“Need for Speed” stars Aaron Paul and Scott Mescudi and director Scott Waugh are traveling around the country promoting their project, which filmed largely in Georgia and opens March 14.
The action-packed movie, based on the best-selling video game, features lots of roaring (and sometimes soaring) engines. Paul plays Tobey, who runs an auto shop by day and street races by night. Following an unjust hitch in prison, he hits the road bent on revenge and redemption. Mescudi plays Benny, Tobey’s high-flying friend, whose bird’s-eye view helps Tobey navigate at top speed.
“These guys did a lot of their own stunts,” said Waugh, himself a former stuntman. “(Mescudi) had to learn to fly and (Paul) had to learn to drive. The only time I didn’t let them do their own stunts is when we were going to jump or wreck.”
Waugh hasn’t entirely made the transition from stuntman to director.
“To obtain a close-up shot of Mescudi piloting the helicopter, Waugh harnessed himself to the outside of the chopper and stood on the skids to get the shot himself, rather than letting a cameraman take the risk,” according to a fact sheet provided by the studio.
“Need for Speed,” also starring Dominic Cooper, Imogen Poots and Michael Keaton, is set in numerous spots across the country, starting in New York and ending in California. Look for downtown Columbus and Macon, a private estate in Buckhead and the drive-in movie in Blue Ridge when the movie hits the big screen. Atlanta filming locations included STK in Midtown.
“It was a fantastic experience working with the ‘Need for Speed’ cast and crew,” said Celeste Fierro, executive vice president of the ONE Group, STK’s parent company. “We’re looking forward to seeing and supporting the movie as they have supported us.”
We talked to Paul, Mescudi and Waugh during their Atlanta pit stop. Actually, you did. Since the movie is based on an interactive video game, we alerted our Twitter audience to see what was on everyone’s mind. So, here are your questions and their answers.
Savannah Now asked if the guys have a favorite video game, a very on-point question.
Waugh: My life is a video game. Being a stuntman, I don't really play many video games.
Mescudi: My favorite is "Grand Theft Auto." I also love racing games.
Paul: I don't really play many video games. I do have a "Pac-Man" arcade game.
Zack Myers wanted to know what it was like to shoot the movie here versus in L.A.
Waugh: The people. Here people are nice. They're so wonderful to be around. It was refreshing. When you go eat out, it's more than just the food you're eating. It's the experience. The people here are nice and friendly.
Paul: When you go out to eat in L.A., it's like they're upset you're there.
Mescudi: It would have been a different film if we had filmed in L.A. It wouldn't have been a feature film. It would have been a Web series.
Jonathan Laura asked if Paul’s character on “Breaking Bad” might make his way onto a different show now that the AMC hit is finished.
Paul: I think Jesse might show up in the prequel of "Breaking Bad" (AMC's upcoming show "Better Call Saul"). That's not 100 percent. We're kind of talking about it.
Kimberlee wanted to know what Paul’s favorite pizza toppings are.
Paul: Any, really. Antico Pizza is the best pizza I've ever had in my life. That is a huge statement because I love pizza. Everyone knows I love pizza!
Curvy Jones asked that we tell Paul she loves him.
We forgot to mention that. Shoot! But we did ask if there might be a “Need for Speed” sequel. All three guys said maybe and they sure hope so.
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