The Wylds

Bass Giraffe Review

2011-01-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

"I totally LOVED this movie. It was fun, weird, crazy and had an awesome message." - Bassgiraffe Review

To read the full review and enter to win the DVD giveaway click HERE.

DVD Giveaway

2011-01-04T14:49:00.000-08:00

Check out this great review of The Wylds and while you're there, enter to win a DVD http://www.myfourmonkeys.com/2010/12/wylds-on-dvd-inspired-by-pilgrims.html

The Wylds Christmas Special

2010-12-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Wondering what to buy everyone on your Christmas list? The Wylds makes a great Christmas gift for boys and girls, young and old. With this amazing deal on a 5 pack, you can buy one for your kids, your relatives, and your friends. Make Christmas shopping easy this year and buy your loved ones this inspirational and entertaining family film.

The Wylds is an action-packed adventure film inspired by the Christian classic, "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan. Filled with outrageous characters and exciting special effects, this thought-provoking allegory is a movie the whole family will enjoy. Click HERE to purchase a 5 Pack for $50 with Free Shipping.

Buy a single DVD for $14.99 with free shipping.

Special offer expires December 25th, 2010.

The Wylds is now available on iTunes

2010-11-08T15:42:00.001-08:00

"The Wylds" is available for rent and purchase on iTunes. http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMovie?id=398991603&s=143441

So rent it, buy it, rate it, review it, and share the link with everyone you know!

Also, we're running a special promotion on Facebook. Whoever suggests "The Wylds" to the most facebook friends will win a signed 12x18 poster of "The Wylds." This poster is signed by almost all of the cast and crew, including Solomon Ray, Staci Crowe, Crystal Lewis, Robert Bear, Robert Andrus, Director Andrew Wiest, and more. This is a true collector's item! And that's not all! We'll also throw in a copy of "The Wylds" DVD!

To win this amazing prize package, go to the Facebook fan page for "The Wylds" (http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wylds/48718760333), under the image of the poster on the top left, you will find a link that says "Suggest to Friends." Through that link, you can suggest this page to all of your friends, it will say how many friends you have selected. After you have suggested it, post on "The Wylds" profile how many friends you suggested it to and whoever has the most by Saturday will win the signed poster!

Thanks and good luck!

2010-10-31T09:55:00.001-07:00

Andrew Wiest, Director of The Wylds, Interviews Crystal Lewis about her involvement in the "The Wylds"

2010-10-26T10:27:00.000-07:00

Be sure to check out Crystal Lewis' new Christmas CD, "Home for the Holidays," released today.

Crystal's son, Solomon Ray, plays Chris in "The Wylds" and Crystal has a cameo as the Gatekeeper. The CD is available in Christian bookstores, online at http://www.christianbook.com/crystal-lewis/home-for-the-holidays/pd/CD83038 and on iTunes http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/home-for-the-holidays/id396271403

The Wylds is officially "Family Approved" by The Dove Foundation

2010-10-21T17:50:00.000-07:00

The Dove Foundation has reviewed and officially given "The Wylds" their seal of Family Approved.

"This is an imaginative film along with some neat special effects work and we gladly award it our Dove Seal. Enjoy this modern day "Pilgrim's Progress". - The Dove Foundation

To read the rest of the review Click Here.

The Wylds DVD Release Party

2010-09-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures and video from "The Wylds" DVD release party last Tuesday. Thanks to everyone for coming out and supporting this family film.

Makes sure to order your own copy at www.thewylds.com.

Izzi Ray and Crystal Lewis warming up before the show.

Mother and daughter on stage.

The stars were in the house!

Brian Ray accompanying Crystal Lewis was the highlight of the night.

Alana Myers, mom and PR woman extraordinaire.

Ron Wilson Rockin' it out.

Solomon Ray, Travis Gee, and Staci Crowe together again.

Andrew Wiest (Director), Crystal Lewis (Actor), Brian Ray (Producer), and Robert Andrus (Actor).

Solomon Ray (Actor), Ryan Reed (Special Effects), and Andrew Wiest (Director).

Three generations of amazing women.

Solomon Ray and Andrew Wiest.

DVD Release Party

2010-08-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

Join us Tuesday, August 31st from 6-8 PM at the Boiler Room (525 8th Street East, Kalispell, MT 59901) for the DVD release party of "The Wylds."

DVDs and posters will be available for purchase, there will also be DVD giveaways, DVD and poster signings, and live music, featuring performances by Crystal Lewis, Izzi Ray and Ron Wilson. Throughout the night we will be playing the trailer, the music video for "I Know I'll Make It," and other special features from the DVD.

