American Primeval: The Making of a Massacre Scene
Go behind the scenes with cinematographer Jacques Jouffret to discover how the shocking Mountain Meadows Massacre scene in the 'American Primeval' pilot was filmed.
The Vision Behind the Violence
Director Peter Berg and DP Jacques Jouffret had a clear vision: to depict the final moments of the historical Mountain Meadows Massacre with unflinching realism. This involved careful planning, but also embracing spontaneous moments on set.
An Unplanned Shot: The Power of Improv
Jouffret discusses one particularly powerful shot that was completely unplanned, revealing how it captured the raw intensity of the scene. He explains how the crew had to adapt and capitalize on the unexpected opportunity to create a truly unforgettable moment.
A still from the 'American Primeval' pilot episode.
The Guiding Light: Four Key Elements
Jouffret outlines the four key elements that served as the "guiding light" for the filmmaking team during the production of this intense scene. These elements helped them maintain authenticity and emotional impact throughout the process.
Further Reading
Learn more about the latest TV news and features on The Hollywood Reporter.
Read about the Mountain Meadows Massacre on Wikipedia to get historical context.
1080p
