Hollywood Backlot: ‘Breaking Bad’

Bryan Cranston, who plays Walter White, has his goatee brushed by makeup artist Frieda Valenzuela before a day of shooting on AMC’s “Breaking Bad,” in Albuquerque on May 26. Cranston’s Walter is a high school chemistry teacher who, after being diagnosed with advanced lung cancer, turns to making and selling crystal methamphetamine, partenering with his former student Jesse Pinkman, played by fellow Emmy winner Aaron Paul.   (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman, left, is prepped with his character’s tattoo before a day of shooting.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

A photo of actor Aaron Paul, who plays Jesse Pinkman, is used for reference in the makeup trailer.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Paul gives director and executive producer Michelle MacLaren a hug while they review scenes.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Director and executive producer Michelle MacLaren frames a scene involving Aaron Paul’s character Jesse Pinkman breaking up freshly made crystal methamphetamine on the “super lab” set.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Extras are seen inside a drug lab set waiting for filming to begin with Aaron Paul.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Props decorate the super lab set where characters Walter and Jesse make crystal methamphetamine.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Paul puts gloves on to complete the wardrobe for character Jesse Pinkman, who will be breaking up freshly made crystal methamphetamine on the “super lab” set.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Paul walks through a scene while lighting and camera take last measurements.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Paul, as Jesse Pinkman, breaks up freshly made crystal methamphetamine.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Actor Bryan Cranston talks with makeup artist Frieda Valenzuela while staying cool inside an abandoned building.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Bryan Cranston, playing Walter, and Bob Odenkirk, as his lawyer Saul Goodman, prepare for a scene.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Director and “Breaking Bad” show runner Vince Gilligan, center, helps move props before shooting on location inside an industrial laundry facility in Albuquerque. Gilligan, who created the show, is an executive producer and occasionally directs.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Bins store cloth on the set.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Show creator and episode director Vince Gilligan on the set.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

On the set with show creator and episode director Vince Gilligan and director of photography Michael Slovis.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Extras sit outside an industrial laundry facility.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The sun sets over an industrial laundry facility.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

The sun sets over an industrial laundry facility.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

New Mexico State Police K-9 officer Joseph Romero on set with his German shephard partner, Sasja, who played a drug-sniffing dog in a scene.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

On location inside an industrial laundry facility.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Aaron Paul, left, and Bryan Cranston, right, listen to direction from show creator and episode director Vince Gilligan.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Show creator Vince Gilligan, center, directs Bryan Cranston, left, in green and Aaron Paul, right.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Director Vince Gilligan.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)