C&I gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at the Ed Harris cover photo shoot.
Fog still lingered near the ground in Lompoc, California, at the historic Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary when I and the rest of the C&I team arrived for the photo shoot with the actor Ed Harris and actor, writer, and producer Robert Knott (whose extensive stage, TV, and film credits include the movie Appaloosa, based on the Robert B. Parker novel, which Knott adapted and produced with Harris).
Horses followed us with curious eyes as the crew prepared for the first shot of the day with photographer Robert Lynden in front of an old wagon wheel. Soon Harris and Knott arrived ready to be photographed. Here are some behind-the-scenes shots from the shoot.
Before photos were taken, Harris asked what cowboy hat he should wear. He had brought four. Among them was a new gift from his Comic-Con Westworld panel the weekend before — a replica of his character’s Man in Black cowboy hat. As soon as he tried it on, it was as if he had transformed into that character. The hat takes a prime spot on the cover of our January 2018 issue, in which we reveal more about the significance of it.
Harris graces the cover and talks in our cover feature about starring in HBO’s hit sci-fi western drama Westworld, his classics like Appaloosa, his friendship with Robert Knott, and his work with the Return to Freedom horse sanctuary. In the shots above, Harris stands in front of a herd of horses, who were watching all the action intently. After our photo shoot, Harris and Knott kindly took the time to film some public service announcements about the importance of wild horses.
In between different location setups, Harris would stop to lavish love on four-legged friends. This furry friend belongs to Neda DeMayo, the visionary behind Return to Freedom, the horse sanctuary also featured in the January 2018 issue for its tireless efforts to provide refuge and advocate for horses and educate the public and policy makers about their behavior, needs, and importance.
The barn turned out to be everyone’s favorite location of the day. With its rustic charm and dark undertones, the setting was perfect for capturing both Harris and Knott. Knott talked to me about his writing process and even gave me some tips about character development. Harris was tight-lipped about the upcoming season of Westworld, but he did say that there would be more twists and turns along the series’ wild ride.
Be sure to pick up the January 2018 issue of C&I on newsstands now (or click here to order the magazine) to see more amazing shots and get an exclusive preview of what’s next for both Ed Harris and Robert Knott.
