Haim was 'a handful' on Saskatchewan set: producer

Saskatoon producer Tony Towstego says he was saddened, but not shocked, by the apparent drug-overdose death of actor Corey Haim

"I don't know what it is about the movie business that does these things to people's lives," Towstego said Wednesday.

Towstego co-produced the film Without Malice starring Haim as the second lead. The shoot took place in December 1999 and January 2000 in the forest around Waskesiu, Sask., about 230 kilometres north of Saskatoon.

"I was up north with him for two months. I got to know him pretty well," said Towstego.

Haim's problems with addiction were no secret. In fact, the crew was alerted beforehand. Towstego had to shut down some late-night parties but, even so, he was "an inspiration to the film set," Towstego said.

"He was actually a handful, but it was interesting, because the character he was playing was coming out of addiction."

Starring Jennifer Beals (The Book of Eli, The L Word), the movie is about two hunters who cover up the shooting of a resource officer. It was shot on a snowy landscape in -30 C conditions.

Despite his reputation, Haim was never late for his calls and acted like a professional throughout. His mother Judy was with him on location.

"What was really apparent was his strong relationship with his mother. She was a rock," said Towstego.