The Alchemist

This film is about humanity's obsession with attempting to thwart mortality. An alchemist searches for eternal youth, creating potions whilst experimenting with things beyond human understanding. He ultimately succeeds, although not in the way he intended.

This was my third year graduation film. Inspiration came from a visit to a genuine medieval Alchemist's Laboratory in Prague. Research into the history and origins of alchemy played a huge role and I built the set, character and the majority of props from scratch. I loved making this film and was able to learn skills such as building a miniature chandelier complete with LEDs and practical stop motion effects: smoke, fire, and bubbling potions. For the sound design I collaborated with Will Crawford from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire who composed an original soundtrack overlaid by my own sound effects.