Director says Tom Cruise was 'nicest guy' on set

A British director whose company made the iconic opening teaser for the Super Bowl, starring Tom Cruise, has said the actor was "genuinely the nicest guy".

Jake Barrett, founder and production director at BTV in Birmingham, said the Hollywood star introduced himself to the crew individually, shook everybody's hand, and said "let's make this happen".

The teaser for one of the biggest sporting events in the world, filmed at Pinewood Studios in partnership with Fox Sports, was in the style of a Mission: Impossible introduction.

This year's Super Bowl LIX saw the Philadelphia Eagles win a 40-22 victory over defending champions the Kansas City Chiefs.

Mr Barrett told BBC Radio WM: "Of course, when you're on the job, you're focused on the job, and it's not until you sort of see him leave afterwards that everyone just looks at each other and goes 'what literally just happened?'"

Describing what it was like to work with the actor, he said Cruise was "particular" about his work, but respectful.

He said Cruise always asked why decisions were taken before suggesting another way, and went on to explore different options for microphones and lenses with the team, while they were filming.

"The funniest line I've got from the whole thing was that on the set that we've designed, we've got this big plinth, where – it was in the middle of the set," Mr Barrett said.

"Originally, he was supposed to be sat on that plinth and the lights come up as the camera comes in and he turns and talks to camera.

"He was looking at that and he says 'I'm not quite sure about this plinth in the middle here. Why is it here?'"

Mr Barrett said they explained it was to have some foreground in the shot, but Cruise replied: "I am the foreground."

Since then, "I am the foreground" has become a catchphrase in the firm, he said.

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