Movie scouts critical to film shoots

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - It really is all about location in the movie business—and location scouts are often responsible for finding the perfect spots to film.

"Locations are pretty important because it helps determine how a film is going to look," location scout Bruce Wetherbee said.

Movie makers chose Liu's Chinese Restaurant near Old Town to film scenes for "Passion Play." The movie stars Mickey Rourke and Megan Fox.

The director was looking for mid-century architecture, and in Liu's it can feel like you've stepped back in the 50's or 60's.

"The director did a lot of research and picked this location and wanted a huge parking lot and the actor can ride his bike coming in here" Liu's Owner Eddie Yick said.

Location scouts play an important role selling New Mexico's landscape to moviemakers.

While filming "Wild Hogs," Old Town, Taos and Madrid were made to look like different parts of the country.

Wetherbee said he will read a script, scan the state for locations and often send pictures to the film crews.

"Literally we'll be doing it live, well be sending them a picture on the spot and they'll say 'Hey, what does it look like to your right or left,'" he said.

A couple years ago, Liu's was seen in the TV series "Breaking Bad." But this time around, even one of Liu's owners will be in the film.

"I think Mickey Rourke or one of the co actors is going to come up and I had the food to them, so it's a small part," Alex Liu said.