Director Lee Isaac Chung takes viewers behind the scenes of the thrilling tornado sequence in his latest film “Twisters.” In this heart-pounding scene, actors Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, James Paxton, Lily Smith, Samantha Ireland, Aila Grey, and Jeff Swearingen come together to create a truly immersive experience.
Chung’s inspiration for filming a night tornado stemmed from his own childhood experiences in tornado alley, where night tornadoes were always the most frightening. With the help of special effects expert Scott Fisher, the team was able to create a realistic and intense tornado experience for viewers.
One of the most memorable moments in the sequence involved Jeff Swearingen being rigged up and pulled back into the pool, followed by a stunt performer being lifted 60 feet into the air. The team also rigged a trailer to slam against the edge of the pool, creating a chaotic and intense atmosphere on set.
To achieve the destruction of the set, the crew worked simultaneously inside and outside of the swimming pool set, ensuring that the background appeared intact before the tornado hit. The motel setting was transformed into a horseshoe shape, with an office built to be destroyed in the aftermath of the tornado.
Despite the challenges and intensity of filming such a scene, Chung credits his incredible camera operator, Geoff Haley, for capturing the beauty and technical expertise needed to bring the sequence to life. With a talented cast and dedicated crew, “Twisters” promises to deliver a thrilling and immersive tornado experience for audiences.
