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First Take bumped from ESPN in major change days after Qerim and Smith return

Clint Eastwood filmed Gran Torino (2008) in just 33 days. Known for his efficiency, he often used the first take of a scene to capture raw and unpolished performances, a technique he felt was essential for the film’s gritty and realistic tone.

Clint Eastwood filmed the entirety of Million Dollar Baby (2004) in just 37 days. The director is famous for never doing rehearsals and often used the very first take of a scene to keep the acting raw and efficient.

The scene that earned Sean Penn his Oscar. Clint Eastwood revealed it originally took six officers to restrain him, but after the first take he had to bring in two more because Penn was struggling with such intensity.