Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1545202
62 S U M M E R 2 0 2 6 I C A S Q U A R T E R L Y Working on Peacemaker was a pretty unique mix of big-budget superhero filmmaking and loose, almost punk-rock creative energy. A lot of that comes from the show's creator, James Gunn. He runs a set that's very collaborative but also very specific. He tends to write with particular actors in mind and encourages improvisation once the scene is working. That meant actors like John Cena could lean into the awkward humor and emotional beats of Peacemaker, often pushing scenes further than what was on the page. As production sound mixer, I had to be ready for any vocal projection or whisper at any time. The show is fast-paced and physically demanding. I was given plenty of prep time and was able to read all eight scripts before we started. There would be changes, of course, but the series of events never really changed. Production was really good with communication and made themselves available to handle any questions about any situation that was coming up. However, I didn't have a lot of designated prep time before each episode, so I had to make sure I was very diligent about whatever was happening the next day, the next week, the next episode. The upside is that you have very little time to second-guess or overthink the process. Episode eight, the season finale, was directed by James Gunn and promised to "pull out all the stops." After reading the script, it was clear why: The entire cast, along with 10-15 background performers and stunt players, would be involved. As the characters explored different corners of the multiverse, they'd all be suited up in hazmat gear. WAR AND PEACEMAKER COMMS b y M a t t h e w N i c o l a y C A S W i t h K u r d i c e N e a l , A l e x L o w e C A S , M i c h a e l W y n n e C A S , a n d B r i t t a n y M y e r s In the summer of 2024, I landed a dream gig, Peacemaker for HBO Max. It's an understatement to say that it was one of the most challenging jobs of my career with a top-notch camera crew, a versatile cast, and a very creative and intense creator/director. One advantage of coming into a show on its second season is that I was already a fan of the show and didn't need to be brought up to speed on the lore. Early rendering of the suit