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Wild Ride

A wandering hitchhiker is lured into a surreal underworld of darkness and light by a seductive Siren from whom he tries to escape. 'Wild Ride' is a rock music video made in the Pacific Northwest by artist Jesiah Bell featuring the music of Mind Vice.

A long blue dress with silver strapped high heels, a flannel-shirted harmonica-blowing hitchhiker, a '67 SS Camaro, a rugged Northwest coast beach, music-making bioluminescent creatures of the deep ocean, a masked aerial acrobat twisting on silk ribbons, all practical visual effects. Wild Ride takes you there and back in 6 minutes.

  • Jesiah Bell
    Director
  • Jesiah Bell
    Writer
  • Tatiana Shamgunova
    Producer
  • Walter O'Toole
    Key Cast
  • Whitney Lyman
    Key Cast
  • Virginia Gibbons
    Key Cast
  • Ian Sides
    Key Cast
  • Michael Knapp
    Key Cast
  • Miles Hubbard
    Key Cast
  • Jessica Schultz
    Makeup / Body Art
  • Mind Vice
    Music
  • Project Type:
    Music Video
  • Runtime:
    6 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 25, 2015
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digitial
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jesiah Bell

Artist Jesiah Bell grew up in Oregon, Alaska, and Washington, spending most of his time outdoors and listening to dad's many stories of adventure. Art and invention came naturally to him. He garnered attention for his drawing skills at a young age. During childhood he spent many quiet hours taking apart and modifying small mechanical objects to suit new purposes. While heading out for his first of many international travels his father imparted the words; "Now, go make your own stories." Developing the art of visual storytelling sprang from a desire to be able to reach large audiences with the invitation to see the world around them in a new way. This is evidenced in both his still and motion work.

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Director Statement

What ignites my creativity is the art of using light, space and time to blur the line between what is real and surreal. I love to invent and build the tools and techniques that give my art its unique edge. 

For me, a big part of the excitement of image-making is in the adventure of the process. Whether it's hauling gear to remote outdoor locations, running to the next shot to capture the perfect angle of light, or building a studio set for something completely new, I believe challenges invoke our best work and move us forward.

My desire is to inspire all to see something new amidst the familiar, to tell a story that invites one to look past the surface, and believe there's something greater beyond.

+ Jesiah Bell

________________

 - On The Inspiration -
The original story for this video was inspired by the lyrics of the song and conversations with Walter O'Toole, lead singer and songwriter. I chose to create a contemporary story that harkens to the classic storyline of a Sailor and a Siren who lures him into her dark and dangerous world with the purpose of his ultimate demise.

The story is in some ways symbolic of the times during our life's journey when we are pulled off course by an attractive distraction, or lured into danger from a pleasure-seeking temptation. There is always a price to pay for such diversions. Sometimes we are left washed up on the shore with the damage done.

 - On The Process - 
What's special about this video is the invention of custom equipment to achieve a unique effect of being deep in the sea. I designed and built an adjustable camera mounting rig from wood and PVC tubing [as seen in attached photos] that allows various cameras and lenses to shoot through a glass block filled with water and UV-reactive debris. The rig works even when inverted shooting straight down from above the actors as seen in the video. This practical special effect combined with the UV-reactive body paint designs by artist Jessica Schultz and the Aerial Silks performance by Virgina Gibbons wearing an internally illuminated costume and with a custom illuminated mask (designed by artist Juan Rodriquez) provides for immersive and engaging images never before seen. 

Additionally there is a stop-motion animation sequence as the Siren makes her transformation before our eyes. This process involved approximately 300 photographs shot in a sequence as artist Jessica Schultz created a progressive UV-reactive paint scheme to our Siren's face over a 4 hour shooting session.
 
Locations played an important role in building a timeless and specific look to this story from the small town to the dramatic natural coastline of the Pacific Northwest in Washington's Olympic Peninsula.