Throughout the 52-day shooting schedule the mood on the set was lively, due in large part to the on-set banter between Wilson and Vaughn, which kept the cast and crew alike laughing long after each take.
“Owen and Vince played off each other so well that they reminded me in a way of Abbott and Costello,” says David Dobkin. “They are a great comedy team because Owen has a very slow methodical delivery and Vince is like a machine gun. Their energy levels and timing were always spot-on and they’re definitely two of the best comedians out there today. It's been amazing to watch them work together because they both raise each other’s game.”
For Wilson and Vaughn, having great chemistry also meant being able to keep up with each other when they would go off the page and improvise during a scene.
“You're never going to get the last word with Vince,” laughs Wilson. “He improvises a lot and is super-fast and glib. Being from Texas, I have a much slower pace and rhythm, but I think it's a funny coupling because although we have completely different deliveries, we have a similar sense of humor. Vince had some funny ideas for my character and gave me some great lines to say and sometimes I would have an idea for his character in the scene.”
“Owen has always been one of the guys out there that I’ve enjoyed watching because he’s really funny and has great timing,” praises Vaughn. “We both worked really hard before we started shooting to develop the story line between our characters. Most of the film, Owen is more of a straight man and I’m the crazy friend, which left a lot a room for my character to go off and riff in certain situations.”
Producer Andrew Panay credits the actors for keeping the atmosphere on set light.
“Everyday there was tons and tons of laughter on the set and it kept everybody loose and willing to take chances,” says Panay. “The real fun began after take three or four when David would let Owen and Vince have a free take to do whatever they wanted. Almost every time they would come up with these gems and it was difficult not to laugh during the middle of the take.”
A master at the art of improvisation, Vaughn shares his thoughts on the subject matter.
“Being able to improv doesn’t always involve coming up with the funniest thing to say,” offers the actor. “In a lot of ways, improvisation is very similar to method acting in that you’re listening and staying in the moment so that you’re open to what that specific moment brings. It’s not a planned course and if you know your character, his background and point of view, then sometimes things will pop into your head during a take to say and do.”
For director of photography Julio Macat, making sure he captured the unpredictable nature of Wilson and Vaughn’s on-screen antics required specific camera set ups and placements.
“You have to be loose with Owen and Vince so you’re not restricting them to hard marks for the lighting,” explains Macat. “If you’re not loose, you can miss a moment. In certain situations we did things like cover two people from across each other at the same time, which isn’t easy because it ends up being a jungle of flags and cutters. It takes more time to set up, but really pays off with guys like Owen and Vince, who may improvise their lines, but always get to the thematic point of the scene just by saying one little thing that touches a chord.”
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