This is an interactive magic show which presents diverse scenes and maximizes its entertainment aspects by dealing with real and virtual objects using Max/MSP and jitter.
2) Description
The mystery and precious memory of viewing a simple "magic show" when we were young has been forgotten. When we were younger, the magic show had always been an exciting and mysterious event which kept our curiosity even though we doubted that it might be not real.Children were encouraged to stretch their imagination and dream about how they could do magic in their own way. Based on these experiences, we would like to implement a magic show which makes it possible for anybody to participate. This project, rather than being performed by a trained magician, would use random performers from the audience and be adjusted and customized to their skill level. For example, children could participate with simple movements such as snapping their fingers to illuminate a magical interactive world.
Since we would like to enhance and provide rich environments for the performer as much as possible, our techniques will not dominate the overall performance. It will offer confidence to the performer and s/he can show their magic to the audience in a powerful way. In terms of techniques, we are using MaxJitter/ MSP, which can handle and manipulate pre-recorded video clips and real time video tracking. Essentially, a performer shows various magic gestures and through the use of motion capture and video tracking, the heightened visual effects will be projected and produce an experience which can not normally be presented by the magician alone.
3) Techniques
This is a performance oriented piece which is generated by MAX/MSP/Jitter, and which has a powerful function enabling capability using real-time video capturing and motion detection. There are several different technical settings for the entire show. In terms of technology, we have implemented the following:
Real time video recording and motion tracking: a video camera captures a performance or gesture and automatically saves it as a movie file. The file is then processed by using Jitter and projected on the screen behind the performer. Also, Jitter cross-fades both the pre-recorded videos and realtime visual. With these visual effects, the audience can get a sense of the magical and interactive setting of the performance. By dividing the rear projection in half, the audience will experience a mirror effect, which at once delays the actions of the magician and ties his/her performance to that of the virtual world.
The performer's movement is also captured by a camera and processed into applied visual effects which are presented in the background of the stage. Through motion tracking, the performer can add and subtract layers of other visual effects and enhance the overall experience of the performance.
