Against the Wild: Cast and Crew Look Back on the Wilderness Adventure
In celebration of the DVD release, the team behind Against the Wild sits down with CJ Adams, Erin Pitt, and their on screen canine partner Houston to reflect on the making of the film, the thrill of working with animals, and the playful pranks that lightened long days on set. The discussion weaves together the film’s premise, the texture of on location shoots, and the lessons learned while filming in remote landscapes.
What is Against the Wild about?
Erin explains that the story centers on a family where tensions at home are part of the backdrop. The kids end up visiting their father on a plane, a flight that encounters trouble when the pilot falters. Stranded with no clear sense of their surroundings, the siblings must navigate to safety, relying on resilience and teamwork to endure the harsh natural world around them.
What was the coolest experience during filming?
CJ recalls the moment he first came face to face with a grizzly bear, standing only about ten feet away. Erin notes she has plenty of outdoor experience, but working with such imposing wildlife was a new and memorable challenge; she found the wolves to be scarier overall, even if the bear later seemed almost approachable in behavior on camera.
What was it like to shoot on location in the wilderness?
CJ describes it as the first forest shoot in his acting career, an experience that felt almost cinematic as the landscapes unfolded around them. The setting offered breathtaking scenery and a sense of scale that made every take feel like part of a real expedition rather than a studio recreation.
Did you have fun working with Houston the dog?
Erin shares that Houston is a very sweet dog, though he has a tendency to chase squirrels. There was a moment when he wandered off chasing wildlife for quite a while, nearly pulling the scene. The trainers were anxious as they tracked him, and only after a frantic headset call did Houston wander back into frame, prompting a relief-filled exchange and a quick regroup before continuing production.
Did you learn any wilderness tips while making the film?
CJ mentions a shelter trick they picked up when they built a rock shelter that an expert described as a solid, liveable campsite. The survival pro explained how a sturdy shelter could make a real difference and even provide a base for a safe fire as conditions demanded. Erin adds a practical note about conserving water, highlighting the importance of not wasting it so that a source remains available in the wild when needed most.
Which of you would thrive more in the wilderness?
Erin admits she would probably struggle more than CJ, who counters that his Boy Scout training gave him some useful edge. The conversation hints at how different experiences can influence comfort levels in unpredictable environments, underscoring the film’s theme of complementary strengths within a team.
You two seemed like natural siblings on screen. Do you get along with your own brothers and sisters at home?
Erin relays that she has many siblings, including twin younger brothers, and while they sometimes bug her, they share a bond that mirrors the on screen dynamic. CJ opens up about his relationship with his brother, noting the complexities of family ties, and acknowledging that even when conversations get tense, the kinship remains strong and enduring.
What was the hardest scene to film?
CJ describes the challenge of filming a moment involving a salmon catch that didn’t cooperate, with the fish slipping from his grip during a take. Erin recalls a grimmer task, trying to persuade Houston to rescue her from cold water; the dog wanted to retreat, so the team staged a scene with a downed tree to coax the canine into jumping in and then going in to assist as needed.
What was it like working with so many different animals?
CJ notes the grizzly bear appeared friendly at first glance, yet its strength was undeniable and it demonstrated power when it worked to crash a tree onto a car. Erin remembers the danger as tangible and awe-inspiring, explaining that the bear’s force was real even when its demeanor looked deceptively calm. The wolves came across as eerie and skeletal, while the raccoon was memorable for its plump, endearing appearance, a contrast to the other creatures on set.
What message do you hope young viewers take away from the film?
Erin emphasizes family unity as a central takeaway: even when siblings disagree, cooperation and mutual support can lead to extraordinary results in emergencies. The narrative encourages teamwork, resilience, and the belief that together, people can overcome daunting challenges and achieve more than they could individually.
Were there any funny practical jokes on set?
CJ and Erin share a few lighthearted moments. They once tricked their parents into buying sugar cubes for a pretend science project, only to use them as a snack instead. They also admit to a prank involving their tutor and a playful game of hide and seek, and there is a story about a time when a stunt or a misstep had them laughing through a tense moment on the trailer. The camaraderie behind the camera helped the team stay buoyant through long days.
If stranded in the wild, which three items would you want to have?
CJ lists food, water, and a basic atmosphere that reminds him of how essential a breathable, survivable environment is. Erin adds a filter for water purification, plus food and a phone that could, at least, allow a rescue message or a little entertainment to stay sane in isolation.
Final thanks and a friendly send-off from the crew
With a warm farewell, early appreciation for the film’s journey comes through. Houston offers a quick tail wag and a grateful bark to close the interview, a light-hearted capstone to a chat that mixed awe of the wild with gratitude for the people and animal collaborators who brought the story to life.