CINEMATIC MAGIC: TURN YOUR MAGIC INTO VISUAL ART
High-end films & photography for magicians and magic companieS
Hi - I’m Allan
I make visuals that make magic read on screen. I speak both languages, film and magic, and fuse them so the visual moments, beats and story all land the way they should.
I can lead your project from beginning to end or step in at any point to give it my unique detailed touch! Because I deeply understand both film and magic, I’m uniquely able to translate magic moments (on all levels) into a film or video that reads as it should.
I love working with magicians to create incredible visuals and films that bring their ideas, products or shows to life. Cinema was born out of magic, so it is a very natural fusion of art forms, yet it is very challenging to get all the details right. That’s why you want to work with someone who deeply understands both fields.
BEHIND THE LENS
After film school, I worked on countless film projects from narrative short films, to music videos, documentaries, commercials and high-end social media content for brands. I’ve worked professionally as a performing magician at corporate events, cruise ships and conventions. Recently, I’ve worked as a Creative Director for a media company and agency in New York City, helping big brands cut through the noise with videos on social media platforms.
WHAT WE CAN MAKE TOGETHER:
Product trailers (books, props, devices)
Playing card trailers, teasers and performance videos
Instant downloads / Explanation videos
Behind-the-scenes photography of a show or event
Mini documentaries & artist profiles
Show/tour teasers and launch films
Convention short films, collection tours,
Product photography of props, books, cards and devices
Bespoke social media content that lives in the magic realm
Have another idea or challenge that requires an elegant cinematic solution? Get in touch!
SELECTED WORK:
The Definitive Mental Mysteries of Hector Chadwick - Trailer
Role: Director (Co-directed with Stephen Long), Cinematographer, Editor, Colorist, Final Polish
Client: Hector Chadwick, Vanishing Inc
About: I’m a huge fan of the original MMOHC, so it was a thrill to be asked by Stephen to make the re-release trailer. The brief called for a dark and mysterious “tabletop” ad, shrouding this mentalism book re-release in meta-mystery by using grainy, hazy shots reminiscent of analog film, and very deliberate set dressing, lighting and performance combined with lots of invisible sophistication added during post production. Filmed and finished entirely in my home studio, I was able to control a lot of variables, and it also made this production logistically more streamlined when working with client(s) across borders and continents under a tight deadline!
“Allan is a rare breed, equally at home generating ideas as he is serving someone else’s vision. When I needed his opinion, he would happily provide it, and when I gave him notes, he took them without question. The end result was better than anything I ever imagined.”
The Cardslinger (Director’s Cut)
Role: Director (Director’s Cut), Cinematographer, Editor, Colorist, Final Polish
Client: Fontaine Cards, Matt McCormick
About: This project called for a Western-inspired trailer with a gritty, near-timeless feel. During early conversations we decided to shoot the entire spot in the Super 16mm format on Kodak film, which did a lot in helping with the unique look, feel and texture. I provided the camera package, lenses and lights; and also loaded and operated the camera during the shoot. This Director’s Cut is completely different from the 60” YouTube version that was released for the final campaign, and works more as a short-form cardistry performance and experimental short film.
Salon De Magie - The Final Tour (Mini Documentary)
Role: Director, Cinematographer, Sound, Editor, Colorist, Final Polish
Client: Potter & Potter Auctions, Art of Play
About: The goal for this project was creating a film in which the viewer could experience a tour through Ken Klosterman’s Salon De Magie magic museum, as a part of consolidating the collection and preparing several items for auction through Potter & Potter. Gabe Fajuri acts as the host and guide, taking us through the museum. I spent a few days in Ohio with Gabe and his crew filming this, making sure we captured the essence of the collection as well as the tour elements. Ultimately the project is a mini-documentary that’s bursting with magic history and offering a unique peek into a very special place.
The next video could be for you - LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Every collaboration is different, but please reach out to talk and see if our visions align.
Drop a line whether you have a question, or you’re ready to begin work on your next magic project
I’d love to hear what you have in mind, and suggest ways for us to bring to life in the most interesting way possible.