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Ben StrebelYoung Swedish-British director and designer
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Ben Strebel: A Trip Out To Sea
Ben Strebelis a young Swedish-British film director and designer who created the experimental project 'A Trip Out To Sea' for the agency 'CLM BBDO'. The project simulates the experience of drowning in the open sea, giving the viewer and participant a new perspective on "the easiest death one could ever wish for". The creation of the project was supported by the French brand 'Guy Cotten', which specializes in the production of marine clothing and accessories.
'A Trip Out To Sea' addresses the state of a person who falls overboard, with the viewer using simple mouse movements to keep the person afloat. Shot professionally in the open sea, Ben Strebel accurately captures the experience of a drowning person: the overwhelming waves, the panic of being unable to reach the shore, the realization of the kilometers-deep water, and the attacks of agoraphobia.
According to the developers, who worked with rescue services throughout the experiment, only a few can stay afloat, properly distribute their strength, and conserve movements to avoid wasting energy. Ben Strebel combined his filmmaking skills with gaming visuals to achieve an incredibly realistic project that, when shown on a large screen, truly makes the viewer feel part of the unfolding tragedy.
Despite the viewer's control over the person's movements, 'A Trip Out To Sea' is not a video game. Any attempt to overcome the elements is met with obstacles, and every second on the surface, every breath without choking water, and every turn of the head in hopes of seeing a ship becomes unexpectedly precious. The project team aimed to raise awareness about safety rules on the open water, which ocean enthusiasts often ignore.
'A Trip Out To Sea' is the first attempt to combine cinema and interactivity in this way, and the positive reviews suggest that the collaboration between 'Guy Cotten', 'CLM BBDO', and Ben Strebel could mark the beginning of a new genre that opens up a new level where art meets the individuality of each viewer.
