Given the demands of this project and the logistics of shooting an action (with horses, stunts, kids and visual effects)/drama (with incredible actors) film across 6 diverse states of Mexico in 12 weeks – it was quite a feat for all involved.

Our entire crew was beyond fantastic.

What a summer!

I’m in the USA now – just beginning the editing phase – and will begin posting blogs – catching everyone up on what happened the last weeks of the shoot – plus what’s going on with the project from this point forward.

Again – thank you for your patience and understanding with the drop off in postings…

Stay tuned….

It took us anywhere from 9 -12 hours to make the trek (cars vs. trucks), and the last part of the drive was a long, winding road with some really incredible views, as we climbed up and up – above the clouds.

Cuetzalan is wha it is referred to in Mexico as a  Pueblo Magico one of a number of Magic Towns across the country and it certainly lives up to its name. For the movie, our Art Department transformed it into one of our most important locations st the town of Sahuayo – Jose’s (Maurico Kuri) home. This was one of the most difficult locations to find Salvador Parra and I had scouted literally across the country – from one side to the other – before we found what would become the perfect setting for the town that in many ways is the heart of our story.

Shooting in Sahuayo was also exciting because it meant introducing some new characters and have new actors start shooting.

I can’t put into words what it means to work with Peter O’Toole.  Beyond his legendary career, immense talent, and numerous accolades, he’s a warm and wonderful person with a biting wit that had me on the floor over and over. I spent Saturday evening with him, sitting in the courtyard of the hotel, just chatting and listening, singing and laughing, until the wee hours.  I’ll never forget it.

The moments between Peter and the other cast, especially Maurico, are especially moving and well I won’t say any more about his performances except it will be long remembered.

Nestor Carbonell also started this week playing Picazo – the mayor of the town who is also Jose’s Padrino who finds himself in the middle of the conflict and must decide where the line is, and which side to be on. Nestor brought the complexities of his character to life exactly as I imagined he would I’m a huge fan of Nestor’s work and am very excited to be working with him! (and no I haven’t grilled him on LOST mythology Yet!).

Santiago came into town for his scenes with Peter  and together they took the words on the page and turned them into pure gold I couldn’t be happier.

Well we have a tough week ahead!  Wish us luck!

Back soon.

Dean

On Monday, we were in the heart of the city. Shooting some of our Guadalajara and Mexico City scenes. The town center is beautiful and works perfectly for both. Our Art Department transformed the store fronts into the right era – and with the cast and extras all made up properly – with nice city costumes and props – we had a great time playing in a different arena.

On Tuesday, we moved to a wonderful church for a scene that starts to kick off the entire conflict in a rather dramatic way. Catalina again was called on to do some more action moments – she’s had quite a few – which I think she’s finding both challenging and fun (she puts up with me too – when I ask for just one more….).

Wednesday and Thursday brought us to the town of San Miguel – which is about 30 minutes from the city. I fell in love with this town many months ago when scouting and designed the whole sequence for the Battle of Tepatitlan (one of the largest battles in the entire Cristero conflict) around the layout of the town including some fantastic ruins. This will be one of the most dramatic action scenes in the film – and I can say that with confidence after we shooting some very cool footage! The crew really outdid themselves at this location – having to build a huge platform and hand carry a 30 foot crane up to the top of the town square church. It was an u really herculean effort by everyone to make it happen and the results were fantastic.

Friday and Saturday took us to another small town outside of the city – this one was the setting for the town of Los Altos – and this is where we find out who El Catorce really is. These scenes were both exciting and chilling.

One more day in San Luis Potosi (actually – more night shooting again!), then we pack up and head out to our next state – Puebla – and into the charming “magic city” of Cuetzalan – which is where we will create Sahuayo, the home town of Jose.

We’ve just finished week 6 – I can’t believe it – we’re now halfway through the shoot!!  Wow… 6 weeks to go – and I think everyone is really working together like a team that’s been on the same film for 6 months – but with the enjoyment of looking forward to a new adventure every day.

Peter O’Toole and Nestor Carbonell join us for shooting this week – and that is going to be awesome!!!

More as soon as I can….

Dean

My son got to play a young Cristero for a brief scene with the boys -eating in the camp mess (food hall) – and after about take 4 – the rain came down and didn’t stop for almost an hour (an side effect from the hurricane that crossed into Mexico and Texas a few days ago). Combined with the natural landscape – we suddenly found ourselves with a not-so-small river running right down the center of the camp!! Once the rain stopped – the art department had to dry everything quickly – and our Prop team worked like mad to replace all the food with fresh hot food and we picked up right where we left off.

We continued shooting into the night – and then the whole crew had to wrap out all the gear in the very dark and isolated campsite. They are truly incredible.

Then, on Tuesday we left the State of Zacatecas and made our way down to our next and very different shooting location. We are now in the city of San Luis Potosi (in the state of San Luis Potosi) – currently shooting in the urban areas which are doubling for 1920′s Guadalajara and Mexico City. Eduardo Verastegui – who plays the part of Anacleto – finally had his first day of shooting – along with Catalina – as we started to tell another part of our story.

Once again on Thursday – the rain began in the morning and continued all day long – never stopping for a moment. We were shooting full nights and we’re trying to make plans on how to shoot in the rain (as all our scenes were exteriors) – when come shooting call time – literally the moment I left for the set – the rain suddenly stopped – and another drop didn’t fall the rest of the night. Amazing!

