Editing in Progress

The filming on Saturday went very well I feel, Piotr's editing the footage now. I should hopefully be able to see how it's going at some point today.

Being the 'Creative' or 'Artistic' director of a project is not something I'm used to. It feels distinctly strange not getting my hands dirty (metaphorically speaking) for once.

It's definitely been a learning curve over the course of this project. I've found myself for the first time ever doubting myself a lot more than usual, and thus spending a lot of time researching and not much time making which feels quite wrong. I've definitely learned that it's best to just run with ideas than to worry as much as I have.

I've also learned that when you make a video at this level of standard that there is a LOT involved. I'm used to being able to jump in head first, pursuing a chaotic method of creation. This means I could rely on myself, be in charge at pretty much every step of the way. Relying on and organising such a large group of people never even crossed my mind before. Fortunately Piotr is very experienced in this field and already had contact with the people we needed.

It's a very strange sensation to come up with a central idea and then, with exception of being involved with the fabrication of some of the project and providing feedback or input, completely letting go of the project to other, more experienced hands. Obviously it's necessary, but it takes a hell of a lot of getting used to.

Making the ferrofluid took a lot of hard work and research, but except for that I have to give my thanks largely to the team I was working with - who were all absolutely amazing people. I'll have the full list to upload here soon.

Shoot Date

I'm going into Six tomorrow to give my final pitch to the guys to make sure it's possib;e to secure the right equipment etc.

I should also be taking a look at Piotr's storyboards tomorrow too.

Discussions are also being undertook at the moment to procure a model for the shoot, we're thinking of maybe asking for a girl that I helped film a couple of weeks back, at least then we'll know it'll be quite east to work with her.

Every thing's looking pretty good right now, although I've had to order in a few large permanent magnets, as the electromagnets I have been making need a stronger power source than I currently have, and I don't really want to use my tesla coil one on it.

I think it's important due to the element of analogue tech in this brief that I get my hands quite dirty on the technology side.

Not sure if the hot ice will go ahead yet - piotr doesn't want to shoot more than one film on the same day (understandably), and I'm not sure I'll have enought time to shoot before or after that date. The question is if I push for it, can I get it delivered to a high enough standard...

Some new stuff

Ok, a lot to get through. I'll start off with some facts

Firstly, the shoot date has been pretty much confirmed - the 28th/29th of this month. So that's about ten days.

Piotr has been a massive help; he called in some favours and is now consulting some designers who may be interested in being involved. We've bought a sample of ferrofluid while I try to perfect my production method (more on that later).

Looks like things are moving, if a little late in the day.

What's going down:

After a very productive meeting with W.P.Onak It feels like I may have finally crystallised what is going to be produced over the next month.

Three short fashion films:

No.1;

A short film made in tribute to the late Alexander McQueen. The colours on my walking animation need much improvement as they do nowhere near enough justice to his 'Plato's Atlantis' show. The challenge in producing this piece is in making the 'pixel' characters relevant to contemporary fashion - the guys really like the work, but at the moment it feels a little dated.

All that is needed to realise this piece is a computer and TIME

No.2;

Fashion film that plays on the notion of 'material'. This comprises of a short ident for MATERIAL utilising 'hot ice' and a magnetised, sculptural fashion piece that will cause black ferrofluid to climb over a model's head. when the power is cut, the black fluid will shower the figure beneath it.

I will be utilising Six-Creative's camera facilities and either their studio or a warehouse location which I will be scouting out this weekend as I believe the weekends are the only times I can be granted access. I am currently contacting a number of fashion designers who work with metal on producing an item that can be used the carry the fluid.

I will be buying the ingredients for the fluid in the next few days - magnetic toner for laser printers and oil. I also need to purchase so sodium acetate to produce the hot ice, and create a mould for the material logo in which I can place the aforementioned fluid.

No.3;

A narrative fashion installation, a camera is placed on a fixed track and guided in a continuous take through an installation showcasing a fashion designer's work. As the camera passes through the installation the appropriate areas are activated, which produces a dynamic atmosphere for each piece.

I will be shooting this piece in the warehouse again, depending on its suitability. the installation will be created mostly through the use of structured lighting and light sensors. Sound for the piece will be produced by myself, feeding from experiments from last year.

I am currently talking to a few designers who may be willing to have their work exhibited in this style. It is imperative to establish who this is going to be this week if it is going to be feasible to complete this film before the end of the month.




No working diagrams exist as yet as it is necessary to see the warehouse before I begin proper planning. However I should have some initial diagrams up later tonight or tomorrow morning, after discussing feasibility with my technical advisor I will have a better idea.

A quick update

I've spent the last week practically tearing my hair out shouting 'HOW THE HELL AM I GOING TO GET THIS DONE ON TIME?!' You see, Diesel dropped out from sponsoring Material and thus I was left up the creek without a paddle - no money, no project.

However, I'm pretty sure things are back on, I've not asked any questions. The feeling around the office is one of progress, and specifically toward MATERIAL. I'm meeting a film maker at 12:00 to discuss various aspects of filming things.

Needless to say I am very excited...