April 14, 2013

MORE Magnetic Putty Magic

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Everyone has gone crazy for magnetic putty in the past few weeks. I wrote about the virality of a gif of the iron laden putty consuming neodymium magnet recently and the original video from which that was made has been shared far and wide.

Joey Shanks from Joey Shanks FX in collaboration with PBS Digital Studios has made a great piece of creative film using the putty, magnets and other additives and objects to fabulous effect.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

Superb lighting and camera angles, seamless timelapse and editing, along with appropriate mood music make this wonder even more engaging to watch!

And really, nothing says uber-trippy like removing the tiny mirrors from the disco ball keychain in the swag bag for SXSW and mixing with the putty for stunning effect.

I suggest you check out his YouTube channel to watch more of his video effects--all done sans CGI, including creating alien atmospheres in a fish tank and planets with dry ice bubbles!

Enjoy this introductory video to his SCI-FLY series. I love that he gives a peek into how he creates the effects so perhaps aspiring FX videographers could test them out as well!

I look forward to seeing more from Joey and PBS Digital Studios in the future.

image: screenshot from youtube video

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American