Michael Haskins requested herbal cigarettes for his character Jack, as he had been a former smoker. However, director David Higgins asked him to switch to regular cigarettes after the cast and crew reported nausea and headaches cased by the herbal smoke on set. He happily agreed.
The cast and crew endured freezing temperatures during the 17 day shoot, particularly during the graveyard showdown scene between Beau Kiger and Connor Boyle near the end of the film.
Valentine, NE was chosen as the primary location for 'The Aviation Cocktail', not only because it was the ideal setting for the story, but also because the film friendly community supported the production through the Economic Development Board. Consequently, Nebraska Senator Colby Coash pushed film incentive bill LB863 into law and Alexander Payne took advantage of the new state tax credits, shooting his film 'Nebraska' around Norfolk, NE.
Shot in 17 days, including pick-ups and aerials.
The watch Jack Fisher (Michael Haskins) wears is a 1950s Bulova, not unlike the watches worn by characters in AMC's Mad Men.