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What started as a routine workday at a school bus yard in Santa Fe turned into an unexpected Hollywood adventure for NBISD Transportation Director Cesar Flores, who recently made his film debut in a feature starring Matthew McConaughey.
Prior to joining NBISD in June, Flores worked for Santa Fe Public Schools in New Mexico, where he had served as Director of Transportation Operations since 2022. The movie journey began in November 2023, when scouting manager Mark Hammons and director Cliff Lanning visited the Sante Fe school district’s transportation lot, where Flores was working at the time. They were there searching for a realistic bus yard to use as a model for their upcoming movie. They were looking for a true-to-life setting where an actor could learn to drive a school bus and better understand the environment of a working transportation office.
“I originally agreed to help with the training and offer some insight into how our day-to-day operations run,” Flores said. “I didn’t think anything more of it.”
Over the following months, the film crew worked closely with the transportation department, photographing buses, capturing the look of uniforms, and even documenting the real office whiteboard to recreate the setting for the film.
“One day I was helping actress Ashlie Atkinson with her radio dispatch lines, and the director, Paul Greengrass, overheard me. He asked me to read a few lines on camera — and before I knew it, I had a small speaking role as the Bus Shop Foreman,” he said. “It came together so unexpectedly, but it turned into an amazing opportunity.”
This was his first time ever being in a movie for Flores.
“It was definitely a new experience for me,” he said. “Going from helping behind the scenes to being in front of the camera was something I never imagined I’d do.”
The set was filled with seasoned actors, but the atmosphere wasn’t one that was intimidating. Flores even described it as “inspiring” and “welcoming,” especially noting the professionalism and kindness of star Matthew McConaughey.
“Matthew already had his CDL, so he was comfortable behind the wheel of a bus. I showed him how to do a proper walk-around inspection, activate the lights, operate the door — all the little things real drivers do,” he said. “We had some great conversations. He told me about his travels across the country in his camper, which made him confident driving large vehicles. And of course, we talked some UT football, I knew he wouldn’t mind that!”
Flores also said that working with Atkinson and the rest of the cast was another highlight. “They were genuinely interested in making everything feel real. They asked questions, paid attention to the details and it meant a lot that they valued my input.”
When the film was finally released, seeing himself on screen was a surreal moment. “It was only a small role, but it really made me appreciate how much effort goes into just a few seconds of footage,” he said. “My daughter, who also appeared in a few background scenes, made the experience even more special.”
Looking back, he says the entire process was unforgettable.
“Honestly, it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. It gave me a whole new respect for the film industry, from the actors to the crew. I’m incredibly grateful I got to be a part of it, and to share it with my daughter. It’s something we’ll both remember forever,” he said. “Who knows, maybe there’ll be more fun opportunities down the road!”
You can watch Flores in The Lost Bus which can be seen on Apple TV.
