Category: Art of Travel Blog

We are happy to present the exclusive web only trailer and first of seven behind the scenes webisodes of The Art of Travel. Each month, we’ll premiere a new webisode – and in-between, we’ll have biweekly blogs from the actors and filmmakers, plus cool image captures from the movie.

This story has been three years in the making, and shooting the film over 7 weeks in 5 countries was an adventure for the entire cast and crew.

No, The Art of Travel is not a documentary or the retelling of the bestselling philosophy book with the same title – It is the story of Conner Layne, a high school grad with a full ride to college who finds his plans interrupted by a life changing moment… a moment which becomes the spring board to a travel adventure that ultimately changes Conner’s hopes and dreams.

After spending seven weeks together cast and crew becomes family. Through all the adventure we covered and the highs and lows, it’s always hard to say goodbye. We all experienced something special while making this movie. There were no Hollywood Studios to answer to or agents that ever fought what we were trying to do. Everyone was on the same page – make a fun movie that leaves you feeling good. Our hopes are that we have achieved that.

And now our adventure becomes your adventure. One thing is certain about making a movie – there is never any such words as THE END”¦

There are countless times for cast to reunite: There are always re-shoots, and there are always sequels!

PS: Be sure to check us out at The Palm Springs International Film Festival!

Thomas Whelan, Angelika Baran, Brian La Belle, Emyr G. Graciano, Christopher Kennedy Masterson (Cusco, Peru)

Salude from the Filmmakers!

Thomas Whelan
Brian LaBelle
Emyr G. Graciano
Christopher Kennedy Masterson

[flashvideo filename=videos/art_of_travel_06_the_end_stream.flv /]

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #6:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 33.65 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 14.71 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL TRAILER ““
Before you dive into the webisodes, check out the trailer for The Art of Travel…

[flashvideo filename=videos/art_of_travel_trailer_stream.flv /]

Download The Art of Travel Trailer:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 28.04 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 11.63 MB)

[flashvideo filename=videos/art_of_travel_05_jungle_stream.flv /]

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #5:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 39.36 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.14 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #4: “The Darien” ““
Cross the formidable – and deadly – Darien Gap with the cast and crew…

[flashvideo filename=videos/art_of_travel_04_darien_stream.flv /]

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #4:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 42.42 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 18.94 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #3: “Ladrones” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

[flashvideo filename=videos/art_of_travel_03_ladrones_stream.flv /]

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #3:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 40.02 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.56 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #2: “Casting The Net” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

[flashvideo filename=videos/art_of_travel_02_casting_stream.flv /]

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #2:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 31.97 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #1: “Gonzo Filmmaking” ““
Dive into the process of pulling together the film, and the unique insanity of transporting a cast and crew into the wilds of Central America…

[flashvideo filename=videos/art_of_travel_01_gonzo_filmmaking_stream.flv /]

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #1:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 41.03 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

##

We are happy to present the exclusive web only trailer and first of seven behind the scenes webisodes of The Art of Travel. Each month, we’ll premiere a new webisode – and in-between, we’ll have biweekly blogs from the actors and filmmakers, plus cool image captures from the movie.

This story has been three years in the making, and shooting the film over 7 weeks in 5 countries was an adventure for the entire cast and crew.

No, The Art of Travel is not a documentary or the retelling of the bestselling philosophy book with the same title – It is the story of Conner Layne, a high school grad with a full ride to college who finds his plans interrupted by a life changing moment… a moment which becomes the spring board to a travel adventure that ultimately changes Conner’s hopes and dreams.

Imagine spending 370 days hacking through a jungle to make a road for a jeep, forging ahead with 6 other travelers to break a world record.

Half of The Art of Travel revolves around this kind of adventure and how Conner becomes part of it, and what he takes from it to go further on his journey to Peru and Bolivia. They fight days of pounding rain, swollen rivers, a 7 mile switch back in the mud, and more! Although it only took nearly three weeks to shoot this entire section, it was enough time for the cast and crew to realize that such a feet would be hell! The Darien Gap has been traveled by people who sought to break records in the past, but only a couple of expeditions ever pulled it off with a vehicle in tow! This section of the film is inspired by these accounts of the Darien. Enjoy webisode 5… “The Jungle”.

Thomas Whelan, Angelika Baran, Brian La Belle, Emyr G. Graciano, Christopher Kennedy Masterson (Cusco, Peru)

Salude from the Filmmakers!

