Rust’s producer is “confident” in completing the film after the police investigation into the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins has been concluded

Rust’s producer says he’s “confident” he’ll be able to complete the film once the police investigation into the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins is completed.

njul Nigam told The Hollywood Reporter he hoped the investigation into the “horrific tragedy” would be concluded quickly.

It comes after Rust Movie Productions (RMP) challenged a citation from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) that said it “willfully” violated safety protocols on the western’s set.

A report previously noted that the production company “knew that firearm safety procedures were not being followed on set” and “demonstrated open indifference to staff safety.”

RMP was fined US$136,793 (£104,810), the maximum fine allowed under New Mexico state law, after the six-month investigation into the incident.

Cinematographer Ms Hutchins was killed on the film’s set in October last year after a prop gun actor held by Alec Baldwin was fired.

“Rust is obviously a terrible tragedy,” Mr Nigam told THR.

“Hopefully the investigation will be completed soon and will reveal what happened.

“Of course there will be people out there who have negative perspectives, but we’re confident in continuing to make quality films.”

He added, “We are confident that we can complete the film.”

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It comes as he and Alec Baldwin announced seven months after the Santa Fe incident that they will be starting a new production company, Persona Entertainment.

His first project, False Awakening, starring Baldwin, will be available at the Cannes market.