This event is open to the public so stop by and don't forget to tell your friends about it!

Check it out!

2010-08-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

This is the song featured in the end credits of The WYLDS. Download it, you will not be disappointed. Buy on iTunes HERE.

Izzi Ray-"I Know I'll Make It" Music Video

2010-07-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

Watch the brand new music video for "I Know I'll Make It," written and performed by Izzi Ray, featured in the movie "The Wylds"

DVD Release Date!

2010-06-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

The WYLDS will be released nationwide through Word Entertainment on August 31, 2010.

A Bigger, Badder, Bog Monster

2010-05-27T17:27:00.000-07:00

Well, the movie is finished, color corrected, mixed, polished, and tweaked, but we couldn't help revisiting our favorite location one last time....THE BOG!! And like Andy said, "It was worth it just to make Solo suffer a little more." But the real reason we were back at the bog was because we felt the bog monster needed to be just a little scarier...and I think we succeeded.

Solo loves nothing more than standing in cold, muddy water, that's why we cast him, his resume said "likes cold water."

Toying with one possible plot twist where the monster eats Chris.

There were two monsters in the water that day.

The only thing cooler than Solo's new glasses?

Ryans'

Look at that concentration!

This man is dedicated.

A lot of work...but worth the results.

Wading in a bog, channeling monster energy, trying to eat Chris...all in a day's work.

Ryan Reed: Big Game Hunter

When you're smiling like this submerged in cold, dirty water, with a monster head attached to your arm you know you've found your calling.

Sharing fish tales it would seem.

It was a hard fight, but Solo was the victor.

Watch the New Trailer for THE WYLDS!

2009-12-02T11:20:00.001-08:00

To watch in a larger size and higher quality, go to www.thewylds.com or www.youtube.com/thewylds.

The Final Filming

2009-07-07T09:59:00.000-07:00

Well, we are officially 100% done filming.

We wrapped up the reshoots with a cop chase and some more traveling.

The creative forces behind The Wylds discuss life changing issues.

I guess this video answers the question of whether or not Andy's limp is gone.

While we were shooting, Bethanne had her own important movie she was directing, entitled "Black Death: The Untold Story of Unknown Substances in Smalltown America"

Solo's final fall on the set of The Wylds.

Andy takes his turn in front of the cameras

2009-07-02T10:30:00.000-07:00

Last Monday it was Andy's turn to be in front of the cameras. But first he had to direct his cameramen.

And then came the self-sacrificing part.

Sure, Andy looks pretty tough, but he's still not above wearing elbow pads. In the background, Solo asks himself for the 100th time, "What did I get myself into?"

It's not an Andrew Wiest movie without someone on set with a camera in hand and a cowboy hat on head, and since Andy was in the Duck costume, Jake filled the position nicely.

The guys take a moments respite, before tumbling down the hill again.

"You first."

There were quite a few spectators that day since it was just too entertaining to miss.

Jake is quite happy he's behind the camera today.

Solo paves the way...

and Andy's right behind.

Andy's still got that limp.

The looks say it all...and the dirt.

Does a Bear use a restroom in the woods? I guess so!

What a great Lil!

Surveying the drop.

Once the cameras are rolling there's no hesitation.

And to end the day, Solo took a nice, refreshing dip in the ice cold lake.

We Saved the Worst for Last!

2009-06-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

Solo thought we had thrown the worst we had at him...but he was wrong. In a moment of genius, or madness, Andy decided he wanted to bulk out the scene in the movie where Chris and Duck fall into the bog...this required lots of dangerous and painful stunt work. Judah Justine (Duck) is in Cambodia, so Andy doubled for him. Andy was also going to double for Chris and shoot all of their rolls separately but Solomon decided he hadn't sacrificed enough of himself on this movie and decided it was time to go the extra mile...too bad that mile was straight downhill through rocks and weeds and thorns.

Jake Bramante, a fellow filmmaker, brought out his two HD cameras so that Andy and Solo wouldn't have to roll down more than necessary. Corey Nickel and Ryan Reed also came out to man the cameras and Bethanne stood by with the behind the scenes camera to document the madness.

Well, I guess that's enough of a set-up...the videos say the rest.

But before we get started, a disclaimer:

Note: If I seem detached from my husband's near death experiences it's because I've found it's better not to think about it and I just go to my happy place until it's all over. Luckily Bethanne was there to be concerned.

Andy, amazingly enough, was ok...Bethanne on the other hand (that's her voice) is still recovering from her heart attack.

Be careful what you wish for Corey.

The only thing more entertaining than Andy's fall here is Solo voicing his concern.

