A day after a tragic shooting accident claimed life on a New Mexico film set, the industry is seeing waves of reform regarding the use of guns. According to Deadline, ABC’s The Rookie showrunner, Alexi Hawley (State of Affairs, Exorcist: The Beginning), announced a new guideline banning the use of all “live” guns on the cop drama. Originally reported by THR, Deadline confirmed Hawley penned a memo explaining the exact terms of the new policy. You can review the full memo below.
The tragic events in New Mexico yesterday have shaken us all, and our hearts go out to the friends and family of Halyna Hutchins and Joel Souza.
As of today, it is now policy on The Rookie that all gunfire on set will be Air Soft guns with CG muzzle flashes added in post. There will be no more “live” weapons on the show. The safety our cast and crew is too important. Any risk is too much risk.
As always, if you ever feel unsafe or witness anything that concerns you, please don’t hesitate to report it.
My door is always open.
Alexi Hawley via Deadline
The new policy comes hours after the country learned of an incident involving a prop gun that took the life of cinematographer, Halyna Hutchins (Archenemy, Blindfire), and injured director, Joel Souza (Crown Vic, Ghost Squad). The two were stationed in New Mexico for a film entitled, Rust, starring Alec Baldwin (Dr. Death, 30 Rock). According to Deadline, the prop gun was in Baldwin’s possession when it discharged striking both Hutchins and Souza. Souza was taken to the hospital for his injuries and was eventually released. Hutchins succumbed to her injuries. She was 42 years old.
Baldwin, who is cooperating with Santa Fe officials during the investigation, issued a statement expressing, “There are no words to convey my shock and sadness” via Deadline. No charges have been filed.
The Rookie is currently in its fourth season and stars Nathan Fillion (The Suicide Squad, Castle) as the Los Angeles Police Department’s oldest rookie officer, accordion to Deadline. The series also stars Eric Winter (The Ugly Truth, Witches of East End), Mekia Cox (If Not Now When, Chicago Med), Richard T. Jones (Why Did I Get Married, Too, Judging Amy), Melissa O’Neil (Condor, A Simple Favor), Titus Makin (So This Is Christmas, Star-Crossed), and Alyssa Diaz (Ben 10: Alien Swarm, Zoo). The series is produced by Entertainment One and ABC Signature.