Mountain of the Moon: The Fusion of Art, Music, and Light Suits in Adventure Sports Filmmaking
A massive ice sculpture of a mammoth's head illuminated with Grateful Dead logos and laser projections set the stage for a unique event. Mickey Hart, the iconic drummer of the Grateful Dead, stood nearby in a suit adorned with LED lights, ready for an electrifying performance. The Chief Lighting Technician, Shane Treat, ensured the safety of Hart and the functionality of the light suit, a crucial element in the upcoming film by Chris Benchetler.
Treat's innovative work with the light suits has been essential for Benchetler's creative vision. The relationship between the Grateful Dead's music and Benchetler's artistry has been symbiotic, with Treat playing a pivotal role in bringing the vision to life. The upcoming film, "Mountain of the Moon," promises to showcase the seamless integration of skiing, action sports, and the iconic music of the Grateful Dead, all illuminated by Treat's cutting-edge light suits.
Benchetler's journey with light-suit technology began in 2014 with the film "Afterglow," setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in "Fire on the Mountain." The challenges faced during the production of "Fire on the Mountain" pushed Treat to invent new technology that would enhance the visual impact of the light suits while ensuring their reliability in extreme conditions. The collaboration between Benchetler, Treat, and Arc'Teryx resulted in the creation of 14 suits with holographic effects that brought Benchetler's vision to life.
Treat's dedication to the project went beyond his professional expertise. He worked tirelessly to perfect the light suits, even putting his personal business on hold for two years to focus on "Mountain of the Moon." Benchetler's unwavering belief in Treat's abilities and their strong friendship motivated Treat to overcome challenges and deliver a groundbreaking product that exceeded expectations.
The upcoming premiere of "Mountain of the Moon" promises to be a visual and artistic spectacle, showcasing the culmination of Benchetler's creative vision and Treat's innovative technology. The film represents a bold and ambitious project that pushes the boundaries of adventure sports filmmaking, driven by a passion for artistry and creative expression.