In case you were wondering, Andy did not break his foot....we think.

The awesome shots made the injuries worth it...and Ryan, just so you know, your shots turned out great, so stop beating yourself up.

Through it all, Solo never lost his sense of humor.

The tree falling was all part of the plan...just ignore what Andy says at the end.

No matter how much fun rolling down hills is, there comes a point when you've reached your limit.

Just when we thought we hadn't put the cast and crew in harm's way enough.

Since you can't see him in the video, here's a picture for proof.

Once you reach this stage of the movie, there's more people doubling for the actors than there are the original actors. Bethanne doubled for Lil in the end cliff jump since the water was too cold in November.

Andy's so pumped about the last shot that he forgot to pull his drowning actors into the boat.

Jake not only helped us out with two HD cams, we also used his new underwater HD camera! It was beyond awesome. I bet you can't guess what they're filming here?

On the set of The Wylds, your performance is more important than oxygen...or being able to feel your limbs.

Despite it being summer, this Montana mountain lake water was FRIGID....like, Brain Freeze cold. How much can one Solo take in a day? Apparently a lot.

I think directing has finally gone to Andy's head.

Andy's sensitive and compassionate nature is what keeps bringing actors back to work with him.
I mean, at least Solo can't say that Andy didn't ask how he was doing before telling him to do another take! It doesn't help that the words "I've had enough" are not in Solo's vocabulary.

After a day like today, we can all say with confidence that you couldn't ask for a more dedicated, tough, and talented actor...of course, we could say that before, today just proves it once again.

I'll also be posting some photos from today, so stay tuned.

A Taste of Posts to Come

2009-06-29T22:50:00.001-07:00

Just the Four of Us

2009-06-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

Extra Traveling

2009-06-21T12:47:00.001-07:00

Saturday we shot some extra traveling footage for the movie. We drove up to Kootenai Falls past Libby.

Indiana Jones made a guest appearance in the movie!

Solo and Bethanne (you may know her as Traveler #3) decided to exchange roles for a day.

For the reshoots, we decided it was time Andy looked the part, so we hired a model to start his entourage (note blonde girl in the background).

They look like a couple of models themselves!

It was amazing how the water really drowned out our voices...hah...get it. Solo and Staci tried their best to figure out what our hand motions meant, but Andy finally had to run over and act it out for them.

Once they got it all figured out Andy got some spectacular shots of them against the falls.

Reshoots Day #2-Staci's Turn!

2009-06-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

For Day 2 of the reshoots, we got some extra shots of Faith (Staci) escaping Electra City.

What will actors NOT do for shot? Well, we have certainly not found Staci or Solo's limit yet!

We also shot some extra footage for the Valley of Shadows sequence. Throughout the sequence, Chris and Faith are supposed to be looking afraid and on guard...which wasn't difficult considering that the mosquitoes up at Lone Pine were trying to eat them alive!

Here's Andy shooting a menacing monster in the woods POV.

And here's Andy shooting a handsome director in the woods POV.

Solo didn't think there would be enough bloopers for the DVD Special Features, so he decided to give Andy some extra blooper footage.

Only Andy Wiest can pull off a shot like this.

Reshoots!

2009-06-16T21:02:00.000-07:00

Well, Solo's hair finally grew back long enough to allow us to start shooting the extra footage we need. We only have to go out a couple of afternoons to get some extra shots that Andy wanted for the final cut and so I thought I would share with you some videos and pics of our first day out.

We weren't sure if Solo would be able to channel the intricacies and deepness of his original portrayal of Chris, but once the clothes were donned, it was like Chris had never left!

The only noticeable difference was that Chris seemed slightly more suave than the last time.

It was great to be out of the basement editing and into the fresh mountain air!

Wish the rest of the cast and crew could've joined us for the reunion...we laughed, we cried, Solo hiked up the mountain over and over and over again, it was both beautiful and poignant.

Don't worry parents, there was a large safety net on either side of the cliff.

This movie has had an exorbitant amount of shooting atop cliffs.

I hesitated to put this photo up for the sake of Andy's and Solo's Moms, but then I couldn't resist because it was such a cool photo! It's not quite as dangerous as it looks.

I couldn't come up with a caption for this last photo, so luckily, it speaks for itself!

Move Over Transformers!

2009-05-10T16:39:00.000-07:00

Here's some pictures of the robot that we created. He'll stand around 25 feet tall and will wage war against Chris, Faith and Hope in the final scene of the movie. And yes, those are guns on the left and a flamethrower on the right. Luc, played by Rob Bear, will be seated at the controls behind those menacing eyes!

