Video Artist - George Melies

What I find inspirational about George Melies work is his stop-edit and double-exposure work. A scene from his 1905 film "The Black Imp", where he battles with the chairs is especially inspiring and leaves room for future artistic ideas, making objects and people disappear and reappear. Considering the type of equipment he used, and how he obtained such effects, it makes me appreciate how far the advancements in film-making have reached today. I can use computer software to create the same effects, yet George had to handle the film itself in certain ways. The best part is he discovered these effects by accident, and its incredible how much his accident influences film today.

While George Melies wasn't considered a film-maker, he did create over 500 films in one decade out of enthusiasm for the medium. His films were regularly shown while he performed his magic tricks as a magician; more or less an addition to is act or a hobby. I myself am not considering a full film-making career, yet I enjoy making videos nonetheless. George Melies experiences with film helps me relate to him.