Creating a film during a global pandemic presents unique challenges. The camaraderie of shared meals and downtime, usually integral to filmmaking, was replaced by stringent safety protocols. Upon arriving in Guthrie, Oklahoma, my first order of business was establishing the ground rules with our COVID coordinator. Simple tasks like grocery shopping became logistical puzzles, ultimately solved by daily deliveries to our rented home, shared with my 92-year-old mother, my wife, children, a caregiver, and an assistant. Juggling Zoom school for the kids and film production amidst these unusual circumstances was a constant balancing act.

Guthrie held echoes of its vibrant past, from its Prohibition-era haven status to the remnants of its once-thriving pub scene. Stumbling upon the meticulously recreated Washington Hilton wall, the site of Reagan's near-fatal assassination attempt, brought the weight of our project into sharp focus. The next day, Dennis Quaid, embodying the 40th president, stood before that wall, ready to bring this pivotal moment to life.

Dennis tackled a demanding schedule, starting with the assassination scene and moving through various shots, including a poignant exchange with his on-screen mother, Nelle, played by Jennifer O'Neill. This scene resonated deeply with Dennis, mirroring a personal conversation he'd had with his own mother during his divorce from Meg Ryan. Drawing on this experience, he improvised brilliantly, imbuing the scene with raw emotion as he portrayed Reagan's vulnerability and self-doubt.

After a COVID-related shutdown and our eventual return to Los Angeles, a sense of lingering stress permeated. However, the drive to complete the film remained strong. We filmed the final scene, set in Las Vegas, depicting a despondent Reagan grappling with his past. This scene, culminating in a shattered beer bottle, sparked debate. Consultations with Pat Boone and a Reagan biographer yielded conflicting perspectives on Reagan's likely behavior in such a moment. Ultimately, we opted for a portrayal of vulnerability, acknowledging the possibility that even Reagan, despite his faith, might have succumbed to despair in that situation.

As the clock neared midnight, Dennis descended the stairs, marking the end of his involvement in the project. A final embrace sealed a journey filled with its share of obstacles and triumphs. We had nearly reached the finish line.