Hey guys, it's Aimee Garcia. I play the EMT helicopter pilot on NBC's new show Trauma, Peter Berg's action-packed medical drama about a group of heroic EMTs in San Francisco.
Cast of Trauma standing in the middle of the 280 Freeway in San Francisco
By now, I'm sure you've seen Trauma promos with helicopter crashes and tanker explosions. And, you're probably wondering how many of those stunts are real, how much of the show is computer generated, and if we're really shooting in San Francisco. Well, I decided to write this blog to give you guys behind-the-scenes access to each episode and answer your questions.
YES. We do a lot of our own stunts.
NO. We don't shoot in a Los Angeles sound stage. We shoot in San Francisco and almost all of the actors have re-located to the Bay area.
NBC Promo Shoot
YES. This fireball is real. We were running from an ACTUAL four-story explosion. And, we had only TWO takes to get the shot. Apparently, that's how Michael Muller, the photographer, likes to work. He spikes up the actors' adrenaline to capture a high-energy moment. He wanted us to feel the fire and we did. (In fact, I think an ember landed on my neck). The verdict?
We looked like WIMPS! I was like, "Guys we look like the victims instead of the rescuers." Luckily, we got a second try. Somehow, Cliff (Curtis) looked pretty convincing. "How do you do it?" I asked. "Just keep your eyes open," he said. "How do you keep your eyes open when there's a HUGE explosion 10 feet behind you?" "You just keep your eyes open... Muller is THE BEST."
Not only was Muller the best, apparently, he was a LEGEND, too. He shot the movie poster and promotional photos for Iron Man, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Spider-Man 3 and Fantastic Four and has photographed Joaquin Phoenix, Robert Downey Jr., Drew Barrymore, Will Smith, Eva Mendes, Casey Affleck and Don Cheadle to name a few. I thought, WOW, THIS is the moment I've been waiting for -- my chance to be photographed like "Wonder Woman." I took a deep breath and tried to channel my inner superhero. "Look to the side," Muller directed. "Look tough," he said. "Run towards me... great. Next!" I was so excited that it was over before I knew it. Here's the picture he ended up taking.
Michael Muller photo of "Marisa Benez"
I'm no Wonder Woman, but at least I kept my eyes open for the shot.
Well, I can't wait for you guys to check out the season premiere of Trauma. In true Peter Berg fashion, you'll see helicopter crashes, car pile-ups and bloody victims. But, you'll also see amazing performances by Cliff Curtis (never tell him I said that), Derek Luke, Anastasia Griffith, Jamey Sheridan, Kevin Rankin and Taylor Kinney.
Make sure to come back soon for behind-the-scenes tidbits about the pilot (airing Sept. 28th) and the intensive training we undertook to do justice to these true-life heroes. Fasten your seat belt for the world premiere of Trauma.
