By Meaghan Cunningham / Asst. Inscape Editor
By Meaghan Cunningham / Asst. Inscape Editor
Through Oct. 8 and 9, Paramount Pictures allowed college press an amazing opportunity to attend the “Jackass 3D” pre-screening and interview the stars of the film.
The crew reunited for their 10 year anniversary to make “Jackass” in 3-D.
The all star cast includes: Bam Margera, Johnny Knoxville, Jason “Wee Man” Acuna, Preston Lacy, Dave England, Steve-O, Chris Pontius, Ryan Dunn, Ehren McGhehy and the director Jeff Tremaine along with multiple guest stars.
On Oct. 8, I attended the press pre-screening of the movie at Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
At the showing, the audience was provided with complimentary soda and popcorn.
As the theatre quickly filled up everyone was given the option to sit in the regular theater seat or a “D-Box” motion seat. I took the “D-Box” seat and enjoyed the action as if I were apart of the stunt.
After the film, college press was released for the night.
However, the fun wasn’t quite over for me yet. On the way to my car, I walked right into Margera, who was there for the press junket that was to take place the following day.
As Bam and I exchanged small talk he told me, “The worst thing I could have probably done was tell the director of “Jackass” that I’m terrified of snakes cause that means, lets throw snakes on Bam.”
The next day the press junket for “Jackass 3D” was held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
The press were divided into small groups and sent to different rooms where we waited for the cast to enter.
Though “Jackass” is not a project that seems like it lends itself to 3-D, Knoxville explained that it didn’t hinder their usual process.
“I asked Jeff, I don’t want me and the cast worrying about cameras…I don’t want to worry about going too far over here, too close because that’s not how we shoot, and we did not worry about the cameras at all,” he said. “We wrote ideas that had to be funny in 2-D first… if it isn’t funny in 2-D it won’t be funny in 3-D…that was kind of our rule.”
Movies in 3-D are either shot in 3-D or converted after shooting. The difference can be seen in the final product.
Shooting in 3-D, as they did on “Jackass,” is always better, but is more expensive, so the conversion method is what’s generally used.
“Shooting it in 3-D, that’s what we did on this movie, it isn’t post converted, shooting it required extra crew, so getting used to that, but really the energy of the guys, getting them back together was so hot, you didn’t feel that wall,” Tremaine said.
Tremaine also discussed how the cast and crew comes up with the unique stunts they perform.
“Our favorite stuff is the stuff that isn’t planned…like while we’re setting up an elaborate stunt,” he said.
Margera explained how they always have to be on guard on set, because anything’s fair game.
“That’s the worst part, if you sleep on the set, you’re doomed,” he said. “There’s a masseuse on set. If you’re like, I just did a stunt, my neck hurts and I need a massage; that’s another vulnerable position that you get stun gunned or peed on or punched.”
From several interviews and speaking with the guys during down time, which was quite often, I got a sense of what they’re like in person.
Many of the guys claim that their inspiration comes from watching cartoons or stuff that makes them laugh.
Although they’re not hardcore pranksters all the time, they are full of humor.
When they sat down at the table for questions they were relaxed and would say something funny to lighten any awkwardness.
Throughout the junket all of the guys were really nice and accommodating.
Overall the access to the cast seemed limitless with respectful boundaries.
The cast mingled with press, contest winners, DJs and staff while taking pictures with fans and making jokes.
Fortunately, I was able to meet much of the cast and hang around the extravaganza. I was able to ask almost any question I had in mind.
Although everyone that was interviewed from the film said a lot of stunts were cut out. There is a “Jackass 3.5” with some extra footage that will be out later this year.
This film is meant for mature audiences and reenactment of any stunts or pranks of any kind are completely discouraged.
