It’s Like Alchemy

by Stefan Schwartz, (director, episodes three, four, and eight)

I always get nervous before a first day directing any show, and this was no exception. I woke early and went through all the scenes I was going to shoot, and then went early to the set. The first day we were shooting on the soundstage on a very small set, which is Kenny’s apartment. I knew it would be a tricky balance, keeping movement in the scenes and still getting the camera and crew into the room as well. It turned out to be very awkward, what with the air-conditioning units, camera track, and dolly (the wheels we roll the camera on), and everyone who needed to be in the room.  But I was pleased with the way the actors approached the work and we got some great scenes. 

Having directed on the first season of “Crash,” when I heard the ideas for season two, which sounded brilliant, I wanted to come back. I mean: how often do you get to direct a twisted baseball coach with an obsession for a young pitcher? Or have Dennis Hopper break down in tears? 

Every actor has his or her process. Some come from the emotion, some from the words. Some are very technical, and some are instinctual. I try and tune into every actor’s needs, and communicate what I believe the scene is about, and then together with them, try and find the best way of interpreting the scene in a brief rehearsal period. 

Due to the schedule, we don’t really have the time to go again and again. Moran--who plays Inez--always loves another take. Dennis knows when he has it right, and is happy to do very few takes. Everyone always does a take on book—exactly as scripted--but sometimes others then give me alternative takes where they improvise a bit. Ross McCall is great at going off book.  

I have to say, I am continually surprised by cast members. The way they can bring a scene to life. The way they can twist an intention with a subtle change of performance. The way they can inhabit the characters so completely. It is like alchemy.  

Dennis Hopper is a very powerful actor. Eric Roberts has charm and deep warmth. Ross McCall is very human, and gives humor and heart. Jake McLaughlin has a great edge and intensity. Jocko Sims is so relaxed and easy with his performance. Moran Atias is loved by the camera, and is amazingly emotional. Linda Park is very subtle with her performance whilst still giving depth. Dana Ashbrook has a raw energy and a great physicality.

One standout scene for me was on a night shoot when we had Bo (Jake McLaughlin) breaking down, and smashing a sign at the baseball field. We began shooting, then the heavens opened. Pouring rain! Normally we should have stopped shooting, but I decided it would be great in the scene if we did it in the rain. We kept shooting, with Jake getting soaked and the camera team huddling under sheets of plastic. The rushes (dailies) were fantastic!

What I love most about working on “Crash” is the varied work. You are moving between very different stories with some very edgy scenes.