"I'd often have to plant myself next to the director's chair with my laptop," Thomson said, "waiting until he had a moment to look at a shot I was working on."

When the three watch the film for the first time at a special screening on May 1, they'll see the sections each worked on the most.

Thomson played a critical role in an alley fight, Woodward pointed out.

"Alex played a critical part in the crane disaster, and I worked the most on the bell tower scene," he said.

In addition to storyboarding the film, Woodward had a small part in a church scene, and even got his mother to play a small role as well.

"In the bell tower scene I read, it called for a couple of people praying," Woodward said. "I knew every inch of that scene so I asked the director if I could sit in for that spot. He agreed."

The part also called for an elderly woman, so Woodward called his mother who lives in California. She appears next to her son in the church praying.

Both Woodward and Thomson were complimentary of those they worked with in Hollywood. "They are fantastic people," Woodward said. "It's unfortunate the stigma people place on Hollywood people — it's not true. They are genuine, hardworking people who are wonderful to be around."

Thomson echoed that sentiment and expressed a wish about working with Raimi.

"On a personal level I found him to be one of the most creative, generous and considerate people I've ever worked with," Thomson said. "I hope I get the opportunity to work with him again in the future."

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E-mail: knelson@desnews.com