SW15

=Alchemy=

(video will be up soon) Please watch in ** 1080p ** with headphones on (no distractions - very important) ** Description: ** This piece is a mini mockumentary(fake documentary) about a magician who has real powers instead of tricks. This piece is supposed to be a little video portrait of a magician. It is inspired by The Prestige and The Illusionist. The magician in this video is a friend of mine named Basel Hijazi. **Analysis:**
 * Media:** Canon 600D, Zoom H4n, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Soundbooth - **Size:** 1920x1080 - **Month of completion:** February 2013

**What were the artistic and/or cultural influences for this project?** **Who/what influenced either the composition and/or the style.**

I was influenced by two films: The Prestige, and The Illusionist. The movie "The Illusionist" influenced me in terms of composition and lighting for this video. The movie "The Prestige" on the other hand influenced me in terms of script writing. I liked the **What materials/media/processes did you use and or experiment with, and how?** I used a Canon 600D that I borrowed from Mr. Hardman. I used After Effects to edit the video together. I experimented with new media like Adobe Soundbooth to create a short ambient soundtrack for the video. I used my sisters keyboard and recorded with a Zoom H4n then edited the audio to create a very atmospheric soundtrack. **How do you think you have responded to advice and criticism during this project (and during the term), both from fellow students and the teacher. Did you actively seek advice? If so, was it useful?** I sought advice from my teacher for magic tricks that could be achieved with simple visual effects since I did not have a good 3D/vfx background. My teacher also suggested making my own music. The advice was very helpful. **Clearly explain the weaknesses/areas for improvement -** I think the visual effects could have been done better. I also think the music is not the best. I think the music needed more time, and I definitely need to work on improving it. The music is an important part of this piece and I want it to match the feeling of the video perfectly. I also feel like the video is not long enough, I didn't shoot a ton of interesting footage and so I decided to shorten this video down to fit the interesting parts only. **Clearly explain the strengths of the piece –** I think this video is powerful in terms of the visuals and the composition. I think I achieved the shots I wanted to achieve as planned with my storyboard. I was able to get the general look and feel of the film that I wanted in terms of cinematography, and music. **What could you take through to the next project and develop further? This could be anything, from a technique to an idea, not neccessarily just the theme.** I could develop this into a series of short films of people with supernatural powers - That was my teachers idea. I personally think it's a really good approach.