irma_gedden wrote: 1. What is the biggest difference between a set like DIrect Contact and the Expendables set?
It's a good question and I'll just answer from my perspective only. First of all you have to take into account that I've spent 5 days on the set of DIRECT CONTACT and only 1 on THE EXPENDABLES. Also note that both films are produced by the same company (Nu Image/Millennium Films) with some of the same producers (Les Weldon) and THE EXPENDABLES, although a big budget, is still an independent production outside of the studio system (which probably would have made more difference). One big difference is the location and crew: on DC you are in Bulgaria (not that it's bad because it's a beautiful country) with a few international above the line crew and cast members (Dolph, Gina May, Michael Paré, Ross Clarkson, Les Weldon, Mark Roper, Barry Evans) and 90% of Bulgarians (who have different personalities and behavior than Americans obviously)... and on THE EXPENDABLES you're (in my case) in New Orleans with an American crew, some of them veterans and the best in the business. They obviously have more equipments, cranes of all sizes, the palace set for of the final battle was definitely huge etc (and better craft service!) It was the end of the shoot when I visited and it wasn't a crazy action scene, so everybody was very laid back and just doing their job, probably exhausted from the previous 3 months.
But overall, even though every production is different, a film set is always kind of the same once you've been on a few, the biggest difference being the number of people. Also even on a huge deal like TE, I heard the same kind of complaints that it was still pretty unorganized and somewhat messed up, that the producers were over their heads etc Maybe I'm wrong but I suspect that to some extent, Nu Image will always function the same way, whether they have money or not, it's a very particular company (just like Cannon was) that can't be totally corporate (maybe that's not such a bad thing?).
I'll add that the biggest difference is DIRECT CONTACT was directed by someone who's pretty passive on the set and is not very demanding and thankfully for him and the film, he could rely on a very good cinematographer (Ross Clarkson), a very good assistant/second unit director (Mark Roper), and a star who's very involved and makes suggestions too. On the other hand, THE EXPENDABLES is the fruit of one army general, Sylvester Stallone, who is a very commanding director (crew were almost scared of him) with a clear, precise and detailed vision of what he wants, and he's not gonna quit before he gets it.
2. Is Dolph as intelligent and nice as he seems in interviews?
Absolutely, and more! He's very down to earth and he demonstrates his seriousness and dedication in work, and his fun personality and sense of humor. He also treats everybody equally and with respect. Dolph isn't the type "I know it all and it's my way or the highway"; it's the opposite: he trusts people and asks for their opinions. Movie star or not, he's just a very nice person to deal with and hang out with.
3. What was the most enjoyable thing about your vist?
Finally meeting Dolph in person, after 20 years of fandom! (The shoot was great fun too, with lots of explosions, shoot outs etc!)