I have always been drawn to the John
Ford scenery of Northern Arizona and Utah, the highlight of which has to be
Monument Valley. I am clearly not alone in considering the view south from
turnoff 13 on the way to Mexican Hat to be one of the most visually
intoxicating sights in the US. It was, of course, used in Forrest
Gump and then
provided the front cover to Ridley Scott’s Thelma and Louise. The US has
taken ownership of the term “road trip” as explained succinctly by this stretch
of tarmac. It's truly an iconic and timeless vista that shouts “The Wild West”.

Gladiator is probably Ridley
Scott's finest movie and I have watched it over and over again. Meanwhile, Thelma
and Louise is rightly
one of the most lauded road trip movies of all time. About a month ago, I
picked up the DVD box and had a moment of inspiration. Their use of the
convertible car and the head on angle offered a totally different perspective
on Monument Valley.

Taking my
pre-conception through to reality that Wednesday morning was no small task. I
want to thank Brawler Productions in LA for collaborating with me and helping
secure exclusive use of the road at the key time, around 7.40 am. It's a busy
road and the Utah State Police were fantastic. Josie Canseco played her role
brilliantly - it was not easy to look that glamorous and in charge with a wolf
sitting in Thelma’s seat. It is no surprise that Victoria’s Secret has booked
her for its latest show in NYC.

We arrived
on site two days before the shoot as we wanted to be in control of everything
within our control. I can’t remember ever pondering more over camera settings
and lenses. I knew I would have a generous amount of light to play with at 7.40
and we had to use it well. The big variable was the wolf’s behaviour - the
light gets too harsh from about 8am and therefore there was only a small window
to get the job wrapped. It was tight, but we did it. All in all, it was a great
team effort in a fairly remote part of the American West.

When we showed this picture for the
first time in late September the reaction was huge. It is a very special image
and I think we nailed it. Thank you, Josie, you were fabulous.