GETAWAY: Director and Stunt Coordinator Told us about Car Chases, Brave Actors

Last night in Los Angeles Warner Brothers held a special event to celebrate the upcoming release of their latest high-speed action flick Getaway (in theaters August 30th). The film stars Ethan Hawke and Selena Gomez. Director Courtney Solomon and stunt coordinator Charlie Picerni talked in depth about their experience working on the film in a relaxed conversation moderated by rapper/car enthusiast Xzibit, whose love for cars was well documented in his MTV hit series Pimp My Ride.

In his first directorial effort since An American Haunting (2005) , Solomon attempted to create some of the most realistic car action sequences seen on the screen in recent years. “There was no CGI and no green screens. Every single accident you see in the film is real” said the filmmaker, who made the decision to do it the hard -certainly most expensive- way.

Also present at the event was the Shelby Mustang used in the film, which was one of the dozens of cars utilized and wrecked in the shooting. About the risks of making this particular movie, Picerni noted that Bulgaria’s less controlled industry gave the crew more freedom to create the realism seen on screen. This includes extremely difficult and highly choreographed chases. One needed over 25 cars, pedestrians, and police cars strategically positioned to get the desire results without anyone been harmed.

Solomon commended his cast for their willingness to work in risky conditions, especially Hawke who did a lot of the extreme driving himself. The director stated that his inspiration for the film was the French short by Claude Lelouch, C’était un rendez-vous, a celebrated classic that was a pioneer in immersive car sequences. Solomon admits that this is the simple story of a man who really loves his wife; however, the incredibly intense action will make it something special: “I want this movie to be an experience!” he concluded.

“Getaway” is the gritty, heart-pounding action thriller from Warner Bros. Pictures and Dark Castle Entertainment starring Academy Award® nominee Ethan Hawke (“Training Day,” “The Purge,” “Sinister”), actress and international music sensation Selena Gomez (“Springbreakers,” “Wizards of Waverly Place”), and Academy Award® winner Jon Voight (“Coming Home,” the “National Treasure” films) under the direction of Courtney Solomon (“An American Haunting”), who also produced the film.