Heads up Mineral Wells! A collaborative effort is coming together in the form of a movie in our part of the world. A first-time event for our city, a director’s first-time in the seat, and an Emmy award winner’s first-time with a tactical shoot. Get ready for a fan made product of passion centering around what has arguably become some of Tom Clancy’s most recognized work. Rainbow Six Siege and its characters are the focus as Mineral Wells becomes the stage. Some of the best operatives in the world storming an occupied complex to shutdown a terrorist plot!
No filmmaker before has spent multiple days in production working with and in the city, giving the Goodday team the opportunity to step behind the scenes and speak to the directors and some of the crew. Our experience was a treat, and the film team was inviting and friendly. We spoke with Co-Directors Cory Haynes and Bunee Tomlinson, Director of Photography Wayne Gassmann, UPM Jason Ramirez, and a couple of sponsors behind the game changing gear, David Ly with Body Armor Vent and GBLS CEO Hyun Cho. Everybody’s creative drive was on display with a clear passion for the family they have built. They shared with us some of their journey and their thoughts on what it has been like working with our ever-growing hometown.
Showing up at the abandoned hospital being used as a set, Goodday was met by David who took us inside and introduced us to Cory and crew. Coming in on their lunch break, the set was loud and happy as they went about their business, pizza in hand. Our team took to our posts, splitting to gather photos, film, and intel. I joined Cory, Bunee, Jason, and Wayne on the upper floors for our chat.
Co-Director Cory Haynes, a military vet, and an active police officer, is no stranger to high pressure situations and tactical thinking. Cory says that he has always been interested in the arts and shared that as a kid he would offer to mow the yard a thousand times to get his dad to buy him a camera. Combining his love of games and media with his knowledge of film production, Cory has pulled up a director’s chair for his first short film. He related sympathy for his family, remarking how hard he can be to deal with when he gets excited about a project and said how thankful he is for their support at home as well as the support of the film community that has come together to work with him.
Mr. Haynes showed evident pride in his work and the people around him. Speaking to the reception he has received from The Mineral Wells Chamber of Commerce he was clear, “Blown away, it has really been phenomenal”. Going on to tell me, “I mean…we lost our helicopter, and they stepped up and gave us a list of names.” His story prompted a collective sigh of relief from the group; all thankful for the help dodging that bullet. He also mentioned how inspired he is by our city’s welcome before he was pulled away for something downstairs.
Bunee Tomlinson is one of the strongest resources Cory has for this project. He is an Emmy award winning director with an eye for character and feeling. When speaking with Bunee, his passion for the work was intense. He was open about being new to this kind of tactical shoot, but excited to help bring these operators to life. Mr. Tomlinson considers himself more than just a guiding hand for Cory’s vision. Saying that he is only here to help teach where he can, and that helping people is a big part of what drives him. That selfless attitude is illustrated by his past and continuing work to provide a platform for people, places, and their stories.
When talking about Mineral Wells, Bunee was just as excited about how film friendly the town is, voicing his appreciation for the local attitude and effort that makes it easy for film crews to come in and get to work without extensive red tape. He related how much easier it becomes for a production company to invest in local business and talent when their budget is not blown on permits. Going on to say that “For filming in Texas, Mineral Wells. If it fits for location, Mineral Wells, because they are there to guide you…whatever you need.”
Director of Photography Wayne Gassmann and UPM Jason Ramirez shared this sentiment. Both have an extended history in media and production. With their extensive film experience, I found their words on the town encouraging. They echoed the words of Haynes and Tomlinson and Wayne went on to say, “I’ve already talked to a handful of people back in Kansas…’if you guys ever need to shoot something, Mineral Wells is gonna be the place to do it.’”
As my time with everyone came to an end, I rounded out my interviews with David Ly of Body Armor Vent and GBLS CEO Hyun Cho who have each provided backing and equipment for the production. Together they provide some of the most intuitive and comfortable gear that can be used. With Cho bringing in a unique model of airsoft gun featuring, in my opinion, industry changing technology his company has created the safest and most practical looking armament that I have seen for cinema. The inclusion of their DAS (Dynamic Action System) in a production can negate the need for much of the logistics around hosting, transporting, and using other facsimiles or actual firearms. This goes a long way toward making everyone involved safer.
The film team began calling everyone back before I could get much more from them. Going back downstairs to observe the next scene, I met up with the rest of the Goodday team. A few words and stories were exchanged then we packed to leave. We walked away eagerly looking forward to the final cut, knowing that we are going to see a thrilling short film. My only question left is for ya’ll…
Who wants to go to the movies?
Past Writer | I consider myself to be pretty simple. I love a good conversation and talking about how we can all come together. Mineral Wells is my home and I love watching it grow.
