Bricks in Motion
We are a friendly filmmaking community devoted to the art of stop-motion animation using LEGO® and similar construction toys. Here, you can share your work, join our community of other brickfilmers, and participate in periodic animation contests!
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The Magician's Hat - Septemberfest 2010
My entry to the 'Septemberfest' competition. I had the idea ages ago, and when the theme came along (No Dialog) it seemed to fit in well.Shot at 20 fps on SMA, using a Logitech Quickcam Pro 9000. Edited on Sony Vegas.
I really liked this, I was a little disappointed that you didn't use the real water effects outside the alley though, they looked great.
I really liked this, I was a little disappointed that you didn't use the real water effects outside the alley though, they looked great.
I regret that too. But I was very tight for time, and the base the streets sets built on was re-enforcet with some sort of wood/cardboard stuff underneath. A bit like MDF, and I didn't want it to get wet or soggy.
My personal favourite so far. My only complaint is the lack of sound effects aside from the rain. But never mind. The animation, the rain effect, the use of music....perfect.
I enjoyed watching this film. Nice animations. Innovative - not to say avantgarde - water effects. Well told story
though I would prefer if the hat followed the guy in the end
. And: Again those rabbits, that seem to become the new monkeys?
Quite enjoyed this entry. Lacking in some areas but overall the animation and story were good. Nicely done.
Thanks guys, it's great to hear your opinions. 
Again those rabbits, that seem to become the new monkeys?
Lego Rabbits evolve into monkeys. Everyone knows that.
The Magician's Hat is, once again, the example of a morealess newbie brickfilmer emerging with a great film unexpectedly. The film it's self gets it's inspiration mostly from MindGame's "The Magician", and it is shown, however though there are similarities between the two, Filmfire stays still somewhat original using many innovative techniques, such as Smeagol's natural rain effect - used in Unrenewable. The 20 frames per second frame rate does make it seem fast at times, especially with the running sequences for example, but luckily the maker manages nevertheless to deliver a smooth, and nicely animated film. Quite a step for a beginner, so to speak. The audio is slightly repetitive with only the rain, and not many other sounds to disguise this, but luckily the music stands well. The film is enjoyable and entertains throughout, and is well worth your time.
Sound: 4/10
Music: 6/10
Animation: 7/10
Effects: 7/10
Plot: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Overall: 37/60
Last edited by Onion (October 4, 2010 (09:16am))
That was amazing!
Based on the title, I thought this would be unoriginal, but I was pleasantly surprised. You had some very clever plot elements (although I agree with Willem's "spoiler" comment). I chuckled more than once and found this film quite entertaining and well done. 
Thanks guys. I can see where you're coming from now with it being similar to 'The Magician' but I actually had this idea ages ago.
Any more critics, reviews, ratings?
Added ratings to my review.
This is one of my new favorite Seotemberfest entries. It's funny, charming and magical! Some more sound effects would have been nice, but not really needed because of the music. 4/5
The real water effects were amazing. But one could see the material with that the had was attached to the hand. Perhaps black would have been a better choice for that.
The rain effects were really good. There were some points where the animation could have been better, like when he picked up the hat and it kept changing, etc.
It was a very nice entry, though. I enjoyed it.
-JK
The rain effects were really good. There were some points where the animation could have been better, like when he picked up the hat and it kept changing, etc.
I feel a little annoyed about that too. It was my film with Sony Vegas 9 plat. so I'm still learning. 
The real water effects were amazing. But one could see the material with that the had was attached to the hand. Perhaps black would have been a better choice for that.
Unfortunately I don't think I could have helped this. The blue tack didn't seem to stick so well when wet, so I had to use that much or else it would fall off. And I've never really heard of 'Black Tack'! 
Thanks guys.
A good entry, but there is a few problems. First, the rain effect constantly changes, stick with one. Second, try and hide the sticky tac when filming, it looked really bad in this film. I really liked it besides those two points, a quality storyline. 
3.5/5
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