Just to be clear:
Bonhomme Richard Showcased in Upcoming SEAL Movie
Story Number: NNS090727-13
Release Date: 7/27/2009 4:41:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Marcus Stanley, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs
USS BONHOMME RICHARD, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) witnessed some movie magic during the filming of some scenes for an upcoming feature film on board the amphibious assault ship July 19-21.
A production crew from Bandito Brothers Productions, backed by Legendary Pictures, responsible for films such as "300" and "The Dark Knight" embarked Bonhomme Richard for the first few days of the ship's composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) to shoot some supporting scenes for a film about naval special warfare, tentatively titled "I Am That Man."
"I Am That Man" is a hybrid feature film based on the SEAL ethos that highlights both naval special warfare capability and fleet interaction.
"I found the SEALs fascinating," said film director/producer Mike "Mouse" McCoy, who has directed and produced films such as: Navy SWCC, "Dust to Glory" (documentary on the Baja 1000); and Gearhead: the Legend of Mickey Thompson. "People never know exactly how far you can push yourself, and the SEALs are a direct representation of that."
When McCoy and his Bandito Brothers partner, producer Scott Waugh, first decided they would shoot a film about the SEALs, they knew they would need to show the support from each part of the Navy to give an accurate depiction of what goes into making SEALs such a diverse and special entity.
"There is so much more that's a part of this great Navy in helping support the SEALS, and I dig that," said Waugh.
To show the complete spectrum of Navy capability in the film, the producers wanted to shoot supporting scenes on a large deck platform. While they originally considered an aircraft carrier, their interest shifted focus to an amphibious platform.
"The Bonhomme Richard is an incredible platform to incorporate into this film," said Waugh. "I had no idea there was such thing as an amphibious class of ships."
"We saw this as a great opportunity to highlight [the] surface navy and showcase the synergy between the amphibious navy and naval special warfare," explained Capt. John W. Funk, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard. "We saw an opportunity to do this during COMPTUEX without impacting our training schedule."
The production crew, which included Director of Cinematography Shane Hurlbut, spent three days, both in port and at sea shooting scenes in the ship's well deck, upper vehicle storage area, flight deck and the bridge. Hurlbut was in charge of photography for several notable feature films, most recently
"Terminator: Salvation."
Sailors from deck and air departments provided assistance to the production crew behind the scenes helping coordinate set up for shots, as well as some actually being in the scenes.
"It was pretty interesting to watch a professional film crew and actually to help out behind the scenes," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Rodney Mayes. "Hopefully I get a chance to see it when it reaches theaters."
According to Capt. Duncan Smith from Naval Special Warfare Command and Navy liaison officer for this film project, tremendous efforts went in to ensuring no tactics or secrets were revealed during the film's production. He added that the SEALs portrayed in the film are actual, active-duty SEAL officers and special warfare operators.
"It's important to us that the SEAL ethos and naval special warfare is accurately portrayed," said Smith.
"Every time a SEAL appears in the film, it's truly a SEAL."
"I'm proud of how professionally the Bonhomme Richard crew supported both the filming and the full schedule of COMPTUEX events," said Funk. "The Bandito Brothers chose the right crew of Sailors and Marines to showcase the professionalism of the surface and amphibious Navy."
"I Am That Man" is scheduled for release in IMAX theaters in the fall of 2010.
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USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6).
