e-mail contact: alrazutis@ymail.com --- websites: www.alchemists.com
Media artist, engineer and developer with 45+ years expertise in holography, holographic interferometry and holographic displays, stereoscopic 3D film and video production and exhibition, 3D and projection design and production for theater, digital graphics and web media, speech-interactive avatars, virtual reality environments, and interactive public displays.
Curator, archivist, historian, critic in holographics, stereoscopic 3D and media arts
Inventor and Technical Developer of 4D holographic motion-picture imaging and projection systems.
Developer of custom 3D holographic imaging techniques, lab facilities and exhibitions (transmission, reflection, interferometric, multi-channel transfer technologies).
Designed and developed film and video FX technologies and techniques
Designed and developed stereoscopic 3D film/video techniques, which were exhibited internationally.
Designed and developed speech-interactive 3D avatar content and delivery systems.
Publisher and editor of periodicals on holography and film.
Designed and developed 3D interactive media for the web and kiosk presentation.
Designed and developed 3D and projection technologies for theater and stage.
Educator in film, video, holography and theater design.
Critic and historian in published international venues on the subjects of experimental film, avant-garde film, holographic arts, virtual reality, multimedia, stereo 3d video art.
Holographics and Media archivist, preservationist, display architect
Holographic Motion-Picture projection systems invention - development
Volume Reflection holography.
White-Light Rainbow transmission holography.
Holographic Interferometry.
Holographic optical elements (HOE).
Laser development and maintenance.
Hologram exhibition technologies.
Holographic Lab Director.
Virtual Reality and Animation Director.
Film and Video Director.
Film and Video Editor and VFX Supervisor.
Stereographer.
Artistic Director.
Theater Technical Director.
Theater Lighting Director.
2D and 3D Film Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, VFX.
2D and 3D film and video Projectionist.
Screen-play Writer for Film and Video.
Writer and Editor of technical and critical papers.
Over 15 years Html, Dhtml, Css, JS, VRML, SR encoding, Flash, web media.
Holographic and Multi-media Project Management.
Supervision of public demo presentations and supporting technical materials.
2016 - Appointed Curator, Preservationist, Administrator of Sharon McCormack and San Francisco School of Holography Collection and Archives in perpetuity for future generations and history analysis.
Responsibilities:
Identify, catalog and preserve multiplex holographic stereograms produced over three decades by Sharon McCormack and School of Holography
Identify, catalog and preserve embossed holograms produced over three decades by Sharon McCormack and American Banknote Holographics, Polaroid, and other companies.
Identify, catalog and preserve holograms, videotapes, audiotapes, photos and slides, laboratory notes, and Optical Printer technology and lenses produced over three decades by Sharon McCormack and School of Holography.
Present in local studio exhibition a variety of works from the Sharon McCormack Collection & Archives; prepare all works for future exhibitions and touring to various venues.
Prepare a Curating Statement with each exhibition and body of work for presentation in public exhibitions.
Create web-pages and web-site for Sharon McCormack Collection & Archives to feature all documentation pertaining to the collection and making it available to the public via the web.
2015-2013 - Invited by Prof. Jianjiang Wang, Lanzhou City University, Director of DCC, the initiator and Artistic Director with creative idea and plan of Apsaras program to collaborate and develop stage-craft and holographic motion-picture projection system for the production 'Tales of the Silk Road'.
2015-2013 – Inventor and Holographics Technical Lead for Holographic Motion-Picture Projection System, contracted by Prof. Jianjiang Wang for Lanzhou City University, Dun-Huang Cultural Center, Lanzhou, China. This project was also developed and produced in Canada as a Visual Alchemy studio co-production (Al Razutis CTO, COO, project lead)
Responsibilities:
Design and produce portable holographic motion-picture system for use in theatrical productions.
Research and develop alternative holographic motion-picture systems for use in theatrical presentations. Create film-sequential pulsed-laser master holograms and rainbow transmission hologram copies of human live-subjects for use in projection.
Prepare, direct, and video record performer in HD 2D and Stereoscopic 3D for projection reference mappings and storyboard.
Design, engineer, build proof of concept portable holographic motion-picture projection system which is suitable for transport to demonstrations in Lanzhou, China and constructed at Visual Alchemy, Saturna, BC, Canada.
Organize and plan all logistics for transport of holograms, lasers, holographic motion-picture projection proof of concept to Lanzhou, China for demonstrations and exhibition.
Disassemble holographic exhibition of large pulsed transmission holograms and holographic motion picture projection system and re-assemble in Lanzhou, China for demonstrations and exhibition. Conduct demonstrations and exhibition for the media, government officials, academics, technologists and invited guests.
Deliver project under budget and as promised and specified.
Write and submit on time numerous technical progress reports, provide samples, with comprehensive documentation for future patent applications.
Design and produce portable hologram exhibition installation featuring holograms, special lighting and lasers.
