Alec Baldwin has no financial liability for the fatal shooting of Halyna Hutchins on the film set of Rust, according to new court papers released in America.

The Hollywood star, 63, was holding the prop gun that killed the 42-year-old cinematographer in October last year while filming the western in New Mexico.

The legal filing which was submitted on Friday says that the contract signed by Baldwin with Rust Movie Productions indemnified the actor from financial responsibility for the tragedy.

Baldwin was both the star of the film, and one of its producers.

He has been named as a defendant in several civil lawsuits including one for wrongful death from Ms Hutchins husband Matt.

Ms Hutchins also had a nine-year-old son, Andros.

According to an arbitration demand filed against fellow producers, Baldwin is seeking to enforce a “broad indemnification clause”, which his lawyer Luke Nikas says shields him from any financial claims resulting from the production.

Husband of Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins ‘so angry’ Alec Baldwin did ‘not accept responsibility’

Rust shooting: Alec Baldwin named in lawsuit brought by husband of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

Alec Baldwin says it’s ‘strange’ to be back at work after Halyna Hutchins shooting

The papers have also revealed that Baldwin was keen to complete the film following Ms Hutchins’ death, both as a tribute to her and as a way to raise money for her husband and son.

The actor was keen to persuade cast and crew to get back to work on the project, according to the New York Times. The project is now understood to have been shelved.

Baldwin – who was holding the Colt .45 gun when it went off during a rehearsal – says he didn’t pull the trigger.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

He has said he was told the gun was “cold” – meaning it was safe to handle – by the film’s armourer, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, and that he was pointing it at Hutchins at her request.

It is not known how live ammunition ended up on the set in Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico.

The new filing says Baldwin’s producing role revolved around creative input, and he had no involvement with the hiring of crew members, who it says were responsible for ensuring gun safety on set.

The paper says: “This is a rare instance when the system broke down, and someone should be held legally culpable for the tragic consequences. That person is not Alec Baldwin.”

Subscribe to the Backstage podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Spreaker

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident. No one has been arrested or charged in connection with the shooting. Criminal charges have not been ruled out.

Hutchins grew up on an army base in the Russian Arctic, where her father served in the navy, before moving to Los Angeles to study film.

She was regarded as one of the industry’s most promising young cinematographers.

Related posts:

Student becomes youngest ever Mastermind winner at 24 – thanks to perfect specialist score Chadwick Boseman’s brother ‘defends Anthony Hopkins’ Oscar win’ after ‘snub’ backlash The one where Chinese viewers saw a redacted version of the Friends reunion Rodrigo is youngest to top UK album and singles charts at the same time Will Britney Spears case trigger a reckoning in the music industry? Peace and love! Ringo Starr drops legal fight against Ring O sex toys R Kelly facing new allegation that he had sexual contact with under-age boy he met at McDonald’s Demand for Squid Game Halloween costume sparks boom for South Korean garment industry Picasso artworks fetch more than $100m in lavish Las Vegas auction Royal Christmas carol concert to be shown on ITV amid row over documentary with BBC Sophie Ellis Bextor’s stalker told to hand over social media passwords Dear Friend: Sir Paul McCartney reveals why song from 1971 album still makes him emotional