When you walk into the wild, muddy world of “Landman,” you might think the show’s action just sort of… happens. But let’s not kid ourselves— every raging inferno, oil rig explosion, and chaotic brawl is the result of serious, turbo-charged planning. That’s where Michael Friedman, the show’s second-unit director, steps in with the precision of a scientist and the heart of a daredevil.
Meet Michael Friedman: Master of Controlled Chaos
First off, if you’re not familiar with what a second-unit director actually does, here’s the skinny: Friedman handles everything that makes your palms sweat. All the dangerous stunts, hair-raising action, and those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scenes that demand both adrenaline and artistry. It’s a tall order, but the guy’s got serious chops and even more passion for the job.
But don’t just take it from us. He’s managed to transform the real grit of Texas oilfields into unforgettable television moments. And man, does he have stories to tell.
Authenticity Is King, Baby
So, what’s Friedman’s number one rule for filming danger? Keep it real. For the cast, that means no one’s sitting around in trailers while the crew gets “creative with green screens.” Nope. Before filming kicked off, main cast members — Jacob Lofland (who plays Cooper Norris) leads the way here — got thrown straight into the deep end. And by “deep end,” we mean real, greasy, sunbaked oil field boot camp.
How wild did it get? According to Lofland, “We actually went out to our location [prior to filming] and worked on this rig for an entire week for eight hours a day.” No air-conditioned set, just hard hats, real oil, and the sense that “Landman” wasn’t about to let authenticity slip through its fingers (energiesmedia.com). The goal? To help actors not just perform stunts, but straight up live the experience. And, as a bonus: Lofland now probably knows more about drilling for oil than half the country.
Cooking Up Explosions — With Extra Heat
Let’s talk about that oil rig blast in the pilot. No one will forget the wall of fire roaring up behind Thornton’s Tommy Norris. The spectacle wasn’t a CGI fantasy. Friedman insisted on practical effects, and that meant bringing in the real pros — firefighters and emergency crews stood by. They didn’t gut corners. Like, if you blinked on set, you’d swear you could smell burning diesel in your living room. Real fire, real danger, but a very real safety net for everyone involved.
This orchestrated chaos required weeks of planning, permits, and patience. Even veteran crew members reportedly felt the intensity. But ultimately, those practical effects paid off big — giving “Landman” some of its most jaw-dropping moments without digital illusions (landman.tv).
Stunt Choreography That Packs A Punch
Here’s something you notice really quickly in “Landman:” When characters throw punches, you feel it. That’s because Friedman and his stunt coordinators choreograph every punch, kick, and scuffle down to the split second. They map out who tumbles, who lands the first blow, and how the camera should catch every sweaty detail.
And Billy Bob Thornton? The guy doesn’t just act tough — he brings a raw energy to his scenes that screams “I’ll do my own stunts, thanks.” But Friedman isn’t reckless. Stunt doubles and actors swap in and out, blending so seamlessly that you’d hardly know when the pros or the stars are in each shot (landman.tv). Stunt rehearsals run like military drills. Timing is everything, and so is safety.
- Each fight gets choreographed with input from both the director and the actors.
- Stunt crew members test every risky move before actors jump in.
- Friedman double and triple checks angles, lighting, and pacing to make sure the action looks — and feels — authentic.
Real Locations, Real Grit
Filming in Hollywood warehouses just doesn’t cut it for “Landman.” Friedman, hungry for realism, pushed hard to get the show into real Texas oil country. So the crew camped out at actual drilling sites, including the stately Fort Worth Petroleum Club — and even the headquarters of the American Association of Professional Landmen. It’s not just background dressing; you can feel the texture of Texas in every frame.
Slogging through genuine, hard-packed mud? Not great for sneakers, but absolutely priceless for the camera. The result: “Landman” oozes authenticity from every sweaty, oil-stained pore (landman.tv).
Teaming Up With The Pros
Pretty pictures aren’t enough. To really nail the detail, Friedman loops in experts, like Dr. Marshall Watson from Texas Tech University’s Bob L. Herd Petroleum Engineering Department. Watson didn’t just stand around and nod sagely; he delivered full-on crash courses in oilfield tech for cast and crew alike. We’re talking about lessons on rig operation, tools, realistic emergencies, and — perhaps most importantly — how not to blow yourself sky high.
This deep-dive education paid off. Scenes involving complex equipment or nightmarish blowouts never look like clumsy Hollywood guesswork. Instead, everything feels stark and urgent — like you’re watching operators with decades of experience, even if it’s actually Billy Bob in a hard hat (authentictexas.com).
Danger On Set, But Never Reckless
Now for the real balancing act. Friedman wants the sweat, fire, and danger — but he’ll never sacrifice safety. Every explosive gag, every tricky stunt, gets vetted by both his team and outside safety consultants. There’s an art to making something feel dangerous without letting it actually get dangerous.
And coordination is everything. Whenever a risky set piece takes center stage — say, a simulated geyser of oil, or a nighttime car chase through oilfield roads — the set transforms into a buzzing hive. Medics await just off-screen, and emergency routes stay crystal clear. According to gossip around the set, Friedman runs a tighter ship than most oil companies.
Lessons From The Oil Patch
Watching Friedman at work, it becomes obvious: The dude knows how to capture grit. But he also respects the real challenges and hazards of this world. You’ll see scenes where the actors move like true roughnecks, with routines and reflexes that come straight from their Texas training. And even slick TV audiences with zero oilfield experience can spot the difference.
At every turn, Friedman’s style mixes bold choices and careful planning:
- He puts actors through realistic prep, not just on-set coaching.
- He brings in technical advisors to decode the real deal.
- He prioritizes practical effects and real locations over digital shortcuts.
- He choreographs fights and stunts like dance numbers, but with more sweat.
The Secret Sauce: Why It All Works
So what keeps Friedman’s wild scenes from feeling… fake? There’s no single trick. It’s everything — boots-on-the-ground training, collaborating with experts, and relentless focus on safety. Fans online have noticed, too. Social buzz around “Landman” often points to the raw, immersive action as a major reason they keep coming back for more. Real oil rigs, real explosions, real mud under everyone’s fingernails.
And it doesn’t hurt that the actors crave challenge. Jacob Lofland and Billy Bob Thornton aren’t just along for the ride — they clearly love stepping into the fire (sometimes literally), knowing a pro like Friedman is keeping it all controlled and camera-ready. Even crew members, according to reports, say they feel proud of how far they push the limits — while still making sure everyone gets home safe.
And Next Up…
If the whispers from set are to be trusted, Friedman’s ready to keep outdoing himself. The second half of Season One teases even more relentless challenges. Bigger stunts, gnarlier effects, and, yeah, maybe a little more mud.
Honestly, if you’ve got a taste for action done right, you can’t take your eyes off what Michael Friedman pulls off behind the scenes. He’s not just a maestro of chaos — he’s Landman’s secret weapon. And the ride’s only just getting started.
