Helicopter pilot Fred North has worked on several Michael Bay films, but reveals the action director has a flaw. Bay is one of the most popular action film directors currently working in Hollywood, having directed films such as Armageddon, Bad Boysand five Transformers films. His most recent film, Ambulancefollows two adopted brothers, played by Jake Gyllenhaal and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, who steal $32 million from a bank and try to escape through the streets of Los Angeles. In the process, they end up hijacking an ambulance and taking two hostages – a paramedic and a police officer.
Bay has earned a reputation as a filmmaker who likes to include the most exaggerated action scenes in his films. Often these scenes include massive explosions captured by helicopter cameras. North worked as a helicopter pilot on several of Bay’s films, giving him important insight into Bay’s process of filming some of his most explosive action scenes. However, North points out Bay’s flaw.
Michael Bay is known for action scenes involving helicopters and explosions
Ambulance is one of Michael Bay’s best films
In a video with Runner CrewNorth talked about working on the river scene in Los Angeles in Ambulance where the brother and sister duo are chased by two helicopters across the city. North explained that designing a scene like this is a matter of timing to get the proper shots.but acknowledged that Bay isn’t the best when it comes to counting. He also cited an example of Bay’s bad timing when he was working on a Transformers film with the director. Read his full comments below:
Typically, the way we do this, we choose what we call the number one position. So position number one was before the bridge, so the ambulance is there. The first helicopter, the black and white one, is behind him, and then the camera ship is a little higher, further away because you need to be moving when everything starts moving. The camera ship is basically the one that controls all the time and provides the action. Michael, bless his heart, is amazing at doing so many things, but to tell you the truth, his timing is not good.
I remember in one of the Transformers, it was hovering and there was a huge explosion. Michael wanted to give us the right moment and we all know that’s not a good idea. But it’s Michael and he can do whatever he wants.
Due to its intense, sometimes cartoonish action sequences, not all viewers take Bay’s films seriously. Bay Transformers The films, especially the later sequels, did not receive positive reviews and were considered dumb action films. However, Ambulance is one of Michael Bay’s best films and tells a truly moving story between two brothers. So it’s clear that Bay is still capable of creating a thrilling action film with an intriguing premise.
Based on Fred North’s comments, it’s clear that he and Bay have a very strong working relationship. It’s refreshing to know that North isn’t afraid to criticize the director, as filmmaking is a collaborative effort. Ambulancein particular, it featured several excellent aerial photosand it’s obvious that North deserves a lot of credit for her work on the film. If they team up again for a future action film, it’s possible it will top Ambulance.
Source: Runner Crew