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]
Music, Camera, Action - when you're Liszt expected
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