Thomas Whelan
Brian LaBelle
Emyr G. Graciano
Christopher Kennedy Masterson

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #5:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 39.36 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.14 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL TRAILER ““
Before you dive into the webisodes, check out the trailer for The Art of Travel…

Download The Art of Travel Trailer:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 28.04 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 11.63 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #4: “The Darien” ““
Cross the formidable – and deadly – Darien Gap with the cast and crew…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #4:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 42.42 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 18.94 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #3: “Ladrones” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #3:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 40.02 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.56 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #2: “Casting The Net” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #2:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 31.97 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #1: “Gonzo Filmmaking” ““
Dive into the process of pulling together the film, and the unique insanity of transporting a cast and crew into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #1:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 41.03 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

##

We are happy to present the exclusive web only trailer and first of seven behind the scenes webisodes of The Art of Travel. Each month, we’ll premiere a new webisode – and in-between, we’ll have biweekly blogs from the actors and filmmakers, plus cool image captures from the movie.

This story has been three years in the making, and shooting the film over 7 weeks in 5 countries was an adventure for the entire cast and crew.

No, The Art of Travel is not a documentary or the retelling of the bestselling philosophy book with the same title – It is the story of Conner Layne, a high school grad with a full ride to college who finds his plans interrupted by a life changing moment… a moment which becomes the spring board to a travel adventure that ultimately changes Conner’s hopes and dreams.

What is the Darien Gap? Where is it? Why is it one of the most dangerous jungles in the world? In The Art of Travel, Conner Layne meets Christopher Loren and his wife Darlene. Both are leading a jeep expedition across this jungle – a trip that will last over 370 days!

There are no roads… They will need to make roads by hacking with machetes. When Conner decides to become the seventh member of the expedition, he has no idea how many friendships he will form and how he experience will change his life. To learn about the Darien Gap and the expedition, and how the film crew challenged the rain and
bugs, enjoy this months webisode: “The Darien”…

Thomas Whelan, Angelika Baran, Brian La Belle, Emyr G. Graciano, Christopher Kennedy Masterson (Cusco, Peru)

Salude from the Filmmakers!

Thomas Whelan
Brian LaBelle
Emyr G. Graciano
Christopher Kennedy Masterson

THE ART OF TRAVEL TRAILER ““
Before you dive into the webisodes, check out the trailer for The Art of Travel…

Download The Art of Travel Trailer:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 28.04 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 11.63 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #4: “The Darien” ““
Cross the formidable – and deadly – Darien Gap with the cast and crew…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #4:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 42.42 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 18.94 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #3: “Ladrones” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #3:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 40.02 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.56 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #2: “Casting The Net” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #2:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 31.97 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #1: “Gonzo Filmmaking” ““
Dive into the process of pulling together the film, and the unique insanity of transporting a cast and crew into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #1:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 41.03 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

##

We are happy to present the exclusive web only trailer and first of seven behind the scenes webisodes of The Art of Travel. Each month, we’ll premiere a new webisode – and in-between, we’ll have biweekly blogs from the actors and filmmakers, plus cool image captures from the movie.

This story has been three years in the making, and shooting the film over 7 weeks in 5 countries was an adventure for the entire cast and crew.

No, The Art of Travel is not a documentary or the retelling of the bestselling philosophy book with the same title – It is the story of Conner Layne, a high school grad with a full ride to college who finds his plans interrupted by a life changing moment… a moment which becomes the spring board to a travel adventure that ultimately changes Conner’s hopes and dreams.

For seven weeks cast and crew of The Art of Travel filmed the adventure of a lifetime, hoping that audiences would enjoy taking a journey with a character like Conner, a high school graduate who finds himself, through his own doing, on a year long trip through Central and South America. Conner Layne makes his first destination Nicaragua, and much like Conner’s first days in the city of Managua, the cast and crew encountered culture shock.

Anyone who travels knows the drill – anything can happen anywhere. You can get robbed in Atlanta almost easier then getting robbed in Managua, Nicaragua. But it is those first few days in a new place – whether it’s New York or Bogota – that you feel vulnerable.

Webisode 3, “Ladrones”, is a cool look into the first few days of shooting inside an amazing country where extreme beauty and poverty somehow coexist.

Check out Webisode 3: “Ladrones”!

Thomas Whelan, Angelika Baran, Brian La Belle, Emyr G. Graciano, Christopher Kennedy Masterson (Cusco, Peru)

Salude from the Filmmakers!

