Danna Macias Portfolio

UMBRA

UMBRA ventures into the realm of experimental motion, delving into the intricacies of human nature and the innate drive for desire. It serves as an abstract portrayal of the relentless yearning for beauty and desire to be desired that hides within the shadows. This visual odyssey unfolds as a theater of the forbidden, confronting these emotions and laying them bare for exploration.

UMBRA employs an abstract storytelling style that hinge’s on the viewer’s connection with their private desires, the thoughts that surface when no one is around. As the title indicates, the umbra is the innermost and darkest part of a shadow, where the light source is completely blocked out and left up to interpretation of the darkness.

The Stills

On Set...

Role: Director, Editor, Motion Designer

In collaboration with Mitch Ritter (DP), Annie Cater (1st AC), Garrison Allen (Gaffer), Iyla Feist (Prod. Designer) and Violetta Somov (Talent)

VITRUVIO

Vitruvio is an audiovisual exhibition that explores the concept of Posthumanism as a way to heal and embrace the mutual reliance of all beings, as expressed in the manifesto. Through the decentralization of humanity, Vitruvio is a space where the human and art coexist as one. This exhibition displayed two art pieces; Opera, a projection with an original score that created an ambiguous ambiance and Documentary: Act VI, a CRT installation that reflects on human transformation. Additionally, Vitruvio was supported by a carefully crafted branding system launched on a social media roll out.

This project originated as my senior thesis.

Role: Director, Video Editing, Graphic Designer, Projection Mapping

In collaboration with Parker Muckenfuss, Annie Cater, Ari Young Sang, Maddie Talmadge, Mitch Ritter, Caitlin Roberts, Iyla Feist, Olivia Lively, Hannah Setzler, Jenna M. Yandle, Jack Snelson, Reem Hinedi, Nate Oliva, Nolan Acosta, Christopher Conrad, Hayden Blocker and Chloe Hill

RED IS NOT A COLOR

"Red is Not a Color" is a celebration of video art, embodying the pure essence of art for art's sake. Serving as a homage to the beauty of transforming everyday footage and introspective moments into artistic expression, it draws inspiration from the raw aesthetics of grunge and abstract film. This immersive piece transcends traditional boundaries, as it is projected onto all 4 sides of a wooden cube and transforms the screen into a dynamic fourth-dimensional canvas. As the light dances off the cube and fills the room, viewers are invited into a captivating realm of consciousness exploration, where thought-provoking imagery ignites introspection and wonder.

Projection mapping done on Madmapper.

MUBI

This stop-motion piece for streaming platform Mubi, pays homage to art house cinema and the classics of horror. Crafted to captivate audiences on social media during the Halloween season, this piece is a celebration of the haunting allure of the macabre. Each frame was printed and scanned to achieve a textured result, reminiscent of analog filmmaking and tactile techniques.

Tactile Process...