Shivangi Sinha
Halyna Hutchins, a talented cinematographer, lost her life on the set of ‘Rust’ in October 2021 after a prop gun discharged and fatally wounded her. Hulu’s ‘Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna’ features interviews with various crew members who were part of the production. It pieced together a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the tragedy. Among them was Lane Luper, the film’s former first camera assistant, who had quit just a day before the incident. In the documentary, he discussed the reasons behind his resignation and shared his perspective on who he holds responsible for his former colleague’s untimely death.
Lane Luper Quit His Job a Day Before Halyna Hutchins Was Killed on the Set of Rust
Lane Luper grew up in Cibola, New Mexico, and after working various jobs, he discovered his passion for cinematography. He built his career through short films and TV series, earning a solid reputation in the industry. In 2021, he was thrilled to join ‘Rust’ as the first camera assistant and was excited about working on a major Western starring Alec Baldwin and exploring a new creative avenue. However, once filming began in October 2021 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, he quickly realized that the production was not what he had expected. Lane alleged that safety guidelines were not being properly followed on the film set and that the production operated in a “fast and loose” manner, even during gunfight scenes.
Lane recalled instances where a firearm had accidentally discharged, one allegedly involving a stunt double who shot himself in the hand and another allegedly involving a woman in the props department. Additionally, he raised concerns about other issues, including COVID-19 protocols allegedly not being enforced, alleged problems with pay and long working hours despite union protections, and the extensive daily travel required. Frustrated and alarmed by the alleged lack of gun safety on set, Lane resigned on October 20, 2021. It was a day later that Halyna Hutchins passed away.
In later interviews, Lane stated that he had voiced his concerns to others on set, but he added that many were reluctant to speak up because the film was a major opportunity for them. He regretted not insisting that Halyna also raised these issues but said that, at the time, he was simply looking out for himself. Lane alleged that the production had little regard for crew safety and that he had never witnessed such gross negligence on any other set. He also claimed that there were only three rehearsals, which he believed were far too few, and that he thought that the accident occurred as a direct result of the unsafe working environment.
Lane Luper is Well-Recognized as a Photographer and Cinematographer Today
Before entering the film industry and honing his skills as a cameraman and photographer, Lane Luper worked in sales. From 2009 to 2011, he served as a Sales Manager at Stream Global Services before moving to Intersections Inc. as a Credit Education Specialist. However, his passion for photography remained strong, and in 2013, he took on his first professional project as a cinematographer for the short film ‘Blue Aria.’ Since then, he has built an impressive career and contributed to over 70 creative projects that highlight his diverse skill set.
Lane has worked in the camera and electrical departments for several notable projects, including ‘End of the Road,’ ‘Roswell,’ ‘New Mexico,’ ‘Outer Range,’ and ‘Shot Caller.’ His career continues to thrive, with eight upcoming projects already lined up. Among them, ‘Lucia & Nicole’ and ‘Eddington’ are set for release in 2025. He is the first assistant camera and a proud member of the International Cinematographers Guild (IATSE Local 600). While he describes himself as a “hobby photographer” and “sometimes cinematographer,” his work speaks to his dedication and talent in the field. Additionally, he is a licensed ham radio operator, meaning he is certified to use amateur radio frequencies for communication, a skill often utilized for emergency communication and technical experimentation.
Lane Luper and His Wife Prefer Keeping a Low Profile These Days
What sets Lane Luper apart is his ability to present himself professionally and strategically. He has curated a website that not only showcases his impressive skills and projects but also serves as a platform for potential clients to connect with him. Additionally, he has smartly leveraged this space to sell prints of his photography. Despite his professional visibility, Lane maintains a private personal life. He and his wife, Marie, prefer a quiet lifestyle, often taking time off to go off the grid and enjoy camping trips with their adorable dog. His dedication to both his craft and his personal well-being makes him a truly well-rounded individual.
Read More: David Halls: Where is the Rust First Assistant Director Now?
