Sometimes, producing a video is like practising alchemy.
The ancient art is defined as turning base metal into gold. And occasionally, taking a concept and creating a visually entertaining and compelling video owes more to transmutation than creative skill.
As with all creative arts, there is a process. If you’re a musician, you combine instruments with the pitch, rhythm and melody to create a song. An author takes the characters and plot, adds in dialogue and works through the story arc. Somewhere along the way, the whole process is transformed by the intangible element of creativity.
In video, much depends on the starting subject. And that’s where the alchemy can come in. Having a process gives a structure. But it doesn’t create the undeniable special something.
As I video producer, I practice project management, scheduling, budget control and I handle egos. And with projects like the one I’m currently working on, my skills include alchemy. In ancient teachings, alchemical changes should always be positive. That’s what I’m aiming for.