Then & Now

Why are Live Guns Used on Film Sets? A Conversation on the Death of Halyna Hutchins and the Fight for Labor Rights on Set with Kate Fortmueller

January 24, 2022 UCLA Luskin Center for History and Policy Season 2 Episode 10
Then & Now
Why are Live Guns Used on Film Sets? A Conversation on the Death of Halyna Hutchins and the Fight for Labor Rights on Set with Kate Fortmueller
Show Notes

On October 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed by a live round of ammunition fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie Rust. Her death has prompted numerous discussions about what constitutes “safety” while working on a film set. Dr. Kate Fortmueller, Assistant Professor of Entertainment and Media Studies at the University of Georgia, examines the evolution of these discussions - and the evolution of general labor struggles in the film industry - throughout history. She discusses union bargaining power, COVID-19, the use of live rounds, and other policy regulations that collectively shape safety for actors and staff on film sets. UCLA History graduate student Avery Weinman is the guest host for this episode.