Jones
JOHN HUTCHINSON
Commercials and corporate
Scouting for corporate films and commercials has taken John Hutchinson through Tunisia, Jordan, Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The veteran scout points out that while some Middle Eastern countries are conservative when it comes to public conduct or dress, people are always eager to be gracious hosts.
"We were following some wild camels through the desert when a huge Toyota Land Cruiser appeared and two men jumped out," says Hutchinson. "It turned out we were on the property of the emir of Dubai. Once they learned we were scouting for production, they couldn't have been happier we were there."
ILT JONES
'Transformers 2'
Ilt Jones spent several months in Egypt and Jordan last year as part of his work on "Transformers 2" and found the people in both countries "generous and interested in being as helpful as possible."
While some people may have preconceived notions of the Middle East's appearance, Jones points out that the area is incredibly diverse.
Jones found the Royal Film Commission of Jordan especially helpful, and the Jordanian government accommodating as well. "We needed to get our film equipment to Petra, and the government made Black Hawk helicopters available to us to help airlift it there," Jones says.
MICHAEL JOHN MEEHAN
Peter Weir project
While scouting Petra and Wadi Rum in Jordan for a Peter Weir film, Michael John Meehan was struck by the helpfulness of the Royal Film Commission of Jordan and the Jordanian people's interest in strangers.
"I was looking for a flat, desolate area for the film in an area north of Wadi Rum, and my guide made me aware that a tribe of Bedouins had settled in the area and felt it would be courteous to go and have tea with them," Meehan says.
"They were curious about everything I was doing, about American politics, and excited about the possibility of Obama becoming president. Their kindness to me was clearly not an exception. It was the rule in terms of how they greet people."
ROB SWENSON
'Transformers 2'
While on location in Egypt for "Transformers 2," Rob Swenson couldn't help but be impressed by the nation's iconic pyramids.
"There's nothing like them and nothing equals them anywhere else in the world," says Swenson, a location scout for more than 10 years.
Swenson also liked working with the approximately 100 local crew members hired for the shoot. "We were one of the larger productions to come in there recently," Swenson says. "But they really raised their game and did a great job."
Working in Egypt had other benefits. "The food you can buy on the street from vendors is fantastic," Swenson says. "And the people there are incredibly gracious and warm."
Contact the Variety newsroom at
news@variety.com