The Most Challenging Aspect of Creating Mission Impossible III: “The most challenging thing was probably the logistics of filming in the United States, in Los Angeles and in Virginia, shooting in Italy in two cities, in China in two cities, in Berlin and having all the visual effects shots there. There are many, many visual effects shots in this movie and special effects and stunts. It was really just logistically preparing this, and a lot of that credit goes to the producers of the movie who helped schedule and set up the production of the film. But, you know, we were incredibly responsible I think making this movie. We finished ahead of schedule and under-budget. For me, it was totally the result of having a crew that was just hard working and dedicated and great at what they do.
My TV training had gotten me used to limited time and budget, but the hardest thing truly was always just in every scene when people are talking, making sure you believe that those people hate each other or that those two guys are great friends or that couple’s in love. It was always the stuff that was the most relatable stuff, the most mundane, that ultimately I think people will just know rings true or not. So the stunt work was always a cool and exciting challenge, but the hardest stuff was always the most unexpected kind of small character work.”
A Little Lost News: Now that he’s finished with Mission Impossible III, that should mean Abrams has more time to dedicate to Lost. “I look forward to going back to Lost,” admitted Abrams, “although ultimately I hope to do both. It was an amazing experience doing this movie. If they’ll have me back to direct another movie, I’d love to do one.”
Speaking of movies, how about a Lost feature film? Abrams laughed. “I think we make it every week. I honestly don’t know what else we would do. There have been discussions of all different types of things Lost, but it feels to me like the ambition at least has been, the production of that series is to try to make a little movie every week.”
This Year’s Lost Cliffhanger: No spoilers here although Abrams says it will top the first season’s finale. “I can tell you that Damon Lindelof has done just that. The ending of this year in Lost blows the ending of last season out of the water. It’s an incredible finale.”
There hasn’t been a single theme like ‘the hatch’ this year so what could Lindelof have in mind to dangle in front of Lost fans? “You’ll see what happens but I can tell you that a lot of it has been there and been building from the beginning of this season. It’s not out of the blue, but what happens at the very end of this year, for me, it’s the greatest finale I have ever heard.”
And Sorry Alias Fans But… Abrams said there’s not much chance of a movie anytime soon. “I think at the moment, right now Alias is sort of going to rest in just the right way, so I think that it’s the right way for it to go out.”