2012 '3D Gallery' – holographic artist - group show – National Stereoscopic Association 3D-Con, Costa Mesa, USA
Responsibilities:
Install my hologram exhibition for conference duration at the ‘3D Gallery’. Holograms exhibited were by Al Razutis and included laser-transmission portrait master, interferometric hologram, double-exposed two-color rainbow hologram, image-plane reflection hologram, di-chromate hologram in sculpture, silver halide reflection hologram in sculpture.
Interpret holograms and holography to conference attendees.
Conduct a hands-on workshop on the origins, variations, technical and display characteristics of transmission holograms, reflection holograms, integral holograms, di-chromate holograms and rainbow holograms.
Present comparisons, practical and theoretical, and analyze the relationships of 3D imaging technologies such as stereoscopic 3D and holographic 3D. Question and answer period.
2010 - Holographic Installation lead, Deja Vu Exhibition of Holographic Art and Stereoscopic 3D, Vancouver, Canada
Responsibilities:
Venue selection, technical installation, laser and white-light illumination of holograms, maintenance of facilities and hardware for duration of exhibition.
2010-2009 – Project Designer and lead, Sonora Technologies, B.C., Canada
Responsibilities:
Design and produce speech-interactive avatar 'Sonora' for Sonora Technologies Inc., Canada, for presentation at B.C. Showcase, 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver, Canada.
Code all html and JavaScript browser content for avatar environment.
Supervise 3D modeling and animation for 'Sonora' avatar.
Install and de-bug all software / hardware for kiosk presentation of avatar content and speech-interactive media.
2010-2007 – Producer-director-project lead, Pulsed Holography, independently produced at Laser Reflections, Las Vegas, NV, and Los Angeles, CA
Responsibilities:
Designed and produced pulsed master transmission holograms of human and sculptural subjects using GEOLA pulsed laser and holocamera.
Created a three-series body of pulsed hologram and sculptural works that were exhibited in 2010 in Vancouver, Canada.
Made white-light transmission transfers of master holograms.
2010 - Stereoscopic 3D film producer - director - stereographer, independent productions in HD 3D, Los Angeles, CA
Responsibilities:
Write scenario and screenplay.
Select stereo 3D rig and test quality.
Direct and shoot HD 3D as per scenario requirements.
Conform and edit material; presentation of results.
2010-1996 - Web-Master and Web graphics artist, Visual Alchemy, Los Angeles, CA, Saturna, Canada
Responsibilities:
Create and managed web sites for corporate, foundation, scientific, cultural clients with client-driven designs (eg. Durfee Foundation, CA; Saturna Sports & Recreation Centre, Canada; Hotel St. Manana, Los Cabos, Anne Popperwell - Fine Art, Canada; Jane Fontana, Los Angeles, CA; American Museum of Beat Art, Los Angeles, CA; Roberta Booth - Photographer, Hollywood, CA; Hi-Q Industries, Arcadia, CA; SACOR Inc., Los Angeles, CA.)
Create all graphics elements, e-commerce, 3D displays, HTML and VRML design-programming, audio and video displays, interactive PDF forms, quick-time VR and Ipix walk-throughs, biographic libraries and resources. Domain registration, server configuration, file update management.
Produce internet web sites featuring experimental use of video and dynamic content,
Virtual Reality (VRML 2.0) - Commissioned sites include VRML elements for 6DOS: The Library for Bell Northern - Nancy Paterson, and Uroboros VRML 2.0 for Banff Center, Alberta.
2008 – Technical Director & Lighting Director, XIII Lithuanian International Folk Festival, Los Angeles, U.S.A.
Responsibilities:
Design all lighting, staging, and video requirements as per Scenario provided by Artistic Director for 15,000 person capacity arena production with 1,200 dancers and special props.
Appoint department managers and crews (stage manager, lighting crew manager, props manager, sound manager, video director, production manager, transportation manager, venue manager).
Generate second-specific Cue Book for all departments and managers for run-through and performance.
Test all special lighting, staging, and props and modify if required prior to presentation.
Arrange all communication and crewing for production, and conduct a cue test during rehearsals with all department managers.
Coordinate all transportation of props, scenic decorations, and lighting.
Technical direct and lighting, video direct with full crews at Final Rehearsal.
Technical direct and lighting, video direct with full crews at Performance.
Supervise striking of set and all equipment.
2001-2000 - Head of Virtual Reality and Animation, Mission Corporation, Bellevue, U.S.A.
Responsibilities:
Created and headed Web Graphics - 3D Animation - Virtual Reality department at Bellevue, WA. start-up company.
Conducted R&D and product development in speech-recognition VR set-top box technologies.
Hired and managed a staff of 2D graphics artists, Flash animators, web-designers, 3D (Max and Maya) modelers and animators, virtual reality and speech-recognition artists.
Managed technical designs, production, quality control, and schedules for creation of
prototype interfaces and demonstration displays.