The First The WYLDS Poster

2009-03-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet Ship Graphics

2009-02-24T18:07:00.000-08:00

Electra City Concept Art

2009-02-20T15:42:00.000-08:00

And So the Special Effects Begin

2009-01-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

The great, special effects master James Teague has begun the challenge of filling this movie with special effects from end to end...luckily he made himself an "Andrew Wiest Dartboard" to relieve all of the stress that arises from such a challenge. The dartboard comes in handy on those long, lonely nights of staring at the computer adding lava, or striking trees with lightning, or creating a completely digital world, or turning white socks black, well, you get the idea.

IMDB Page

2008-12-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Apparantly, we're legit now because it took less than a week for my IMDB entry to get added to the IMDB website...and with no questions from the "approval board"!

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1336619/

Teaser Trailer & Title

2008-12-14T14:08:00.000-08:00

This one is off of youtube and low res, to see a high res version go to www.thewylds.com.

Who is this?

2008-12-12T14:01:00.000-08:00

Trailer Graveyard

2008-11-23T18:53:00.000-08:00

Today we shot the opening title sequence in one of the coolest locations yet...a mobile home graveyard!! Only a couple more days of pick-up shots and we will be 100% wrapped!

The Life of a Movie Star

2008-11-21T17:02:00.000-08:00

Vote for a Title or Submit One in the Comments!

2008-11-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Off into the Sunset

2008-11-17T17:42:00.000-08:00

Today we shot the last scene in the movie and today was our last "official" shooting day. One word....BITTERSWEET.
To be honest, 90% bitter, 10% sweet.

The best sailor in the world...CAPTAIN DAD!!

Argh!! A pirate's life for me!

It took the whole shoot, but Solo's finally got it all figured out.

Thank you Solo, Staci, Andrus, Bear, Lil, Larry, Elizabeth, Erik, Scott, Ryan, Justin, Aidan, Judah, Travis, Sarah, Nathan, Noah, Spenser, Stephanie, Bethanne, Hannah, Crystal, Bryan, Izzy (thanks again for Mr. Dots!), Mom, Dad, Stephanie, Chuck, Jennie, and all of our extras and everyone that gave us meals, helped us out, let us use their property, encouraged us and prayed for us, and thank you to all the parents for carting their kids all over the valley every single day!

We're going to miss you guys.

Article in the Inter Lake

2008-11-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Make sure to pick up a copy of the Daily Inter Lake today. It has a great article about the movie in it with beautiful photos. You can check it out online at http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/11/16/community/lifestyles/lifestyle01.txt

It Couldn't be an Andy Wiest Film Without a Cowboy Somewhere!

2008-11-15T21:04:00.000-08:00

The only reason why Andy puts cowboys in movies is so he can sneak in a ride.

Scott Phillips played Grant the Cowboy.

What's a cowboy without his trusty cell phone.

Wind, the horse, took direction very well.

L.R.H. Forever!

Tom, the cutest cat in the world.

Alana, the cutest mom in the world.

There Can Be Only One!!

2008-11-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

I only pick on people half my size.

Do it good this time!

Lil was disappointed to find out the Electra City glasses didn't transport her to a warmer environment.

Andrus' greatest role ever...Squeaky the Gopher

If you ask me to run up that cliff one more time...

We officially found Solo's limit today.

Let the suffering end!

Andy testing his limit...he has yet to find it.

Taking care of the talent.

Only in Montana

2008-11-13T19:21:00.000-08:00

Only in Montana can you go from this weather....

....to this weather in twenty minutes.

But before it started blizzarding (yes, that's a word) we were able to get some great footage.

What a Day

2008-11-13T18:39:00.000-08:00

Sweet, Shiny Location Batman!

2008-11-12T15:42:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Electra City!!!

2008-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

The Bright Side of Electra City!

The Dark Side of Electra City.

Additional Links

2008-11-11T18:18:00.000-08:00

IMDB Page
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1336619/

MySpace
www.myspace.com/thewyldsthemovie

Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Wylds/48718760333

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoHp3VFIHac&feature=channel_page

Daily Inter Lake Article
http://www.dailyinterlake.com/articles/2008/11/16/community/lifestyles/lifestyle01.txt

Flathead Beacon Article
http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/from_the_hollywood_hills_to_the_flathead_valley/6446/

Quiet Earth Article: Website Dedicated to genre films and all things post-apocalyptic.
http://www.quietearth.us/articles/2009/02/25/New-PA-flick-THE-WYLDS-based-on-John-Bunyans-The-Pilgrims-Progress

Crystal Lewis Official Website
http://www.crystallewis.com/

Metro One Music
http://www.metro1music.com/

Gonna Need a Montage!!!

