Behind the Scenes of "Long Gone Heroes": Insights from Juan Pablo Raba
In a revealing conversation with Klep Napier from WeAreCritix.com, actor Juan Pablo Raba talks about the distinct and intimate atmosphere present on the set of Lionsgate's "Long Gone Heroes." The film, a high-octane action saga with a notable ensemble cast including Frank Grillo and Makai Pfeiffer, shines due to its collaborative nature.
Key Takeaways
A unique, family-like atmosphere: Juan Pablo Raba emphasizes the camaraderie and close-knit dynamic on set, likening it to a family.
Guerrilla filmmaking spirit: The freedom and collaboration inherent in indie films allowed the cast to explore characters more deeply.
Authentic military action: Despite no formal training for this film, the cast's previous military role experiences lent authenticity to their performances.
The Close-Knit Dynamic of Indie Films
Raba highlights how making an indie film is akin to forming a family. He underscores this by stating, "making an indie…it's really, really the closest you’ll ever be to making a family in a very short amount of time…you share laughter, joy, and you share pain". This captures the essence of working on smaller-budget films where the cast and crew form tight bonds, ensuring the movie's production feels collaborative right from the get-go.
On set, this mutual dependence is crucial, especially when filming in diverse and often remote locations. Raba explains, "you’re gonna go to set. You’re gonna see those cats in the hotel, you’re gonna see them in the restaurant." Such constant interaction fosters a camaraderie unseen in larger productions.
The Freedom and Collaboration of Indie Films
Raba's process in joining "Long Gone Heroes" is itself an interesting tale of serendipity and artistic freedom. Amid a delay on another project, Raba received a call about the film and was instantly intrigued by the crew involved. After a quick conversation with the director, John Swab, he jumped on board.
For Raba, working on indie films offers a liberating experience, radically different from the constraints of big-budget movies. "You know, with a family, you share laughter, joy, and you share pain. Well, it’s the same in a movie…especially if it’s a military movie," Raba states. This freedom allows actors to delve deep into their roles without the stifling pressure of large studio oversight.
This independence leads to a fertile ground for creativity and genuine collaboration. Raba notes, "I want to group with cool, like-minded people that just want to do something great but also not die in the process." His passion for such projects shines, highlighting the excitement and authenticity that stem from these unique ventures.
Authenticity in Action: Military Roles and Training
Despite the film’s significant military action sequences, the cast didn’t undergo formal training specifically for this movie. Yet, the performances carry an undeniable realism due to the actors' extensive prior experiences.
Raba discusses his previous rigorous training with former Navy SEALs for other roles, emphasizing the importance of muscle memory and trigger discipline. These elements, according to Raba, are crucial as they fundamentally underpin realistic portrayals of military characters. "The most important thing you have to know with guns is muscle awareness…if you have good training, everybody's gonna know what to do," he explains.
Additionally, the ensemble cast's collective background in action roles contributed significantly to the film’s authenticity. Raba shares, "Frank, of course, he's done this his whole life." Such shared expertise meant that they could approach the complex and potentially dangerous scenes with an instinctive understanding of what was required.
With a fascinating blend of camaraderie, creative freedom, and authentic portrayals, "Long Gone Heroes" emerges as a standout in the action genre. Juan Pablo Raba’s insights offer an inside look at the film's unique production dynamics, illustrating the profound impact of shared experiences and mutual respect on creating compelling cinema. The project stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit of indie filmmaking, delivering an action-packed narrative that resonates deeply due to its genuine, heartfelt production process.
You can see Lionsgate's 'LONG GONE HEROES' in theaters or on digital, September 20th!
Comentarios