Thomas Whelan
Brian LaBelle
Emyr G. Graciano
Christopher Kennedy Masterson

THE ART OF TRAVEL TRAILER ““
Before you dive into the webisodes, check out the trailer for The Art of Travel…

Download The Art of Travel Trailer:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 28.04 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 11.63 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #3: “Ladrones” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #3:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 40.02 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.56 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #2: “Casting The Net” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #2:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 31.97 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #1: “Gonzo Filmmaking” ““
Dive into the process of pulling together the film, and the unique insanity of transporting a cast and crew into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #1:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 41.03 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

##

We are happy to present the exclusive web only trailer and first of seven behind the scenes webisodes of The Art of Travel. Each month, we’ll premiere a new webisode – and in-between, we’ll have biweekly blogs from the actors and filmmakers, plus cool image captures from the movie.

This story has been three years in the making, and shooting the film over 7 weeks in 5 countries was an adventure for the entire cast and crew.

No, The Art of Travel is not a documentary or the retelling of the bestselling philosophy book with the same title – It is the story of Conner Layne, a high school grad with a full ride to college who finds his plans interrupted by a life changing moment… a moment which becomes the spring board to a travel adventure that ultimately changes Conner’s hopes and dreams.

So imagine trying to cold call agents, as the producer, making an offer to the actors you would like to cast in your movie. Agents ask, “Where are you shooting your film?” “The Jungle,” we reply. “Hawaii?” “No, Nicaragua, then Panama.” “Who is the casting director,” they ask? We say, “We don’t have one!” Then they ask about the budget. We change the subject quickly and turn it toward the vision we have for the movie and pray they don’t ask us the question until after the actor has read the script.

This is webisode number 2, about how the cast of The Art of Travel came together, how Christopher Kennedy Masterson (Malcolm in The Middle) came to play the role of Conner, the main character, and how Brooke Burns, Johnny Messner, James Duval, Jake Muxworthy, Shalim Ortiz, Angelika Baran, Bijou Phillips, Alexandra Breckenridge, Tommy Savas, Danny Trejo and Maria Conchita Alonzo came to play their roles.

Salude from the Filmmakers!

Thomas Whelan
Brian LaBelle
Emyr G. Graciano
Christopher Kennedy Masterson

THE ART OF TRAVEL TRAILER ““
Before you dive into the webisodes, check out the trailer for The Art of Travel…

Download The Art of Travel Trailer:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 28.04 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 11.63 MB)

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #2: “Casting The Net” ““
How exactly do you woo a cast willing to travel into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #2:

 

• Large (560 x 420 – QuickTime – 31.97 MB)
• Small (320 x 240 – QuickTime – 17.95 MB)

##

We are happy to present the exclusive web only trailer and first of seven behind the scenes webisodes of The Art of Travel. Each month, we’ll premiere a new webisode – and in-between, we’ll have biweekly blogs from the actors and filmmakers, plus cool image captures from the movie.

This story has been three years in the making, and shooting the film over 7 weeks in 5 countries was an adventure for the entire cast and crew.

No, The Art of Travel is not a documentary or the retelling of the bestselling philosophy book with the same title – It is the story of Conner Layne, a high school grad with a full ride to college who finds his plans interrupted by a life changing moment… a moment which becomes the spring board to a travel adventure that ultimately changes Conner’s hopes and dreams.

When setting out to make an independent feature film, it’s hard enough to convince agents, actors, and crew that the film in question will be a worthwhile endeavor. Now add the fact that our film would be shot entirely on location without many of the creature comforts that actors and crew members are accustomed to while making a film in Los Angeles – not to mention shooting in locations that many filmmakers would never set one foot inside – and you can understand what we were up against.

The common questions asked in pre-production were, “Will the actors have trailers?” Our reply, “No, but we’ll have a great big bus with air conditioning that they can rest in.” “What happens if the cameras break in the jungle?” Our reply, “What are the chances that both will go down at the same time?” The most common question, though, was, “Is it safe?” We’d look right in their eyes and not even finch one bit – “Of course it’s safe. What could possibly go wrong shooting in Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, and Bolivia that couldn’t go wrong shooting in Los Angeles?”

Yeah, we know. It even took us a while to believe that answer.

While watching the webisodes, I bet you end up asking yourself, “How did they pull this off?” The answer? Finding a talented group of people who believed in us and didn’t care about the answer to the questions above.

Salude from the Filmmakers!

Thomas Whelan
Brian LaBelle
Emyr G. Graciano
Christopher Kennedy Masterson

THE ART OF TRAVEL TRAILER ““
Before you dive into the webisodes, check out the trailer for The Art of Travel…

Download The Art of Travel Trailer:

THE ART OF TRAVEL VIDEO BLOG #1: “Gonzo Filmmaking” ““
Dive into the process of pulling together the film, and the unique insanity of transporting a cast and crew into the wilds of Central America…

Download The Art Of Travel Video Blog #1: