BEHIND THE SCENES: MOVIN' ON UP

This entry was posted on 11/27/2006 9:18 PM and is filed under production.

Filming a movie definitely has its perks. Today is proof of that because we got the opportunity to film scenes of Mary Shelley's THE LAST MAN in one of the most beautiful homes in the state. If you can imagine what it might have been like to live in a villa in the Roman Empire if it survived until today, you wouldn't have to close your eyes to imagine it.

Renowned hair designer Ezquidio Valdez is the owner and the designer of the hill top villa where he has crafted a breathtaking environment that's an opulant feast for the eyes. I couldn't turn my head five degrees at a time without my eyes falling on another beautiful antique or work of art that put a smile on my face. After looking around, its magnificence really takes your breath away. I almost forgot what we were doing there but we were welcomed into Mr. Valdez's home to film the scenes where Lionel moves into a place a little more upscale than Ray's military surplus warehouse. If you were the last man, wouldn't you do like the Jeffersons and move uptown too?

The Roman villa backdrop to Lionel establishing his "empire of one" was perfect for our movie. From this hill top refuge, Lionel plans his actions against the Diseased downtown, fighting his war against them in the dark streets while living in this palace during the day provides the perfect contrast for the story. Of course, living alone forever without any human contact does take its psychological toll and before long, Lionel begins to create his own inanimate friends - specifically Eva, from the hospital. Okay, she's just a hodge-podge of manequin parts but she becomes his only companion.

 
The cool marble floors greet our feet as we are welcomed to this fabulous mansion by beautiful Roman sculptures at the doorway.
The beautifully decorated living room area took our breath away.
The living room area came complete with candles, antiques, rugs and marble coffee tables.
Ezquidio Valdez decorated his home with many Roman inspired statues as well.
An outside sitting area also came decorated with glass coffee tables and fineley stitched throw pillows.
Another view of the sitting area with a two-dimensional wall hanging inspired by the Roman era.
The cieling Frescos depict heaven and the Roman Gods. Looking up at it was quite breath-taking.
Another view of the Fresco which had everyone constantly looking up during production.
The Roman God, Jupiter, was at the North corner of the Fresco.
James Arnett and Santiago Craig on set and looking at the Fresco while filming scenes of Lionel seeing the home for the first time.
Santiago Craig entering the front door of this palace while James Arnett captures the images.
James Arnett adjusting an Omni light on the front stairs of this opulent palace.
James Arnett filming from the beautiful area rug next to the Entertainment center by the sofa in the living room area.
Filming Santiago Craig in costume as Lionel fights off a bout of depression in the living room area of the palace.
James Arnett armoring Lionel's .45 ACP Colt Combat Commander pistol.
Discussing with Santiago Craig as a depressed Lionel James Arnett sets the mood for this scene.
The beautifully decorated Master Bedroom was also used in the film.
Another view of the Master Bedroom used by Lionel as his 'home away from home".
Santiago Craig and James Arnett clearing the Palace of any possible Diseased.
Actor Santiago Craig touring the palace with James Arnett capturing the images.
The Master Bedroom Master Bath.
Zelie Rivera prepping the "Fake Eva" manequin.
Zelie Rivera applies lipstick to the manequin.
Ready to film with Santiago Craig and "Fake Eva".
Actor Santiago Craig with "Fake Eva" during a break in filming while James Arnett adjusts the camera.
iGracias Ezquidio Valdez! Here he is enjoying the filming which occurred in his beautiful home.
A classic Roman Statue tops the fountain.
Even the outside pool was breathtaking.
James Arnett filming a waters edge shot of the pool.
James Arnett capturing Santiago Craig reading Sun Tzu's "The Art of War" for the movie.
Actor Santiago Craig walking away from James Arnett as he captures more footage from the pool area.
Ezquidio Valdez and James Anrett watch the playback from the camera.
 

Terms of Use

© James Arnett, all rights reserved.