The greatest thing in a video agency is that we get to experiment with different engaging mediums.It was animation and infographics this time for some really fun and engaging Econsultancy projects.10 years ago, this would have been almost impossible: to collaborate between After Effects, Premiere Pro and Adobe Audition in real time and to deliver an animation like this in less than a week.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUopRXY3HSU
2015 has been a very exciting year for us at London Video Stories.From our new website launch to some amazing new collaborations, we have worked on a lot of exciting projects that we wanted to share with you.You can now check our new demo reel feat. Martin Sorrell, Tom Ford , Paul Smith and many more. As always, we're happy to hear your thoughts, so why not drop us a line?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1X_0zXThpoI
We all love magic, right? I think that at least once we've imagined ourselves performing a trick or two. But, when that doesn't work, the best next thing is to see magic at work. And that`s what I did while filming DMC (Drummond Money-Coutts), this intriguing character that tests the limits of his viewers' perception more often than the camera can record.No, he doesn`t have a hat and no rabbit there either. What he has is a talent for prestidigitation, a passion for dramatic acts and a personalised bag that hides…well, I guess something related to magic.While entering the classy George Club in sophisticated Mayfair, I just wished I could have set my camera to shoot 100 frames per second because I was sure my eyes won`t be able to see some of the quick tricks Drummond would perform.And so, using my unique floating camera technique, we shot 2 videos. The first one is a tribute to 2013 Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray and the other one is a magical tribute to the new Prince of Cambridge.In the end, I would say to keep an eye on DMC in this videos but I`m afraid it won`t be enough, so watch them twice.Mihai[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqmyPqYZtew&w=560&h=315][youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bCIIJkKQN3k&w=560&h=315]
There`s a hidden thought in every videographer`s mind: someday to make a music video. Well, not the usual Miley Cyrus on a ball/Lady Gaga all wrapped up kind of stuff, but a Mezzo style, multi-camera, classic video with a classical track.
My story with classical music goes back some years ago when, while directing a documentary, I`ve commissioned a composer to write a soundtrack for my film. After a few months, I was invited in a studio to listen to the composition. There are really no words to describe how I felt when listening to to the music that was written only my project! Ever since, I've always had my eye out for any classical music projects in which I could put all my DOP and editing skills in. As luck would have it, I met the uber-talented pianist Sergiu Tuhutiu in London a few moths ago and we decided to work together on two of his classical music videos.
So, there we were - 3 videographers in the room (myself, Raul Babos and Daniel Duna), 5 cameras ready to roll, one old and beautifully restored piano, a typically British saloon and a very talented pianist (Sergiu Tuhutziu) . We had about 8 hours to record 2 tracks and that seemed quite alright when you think we had 5 cameras; but to synchronize each one, to sync each performance, to change the lights for each camera and scene…now, that`s was real challenge.By the end of the day, the cameramen Raul Babos and Daniel Duna were not only humming the tunes just like in a karaoke night that went bad but they knew by heart each of Sergiu`s hand movements on the keyboard. I guess they also added Liszt on their iTunes list.Now, for you techies, I should add another part that might upset the piano lovers, namely camera+cameraman with slider on the piano! Luckily, I`m so compact that the piano hardly felt anything...After a few clicks and tweaks in in the editing room, here`s what we came up with.Do enjoy along with a glass of wine. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SviWtp7wcTohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7Ct3CnsHa0Mihai
A few months ago I was invited by Carlos Dittborn, a talented Chilean director to get involved into an experimental video. And so I did as a Director of Cinematography. Until now, I only worked on factual videography (more than I did on experimental videos), weather it was documentary or short corporate videos, and this project was for me a fun challenge especially because I`m planning my first short fiction film. I had to think out of the box, more visually than before and to adapt to the new DSLR I`ve worked with.What we had to do may seem simple: to capture the essence of a one minute dance and then to slow-motion it to almost 5 minutes. So, we used many camera angles and a frame rate of 60fps. The result was stunning because it seamed like the dancer was stopped somewhere between movement and stillness.Not only was this a positive experience because of working with a talented dancer, director and choreographer, but also, it made me think about the power that video has today: to slow down reality and offer us a moment of peace. The video is in the festival circuit and will soon be available in UK.Meanwhile,you can enjoy the trailer below:[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG9uNegsoGY]
A few weeks ago, my camera and I were discovering Greenwich, when our path brought us to Greenwich Market. The lens wanted to catch details, I wanted people and so, we began our search. Inside we were amazed by this incredible variety of antiques, handmade objects, lovely aromas and traditional dishes, all under one roof.
Wandering around, we suddenly caught a sight of …London. A brightly coloured London on beautiful paintings. Among the canvases of all sizes and shapes, we saw this man that kept moving around as if he had something very urgent to do. Arranging the paintings, putting prices, cleaning, saying hello to people and most importantly, painting.
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My camera was intrigued. I said hello. I got a hello back with a foreign accent, resembling a Russian one but not quite. We started chatting and he presented himself.
He is Vidma, the artist from Lithuania. And he paints.
You can see London in films, videos, sketches or photos, but Vidma’s paintings really stir up emotions. It’s London seen through the artist`s eye! This is what Vidma does. He catches London`s spirit and brings it alive on canvases through vivid colours.
I have visited Vidma many times since then, filming him while working in his studio or in Greenwich market. This is what my camera and I captured in a fast paced video, just like Vidma.
Let yourself be surprised by the man behind the art, the art behind the painting, the story behind the artist.
This is Painting London.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99378gi-4hA]