Behind the Scenes of THR's 'The Hunger Games' Cover Shoot (Video)

11:32 AM PST 2/1/2012 by Lauren Schutte

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Jennifer Laski

Director Gary Ross talks the series' massive fan base, sings Jennifer Lawrence's praises and poses with Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson.

The Hollywood Reporter got up-close-and-personal with the stars of The Hunger Games Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson and director Gary Ross. during the photo shoot for the cover.

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Shot at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA, Ross talked shop in between takes.

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"It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re part of a collective experience," he said of Games' enormous -- and dedicated -- fan base. "Normally you’re making a movie and there’s a certain amount of obscurity and you hope that people find it, but the fact literally you get to share this with everybody who is already connected to the story and you’re part of something bigger. It’s a blast.”

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Behind the Scenes of THR's "Hunger Games' Cover Shoot

The sci-fi thriller, based on Suzanne Collins' best-selling novel, is set to open March 23rd, 2012.

The director also raved about his talented leading lady Jennifer Lawrence saying, "There is literally like once a decade you find someone this talented. I'm just an incredibly lucky recipient."

In fact, "If she wasn't there, I don't know what I would have done," he says. High praise indeed.

FULL COVER STORY