Because getting independent journalists from the west into Syria proved impossible, the filmmakers had to find different ways to obtain the video they needed. In some cases, journalists within the country were able to discreetly supply them with exclusive footage.
The filmmakers reached out to Michael T Flynn more than 15 times before they managed to get an interview with him.
The filmmakers previously collaborated on four other films: Restrepo (2010) The Last Patrol (2014), Korengal (2014) and Which Way Is the Front Line from Here? The Life and Time of Tim Hetherington (2013).
While Nick Quested served as the point person in the field and filmed most of the interviews himself, Sebastian Junger mostly stayed stateside and provided logistical and creative input.