Following the publication of Artifex 's video reviews , many of you wrote to me asking how this gentleman produces these high-quality sequences that allow us to explore a set and discover all its secrets in just a few minutes.
So I contacted Max, aka Artifex , to ask him a few questions, which he kindly agreed to answer. Below are my questions and his answers.
This first interview launches a new series of articles on Hoth Bricks which will allow us to have some answers to the questions we all ask ourselves from emblematic players in their field and in the vast universe of AFOLs.
Hoth Bricks: How did you come up with the idea of producing these reviews as stop-motion videos?
Artifex: The idea came to me while watching videos produced by other directors. I thought it would be more fun to add camera movements and special effects to these sequences to dress them up and make them even more enjoyable to watch.
HB: How long does it take you to create a 2 or 3 minute video review, including the filming, post-production, etc. phases?
A: This varies depending on the size of the set, the number of pieces, and the time required for assembly. The production of the review can therefore take from 6 hours to a full day.
HB: What equipment, hardware and software do you use to create these sequences and make them look really professional?
A: I use a Canon 5D digital camera, and the editing is done with Adobe Premiere and Adobe After Effects. But hardware and software aren't the only important factors in creating these reviews. The different shooting techniques I experiment with are also very important. If you watch my older videos, you'll see that they're of poor quality. Over time, you'll notice that I try different new techniques. This way of working is very similar to the approach used in creating MOCs (My Own Creations). If you try different techniques and use a wide range of elements, the design of your model will be greatly improved.
HB: Your concept is really unique, do you think, like some of us, that these videos send the classic photo reviews back to the prehistoric stage in this area?
A: Ideas and concepts are recycled: What's new sometimes becomes outdated, and vice versa. With technological advancements, older concepts can be reborn in more modern and varied forms and styles. I think photo reviews will remain relevant for a long time. It's always interesting to examine a set from every angle before deciding to buy it.
HB: Your website http://artifexcreation.com features a new section called Comics. Can you tell us more about this project?
A: This section is for my personal creations, which I usually present in comic book form. I plan to transfer the comics I've already created from my MOCpages space to my website . This space is still under construction but will be functional soon.
HB: Will you continue to offer this type of video review in the future? Do you have any other plans to announce to Hoth Bricks readers?
A: I'll definitely continue producing these reviews! It's always great to share these videos of these sets, especially since it's impossible to own every set LEGO produces. This way, everyone can see the set being assembled, view all its features, learn about the different new building techniques used, and discover the new pieces. It's particularly exciting and educational for MOC builders like me.
The next reviews will be carried out on themes from the LEGO range as varied as Superheroes, StarWars, Ninjago, City, Lord of the Rings & Monsters! I always try to get my videos online within a short period of time after the affected sets have actually been marketed.
Regarding upcoming projects, I'm planning a series of stop-motion animations based on LEGO Batman, which will be released on our YouTube channel . A series dedicated to LEGO Star Wars will also be released. The LEGO Ninjago Spinjitzu Battle range will also be featured.
My planned MOCs for 2012 are: The Batwing from The Dark Knight Rises, a new version of the Tumbler ( current version visible here , editor's note), and the Batcave. If I have time, I'll also try my hand at a Star Wars-themed creation.
I would also continue to improve my videos by experimenting with different new techniques. Thanks to everyone who supports this project, I hope you will continue to enjoy watching my videos. Max.
