SCENESTEALER

No fooling. That was the mandate from director Andy Tennant for the stunt work in “Fool’s Gold,” like this shot featuring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson underwater searching for treasure secreted in a cavern only accessible via blowhole at low tide. The blowhole was created by the special effects crew on location in Queensland, Australia. The cavern set measured 30 meters long by 20 meters wide, and mostly filled a 15-meter-deep studio tank. Although pieces of the set’s practical rock roof could be removed for safety, “it was essentially dangerous because it was always underwater,” says first assistant director Toby Pease (“Titanic”). A team of safety divers carried respirators for both actors. Says Pease: “At times there were so many guys in wet suits surrounding the underwater camera that a ‘Making of’ might’ve been funnier.”