Visual Effects • Production • Motion Graphics
HOUDINI
A+E NETWORKS
When we were tasked with pitching the main title for the Houdini biopic starring Adrien Brody, we knew we had to deliver something bold and unforgettable. Our initial concept was ambitious—a dramatic underwater shoot in a secluded cove off Catalina Island. However, due to logistical challenges and tight timelines, we had to pivot fast. We ended up filming in Eric’s backyard pool (special shoutout to Katie for her incredible patience!).
Then came the curveball: the props arrived from Romania, where the series was filmed. The shackles, handcuffs, and keys—key elements for the scene—were made of foam, painted to resemble steel. The issue? Foam doesn’t sink. With just hours before the shoot, we scrambled across LA to source authentic metal pieces, ultimately securing everything we needed at the eleventh hour.
For the underwater sequences, we teamed up with our trusted collaborator, Michael Pescasio, and the Phantom Flex4K camera rig. Shooting at 900 to 1200 frames per second, we captured every intricate moment with breathtaking high-speed clarity. Despite the last-minute hurdles, the final footage surpassed all our expectations.
MAIN TITLE SEQUENCE
After delivering our main title sequence, I was asked to step in and create a series of newspaper sequences to drive the story forward. The answer came naturally: to anchor the series in Houdini’s era, we used authentic print presses from his time. By compositing footage from Los Angeles’s iconic Aardvark Letterpress with carefully crafted newspaper designs, we achieved sequences that resonated perfectly with the period. The final result was a hit with the client, A+E, seamlessly enhancing the show’s historical depth and visual storytelling.