A remarkable collection of never-before-seen photographs from the set of the iconic war film Saving Private Ryan has finally been made public, almost three decades after filming concluded. The images, captured secretly by a British extra, offer a unique glimpse behind the scenes of Steven Spielberg's 1998 masterpiece, alongside fresh revelations about the blockbuster's cast.
The Secret Snapper and His Hidden Camera
The time-capsule pictures were taken by Mike Drew, an extra from Dalston in east London, who portrayed a German soldier in the Oscar-winning World War Two epic. Working on the production at Hatfield Aerodrome in Hertfordshire in 1997, Mike sneaked a small Olympus camera inside his helmet, defying a strict no-photography rule on set. He kept his private album hidden until now, sharing a dozen candid shots of stunts, explosions, and relaxed moments between takes.
"When we got to the set, we were told no cameras allowed, and anyone caught with one would be kicked out," Mike told the Daily Mail. The production promised a photo opportunity at the end of filming, which never materialised. "So I'm glad I had my Olympus," he added, confident he wouldn't be caught as security was more focused on preventing props from being taken home.
Hollywood Royalty: Up Close and Personal
Reflecting on his time alongside Hollywood's elite, Mike described most actors as remarkably down-to-earth. He spoke several times with a young Matt Damon, telling the 27-year-old star he would win an Oscar for his role as Private James Ryan. Damon's hopeful reply was: "I'd like to think so!"
Tom Hanks, who played Captain John Miller, left a strong impression. "Tom was never flash or stuck up. I found him incredibly polite and witty," Mike recalled. He noted Hanks had a laid-back demeanour, often sleeping between takes but clicking "straight back into gear" when needed. One habit stood out: Hanks' prodigious appetite. "The first time I saw him in the food marquee, he had three plates piled high with food. I think he ate his salary worth in food," Mike said. The star generously posed for a photo with Mike on his final filming day.
However, not every cast member shared this cheerful disposition. Mike revealed that Vin Diesel, who played Private Adrian Caparzo, appeared perpetually "upset" and "moody" on set. "He acted like he didn't want to be there," Mike suggested, speculating it might have been because Diesel had just finished a lead role in Strays and wanted a bigger part in Spielberg's film, but his character was killed off early.
Spielberg's Epic Vision and On-Set Life
Mike also managed a conversation with director Steven Spielberg, whom he found good-natured and "quite excitable" when discussing his past work. Spielberg repeatedly told the cast and crew the film would be "historic." The director's prediction proved accurate; the film, inspired by the real-life story of the Niland brothers and Stephen Ambrose's D-Day history, is hailed as one of the greatest war films ever made.
The production was an immense undertaking. Hundreds of extras, each required to prove weapons-handling experience, were put through a rigorous week-long boot camp. Mike, a former soldier with the Royal Green Jackets, 1st Battalion, was perfectly suited. His photos capture crucial elements: the editing tent, special effects technicians working on gruesome fake heads for explosions, and the bridge where Hanks' character meets his end.
For roughly two months from July 1997, Mike lived the "ultimate adrenaline rush" on the private airfield set. Days involved early starts, long waits between takes filled with card games, and even football matches between the British and American extras. "It was a bit of a laugh playing a Nazi - someone that everyone hates so much," he remarked.
The film's legacy was cemented at the Academy Awards, where it was nominated for 11 Oscars and won five, including Best Director for Spielberg. While Hanks was nominated for Best Actor, he lost to Roberto Benigni for Life Is Beautiful. For Mike Drew, however, the greatest honour was being part of a proper Hollywood blockbuster, a experience he has cherished and revisited in cinemas many times since.
