There’s always a sense of pride here in Milwaukee when a Harley-Davidson bike pops up on the big screen.

As part of the Harley-Davidson Museum's "Harleys & Hollywood," two movie industry insiders stop in Milwaukee to spill the scoop on the behind-the-scenes stunt and trick techniques in "Untold Stories."

Tim Woods, picture car coordinator, and Justin Kell, motorcycle coordinator, to hear all about movies, motorcycles and the actors who ride them. 

Woods' and Kell’s work can be seen in films such as "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," "Star Trek" and "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra." Together, Woods and Kell select vehicles, manage transportation scenes, coordinate builds and serve as bike technicians.

Stop by on Friday to see the bikes, watch the film clips and get inside information only these two have. Recently, I caught up with Kell to catch a preview of what’s in store for Friday night.

OnMilwaukee.com: Why is the Harley so often chosen as the bike to appear in film?

Justin Kell: Harley-Davidson motorcycles are what most people in America think of when they think of a motorcycle. In many instances, a director or production designer will request a Harley-Davidson based on a character’s "vibe." The Harley-Davidson brand certainly represents many things to the American public, and this runs true inside the film industry.

OMC:  Are stunts typically performed with the original bike or a modified version of the Harley?

JK: Generally, we will heavily modify a copy of what we call the "hero" bike -- the main bike seen in the finished movie -- to use for the stunt scenes.

Using "Indiana Jones" as an example, we set up the stunt bike very differently from the main hero bike. The stunt bike was tailored to the requests of the stunt rider, and we built it specifically to be able to handle the stunts that are performed. The bikes that are ridden by the actors are usually protected a bit more, and are kept cosmetically sound. But if the scene requires the character to perform a jump, go fast or even crash, it's a very different approach to the set up of the bike.

OMC: What do you think is the most influential film scene with a Harley?

JK: As much as the film industry has been credited with pop culture’s interpretation of the "biker" image, good or bad, I do not think anything on film will ever match the impact made by the "Captain America" bike in "Easy Rider." That machine spawned generations of custom builders and Harley riders.

OMC: Are there particular actors and movies who have helped create the Harley brand in your opinion?

JK: Again, "Easy Rider" is probably the most influential example that I can think of. I personally think that the Harley-Davidson brand is continuously evolving every day by the many actors and musicians who ride, as well as by pop culture celebrities who are known enthusiasts.

In California in particular, we have a governor who rides, we have most of the "A" list celebrities on bikes and we have slews of fans riding as well. I think that Jay Leno has done a great job in bringing attention to today’s motorcycle enthusiast, as opposed to the stereotypical "biker" image. I think guys like Robert Patrick, who really live the lifestyle, keep the classic Harley-Davidson biker image strong. There are just so many people as you look back in history. The trick is to keep it going.

OMC: Why do you think it's important to reveal the connection between Harley and the film industry in an exhibit like "Harleys & Hollywood"?

JK: Harley-Davidson motorcycles are synonymous with the Hollywood film industry and with American pop culture in general. Harleys have helped define the images of some of the greatest film heroes, rebels and heart throbs of our time. So it’s great to celebrate that connection and bring some of that excitement and "star status" of these bikes back home to Milwaukee where they originated.