international journalism from Kyiv State University and worked on documentaries in the UK before moving to Los Angeles. There, she graduated from the American Film Institute Conservatory in 2015 and began making a name for herself in Hollywood.
Her credits included films such as “Blindfire,” “Darlin’,” and “Archenemy.” In a 2019 interview with American Cinematographer, Hutchins explained her transition from journalism to cinematography, citing her fascination with storytelling based on real characters.
In the wake of her death, the film industry has come together to honor Hutchins’ memory. A candlelight vigil was held at the Burbank headquarters of IATSE Local 80, where speakers including Rebecca Rhine, John Lindley, Stephen Lighthill, Mike Miller, and Emilia Mendieta Cordova paid tribute to Hutchins’ life and work.
Rhine opened the program with a moment of silence, emphasizing the need to focus on celebrating Hutchins’ life. Lindley read a statement from Hutchins’ husband, Matthew, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of sympathy and urging everyone to honor her memory by emulating her determination and creativity.
Miller spoke about the importance of safety on film sets, drawing parallels to the tragic death of camera assistant Sarah Jones. He emphasized that safety should never be compromised for the sake of schedules or budgets. Lighthill praised Hutchins’ unique upbringing and her ability to elevate her projects through her skill and dedication.
Mendieta Cordova, a close friend of Hutchins, shared personal anecdotes about their friendship and Hutchins’ joyful spirit. She described Hutchins as a luminous presence who brought energy and warmth to every setting.
The vigil provided a moment of respite from the ongoing investigation and media coverage, allowing friends, collaborators, and the public to focus on Hutchins’ legacy. Her life story, marked by her unique talent and adventurous spirit, serves as a reminder of the profound impact she had on those who knew her and the film industry as a whole.
Hutchins’ death has sparked a broader conversation about on-set safety and the need for industry-wide changes to prevent such tragedies in the future. As the investigation continues, the film community remains united in their grief and determination to honor Hutchins’ memory.
Source: BBC News, Variety
