Set Report From Terminator: Genesis (2015)

The filming of Terminator: Genesis (AKA Terminator 5) is ongoing in New Orleans.  From various obscure corners of the internet some pictures and reports have emerged.  First is this set report, which is interesting:

I am fortunate to be living in the city where the next Terminator is being filmed; as a result I have access to a few people who have worked on the film. I have to say that I am torn between what I’ve been told, some a huge spoilers, and respecting the filmmakers, including Arnold, who are working incredibly hard to bring to the screen what I think is a very inventive, exciting film that both respects the original films. particularly 1 and 2, while at the same time positioning itself to go in new directions. Of course the words “inventive”. “clever” and “exciting” are subjective; everyone sees things differently. For some the concept of taking into account Arnolds age by portraying a T-1800 with an aging exterior is clever, to others it’s dumb. There is no pleasing anyone.

With that said, here is an account, from someone I know who was at the freeway shoot this weekend.

 The three day shoot at the base of the Crescent City connection, the bridge that crosses the Mississippi River in New Orleans, was a significant second unit shoot. Arnold was not there, he was shooting with the first unit at an abandoned power plant ; nor were any other of the main cast. Doubles were on set to provide lighting and camera reference. This is going to be a major scene in the film. It is not a chase scene but is thrilling and has a lot of action.

On the freeway a spectacular “event ” occurs . It causes chaos. Cars wreck. One is sliced in half. This scene appears, by the cars used, to take place in present day or the near future. Although filmed in New Orleans the setting is meant to be California; all of the cars have California plates.

While it’s not a chase, there is a lot of action. Almost every very filmmaking technique in the book was in use. There was stunt work including driving, practical and visual effects. A special lighting rig was in place that created a strobe/lightening effect when needed. A cut-away version of one vehicle, a van, was built. the on set effects were minimal. Smoke, fire and sparks will be added in post production.

A couple of other things that I picked up. As we know this movie takes place in several time periods. I was told that one scene from the first movie was recreated down to the smallest detail. Arnold’s mature Terminator will encounter his prime self. He is not facing a different looking T-800.There has been a lot of speculation as to how this will be achieved. Let’s just say that the filmmakers have been using ANY and EVERY technique needed to pull off this encounter. Arnold is said to look great. He’s tan and fit but he is not the Arnold of 1984.

There is a reason for no photo’s The production company makes it clear that there is to be no unauthorized photography of any kind. I was told that police and other security ran off several people who were trying to get shots on the freeway location. On top of that there a production assistants everywhere. any attempt to get a shot would be dealt with swiftly.

Secondly, the picture at the top of the article is also interesting.  Obviously it’s an ’80s patrol car, but looking closer, it’s the patrol car that Schwarzenegger’s T-800 used in the original movie.  Car number 1874 appears on both which is no coincidence.  The man pictured is obviously not Arnold and, I’m guessing, is a stunt driver.  Both pictures below for comparison.