On Friday – We had to jump to a few different places in the city – and the rain came to help dress our scenes up. It was a challenge for the electric crew (and everyone else) to light the last scene as the rain was storming down – but it was beautiful and – then once again – just stopped when we were ready to shoot.

My editor – Jim May – who is based in Los Angeles – is busy cutting scenes for me to review while we shoot. I asked him to cut a little compilation reel – so we could all see how the picture looks overall in scope. All I can say is – it was inspiring for all to see. This is a unique and epic picture…

Week 5 is done – next week – some day scenes in the city – then out to some nearby little towns for some more action moments.

Happy Independence Day for everyone in the USA.

Week 6 starts early tomorrow – and I couldn’t be more excited right now….

Back soon…

Dean

We hike in every day – sometimes straight up the sides of the hills – to reach our shooting spots – but what a spot it is. The endless towering rock formations give this place not only a unique look but a powerful visual anchor for our settings. Of course our Art Department created another amazing set – the Cristeros Headquarters – right in the middle of the most impressive valley. When you look at it through the camera lens – it’s simply breathtaking.

Some of the scenes placed here are meant to establish the growing and more experienced Cristero army under General Gorostieta’s command – but a number of them are set here in order to reach the heart of our characters and show how the war is affecting them and binding them all together.

Andy, Santiago, Oscar and Mauricio have all had some real wonderful moments that in actuality are more important to the film than all of the battles combined.

I have to give my enthusiastic thanks to the entire crew who’ve had to trek in and out carrying all types of equipment: cameras, props, guns, cranes, dolly’s, lights, video gear, support stuff – everything – much of it back-breaking and exhausting – and they’ve worked so fast we actually ended up getting (slightly) ahead of schedule. It’s unbelievable. And the rest of the crew who work hours before and after call – getting the horses ready, the cast set up with makeup, wardrobe and props – transportation up and running, production facilities – the list goes on and on – it takes a real army to pull this off. Thank goodness we’ve got one of the best in the world.

One more day here on Monday – then we’re all off to San Luis Potosi and into the night shift again. This schedule is relentless and unforgiving – but everyone is killing themselves because we all know this is a special movie – and we’re not going to let up until we’ve made it the best.

More soon – and hopefully sooner!

Dean

Last night (until this morning actually) was one of Santiago’s biggest scenes. We had lots of action going around – fire and gunshots – and in the middle of it all – Santiago gave an emotional and heartbreaking performance that will be unforgettable. This scene changes his character forever – and even with all of the spectacular special effects, cast, extras, etc. supporting the moment – the dynamic visuals plays second place to Santiago’s acting transformation.

It’s been a challenging week for everyone – myself included. The end of every day felt like I was getting out of a boxing ring – but I was always looking forward to the next round.

Next week – we leave for our next location. Durango has been all I hoped for and more….  Simply stunning…

Back soon….

Dean

When you shoot scenes like these – you take every precaution you can to ensure the safety of the performers – but we still had a few stuntmen get banged up a bit – one was stepped on by a horse right after he made a very cool fall (after being shot) right in front of camera. I saw him the drop, then a horse entered frame right where he flew off and then I heard a muffled – “OW”. Within seconds we were all out with him – and as I stood over him – the medics treating him – the stunt coordinator (his father!) checking and caring for him – he looked over at me and gave me a “thumbs up”. I could still see the red imprint of the horse hoof on his ribs… What a guy!!! He checked out all fine and was back on set working yesterday.

We also shot our first real “acting” scenes with our youngest lead – Maurico Kuri – an acting newcomer who is playing Jose. It reminded me a lot of working on Narnia with the kids – he’s really going to capture the audience’s hearts.

Yesterday was less action and more acting – with more dramatic conflict as we had (now General) Father Vega (Santiago Cabrera) meet El Catorce (Oscar Isaac) for the first time. Again – the dynamic tension between these two characters was great. When we get them both with General Gorostieta (Andy Garcia) – look out!

Okay – off to another train station today. I anticipate some more great moments from Catalina & Santiago today – and then tomorrow night – another all nighter as we do another exciting scene – mixing drama, heartbreak and action all together!

Dean

Then in the morning – after sunrise – we had one more scene to shoot.

What a week!! Next week is more excitement and action – and more night shoots at the end of the week…. why stop now???

Two down – ten more to go!

Stay tuned…..

Dean

Andy and Santiago played a couple of scenes here – and it was really a treat for me to see them bringing more and more to these characters every time we shoot as this story comes alive…  The dynamic between the two of them is really complex and interesting and it’s only the beginning.

I know the cast feels it’s nice to be back “at home” in Durango after our quick trip.

Tonight is our first shooting day with Catalina (as Adriana). I’ve thrown her quite a loop for day 1 – but I know she’s going to amaze everyone with her performance !

Dean

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The scenes in El Catorce’s house were really great. It was our first big action sequence where we really see what Oscar Isaac’s character can do and where he gets his nickname. Shooting all night in another one of Parra’s fantastic sets in the middle of a beautiful canyon was inspiring for everyone – and Oscar kicked some… well…  he rocked!

When you see the movie – just remember – that’s him on his horse – just like they used to do it!

Monday we were in a totally different canyon – equally stunning with El Catorce leading more than 40 horses on a thundering ride. With the dust blowing and the guys charging – what a sight! More today….