Roth explained that the Black Friday scene was shot in four nights, with the duration divided into capturing interior and exterior shots that were blended seamlessly. More than one camera was used to set up various angles, and with the help of “The Hunted Museum” director Justin Harding, Roth was able to translate the chaos of the stampede massacre without it feeling too rushed or haphazard:
“…For me, a great chaotic sequence works when you can follow what’s going on and you see it through the eyes of the characters. So now I need these moments from Jessica, and she’s with Bobby, and this is what Evan’s going through, and this is what Gabby’s going through. It’s – if you keep it intimate, you feel the chaos more.”
The POV shots of several characters helped ground the sequence despite its exaggerated nature. While some characters watched in horror and prioritized survival, others captured it on camera with insensitive glee. Roth went on to say that the dynamic nature of the sequence would have been impossible to capture without the film’s “amazing, amazing stunt team,” comprising 20 stunt experts and 600 extras who rehearsed everything meticulously. There was a real chance that someone might have gotten accidentally hurt, but Roth made it a point to guide everyone in a way that ensured that safety came first:
“We all have to act like we want to kill each other. But as soon as I yell cut, you look to the person to your right, [and say] ‘Are you okay? Are you hurt?’ Like, if you’re gonna shove someone, let’s discuss it and say, ‘Are you okay? What are you comfortable with?’ And it was great.”