2008-11-10T17:51:00.001-08:00

Oh yeah, just like his best bud Luc.

How can the ladies resist?

Nothing puts a smile on Andy's face like a good ol' fashioned montage.

It also puts a smile on Lil's face.

Finding out that she's old wipes it right off though.

Proper gel applying technique for full-body.

Montage!

TV rocks!

But too much TV hurts.

More Montagin'

P.O.V. is the best!

Hope Springs Eternal

2008-11-10T12:17:00.000-08:00

Today we shot a bunch of green screen scenes with Chris and Hope and Chris and Luc.

Solo preparing for his role.

That's a sword in his hands.

Hugs all around.

Andy praying for the green screen to have no wrinkles.

Lillith Fields as Hope.

Look at that attitude!

Newest title: A Boy and His iPhone.

Just Hangin' Around

2008-11-07T15:54:00.000-08:00

Today Staci did a little rock climbing for the movie...she was tied off! After we put her in a harness and tied her off she didn't even hesitate before she shimmied down the cliff edge and hung over. Fearless.

In case you thought we only made the kids suffer.

Andy moves with the grace of a gazelle.

Flathead Beacon Article

2008-11-07T08:14:00.000-08:00

Make sure to pick up a copy of the Flathead Beacon this week, it has a great article about the movie in it. You can also check it out online at http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/from_the_hollywood_hills_to_the_flathead_valley/6446/

The Salesman and Mr. Dots

2008-11-06T18:46:00.000-08:00

Today was Mr. Dot's film debut and he was amazing!

Robert Andrus played the Salesman based on Wordly Wiseman in Pilgrim's Progress.

He was one part used car salesman, one part southern gentleman, and one part tele-evangelist.

It may be hard to find good help...but it's out there! Take Rickshaw Ryan here, what a guy.

Nice Jacket!

Pilgrim's Progress Groupies

Done with the church...onto Electra City!

2008-11-05T20:10:00.000-08:00

Good Times

2008-11-05T19:49:00.000-08:00

This Video Pretty Much Sums Up Today....

2008-11-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

WAITING FOR TRAINS, CARS, AND STREET SWEEPERS TO LEAVE US ALONE!!!!!

We think the shoot is beginning to take a toll on Solo

2008-11-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

The Man in the Cage

2008-11-01T14:53:00.000-07:00

Thanks Extras!

2008-10-31T16:32:00.000-07:00

One Day I'll Include Captions Again

2008-10-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

Soaring to New Heights in Moviemaking

2008-10-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

Can this shoot get any crazier?

2008-10-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

In a word...yes.

Now for some videos

2008-10-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

Too Many Photos...No Time for Captions!

2008-10-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Too Many Awesome Photos!!

2008-10-27T19:10:00.000-07:00

Scorpions, Mosquitos, and Centipedes OH MY!

2008-10-26T08:38:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we shot MORE creatures for the Valley of the Shadows Scene, as well as the Gabby scene. Sarah Wilson played Gabby.

Hannah (Andy's sister) was in town for a day so she came and helped out as an extra bug wrangler.

Solo got up close and personal with the creatures.

At first they scared him.

Then he liked them.

Then he loved them.

Andy and Sarah discuss the nuances of her character.

Getting Solo in their sights.

Justin going the extra length for the perfect shot.

What's a day of shooting without making Solo roll around in the dirt?

On Tour: Solo and the Travelers

2008-10-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

That's right! Solo and the Travelers have just begun their worldwide tour this month. They're starting the whole tour off with a show below the Kalispell cemetery! Be there or be square.

Chris tries to convince the girls to get away before the creatures in the woods gets them.

Hannah just hangin' out.

Stephanie didn't know what she had signed up for, but she was game for it! So far this movie has had more people being drug across the ground than any other movie in movie making history.

Whoa. Now that's some attitude.

Going over the lines with the ladies. Andy's lucky they didn't beat him up.

Solo is already fielding calls from top studios.

Luckily he has a powerful and experienced Mentor to guide his acting career.

"Don't hate me because I'm beautiful."

A Lesson in Reverse Acting

2008-10-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

Today Solo and Staci learned how to act in reverse. We wrapped them in vines, pull them off of them, and when you put it in reverse it looks like the vines are wrapping themselves around the kids...Movie Magic!!

Staci only had to stay like this for half an hour! Ok, maybe it was forty-five minutes.

At least they don't taste like eggs Solo!

More Solo torturing...as usual.