Supervised demo development and presentations in Bellevue WA, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
1999-1995 - Documentary Video and Stereoscopic 3D Video producer-director, independent productions, Los Angeles, CA, Vancouver, Canada
Responsibilities:
Writing, producing, directing, cinematography, editing, and visual FX
Distribution and advertising.
Received four awards from the Shearwater foundation to produce and direct a series of video and DVD documentaries on west-coast holographic artists.
Produced and directed innovative and award-winning Stereoscopic-3D videotapes which were resented at Southern California Stereo Film Festivals (1996, 1997, 1998)
Invited to present stereoscopic 3D video at the Louvre, Paris, France (1997), EMAF, Osnabruch, Germany (2002), SENEF, Seoul, South Korea (2004).
1992 – Researcher and Writer, ‘Laser Lab’ – Handbook and Lab Guide for High-school Physics, Hi-Q Products, Arcadia, U.S.A.
Responsibilities:
Researching and writing for publication a handbook on laser physics, holography, geometric optics, solid-state lasers, gas lasers, experimental procedures for a Secondary School curriculum application.
1992-1990 – Holographic Exhibition Installation Director, ‘Images in Time and Space’ – touring international exhibition of holographic history, science, and art, Burbank, Pasadena, U.S.A.
Responsibilities:
Responsible for all aspects of holographic exhibition, including preparation of exhibition space, lighting, physical barriers, hologram installation, information material, shop and educational areas.
Supervised all aspects of installation and lighting of holograms of various kinds (laser, white light illuminated).
Supervised the care of all holograms and lighting and all technical features for the exhibition;
Supervised the disassembly and transport of the exhibition to next venue.
1987-1978 - Professor - Educator, Centre for the Arts, Simon Fraser University, Canada.
Associate Professor (Tenured) and Head of Film-Video program.
Responsibilities:
Created and oversaw film / video production and film studies curriculum at the undergraduate level as senior member of academic department.
Responsible for hiring, budgets, curriculum and administration, and teaching of selected courses (film production, video production, screenwriting, critical studies, special topics workshops, including holography) in four-year undergraduate program.
Administrative duties, committee presentations, curriculum and hiring development.
Faculty research and scholarly publications,conference presentations.
Acting
producer in over 200 student film projects (many of which garnered
awards).
(Resigned in 1987 to pursue independent
production.)
1986-1984 - Publisher and Editor, 'Wavefront' holography magazine and 'Opsis' Journal of Avant-Garde and political Cinema., Vancouver, BC
1985 - Artist in Residence, Fringe Research, Toronto
Responsibitilities:
Interferometric hologram mastering and multi-color white-light transmission hologram transfers using S. Benton techniques. This work has been internationally exhibited.
1978-1977 - Artist – Solo Traveling Holographic Art Exhibition, ‘Visual Alchemy’, Traveling international exhibition of holographic art by Al Razutis, touring 7 Canadian cities, and Seattle, U.S.A.
Responsibilities:
Creation and preparation for exhibition of 40 holographic works, including sculpture-holograms, wall pieces, projected works, transmission and reflection holographic works.
Design and preparation of all lighting, laser, and installation features required for traveling holographic art installation.
Appear in television and newspaper news stories on the subject of holography and art.
1976 - 1974 – Vising Faculty – Theater Design - Holography & Projections, Banff Centre, Banff, Canada
Responsibilities:
Develop curriculum and technology for courses in holography and theater design for advanced students in theater design and lighting at the Banff Centre, Theatre Program.
Train lab assistant to assist in holography lab work by students.
Write a manual for holography, projection, and theater design and lighting to be used in the classes.
Supervise and evaluate all student work in the hologram laboratory and theater workshops and presentations conducted on the main proscenium stage of the Banff Centre.
Design with students a advertised presentation featuring motion-picture projection, computer graphics, live action filming, laser illumination, and theatrical lighting and props, and set design, for production and presentation.
Faculty direct presentation of student show on proscenium stage featuring motion picture projection, volume screen, props, laser projection, and lighting and sceno-graphic elements to a live audience.
1974 - Scenic Lighting and Projection Specialist ‘What To Do ‘Untill The Messiah Comes’, Ballet stagecraft, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Vancouver, Canada
Responsibilities:
Design with Ballet Artistic Director content for video projections on scenic elements and backdrops for the production ‘What To Do Untill The Messiah Comes’ ballet by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in performance in Vancouver.
Create on video-synthesizer and film optical printer the film material from video sources suitable for both film and video projection on a theatrical scale.
Refine and adapt all film and video material for projection as per Ballet Artistic Director’s requirements.
1974-1972 - President, CEO-COO, Lab and Art Director of Visual Alchemy Inc., Film animation, special effects, video and holographic studio, Vancouver, Canada
Responsibilities:
Execute all responsibilities of owner, President, and CEO – COO, pertaining to all aspects of management and operations of registered company and media laboratory.
Develop and produce all necessary technologies in film animation, film optical printing, film editing, stereoscopic 3D film making and projection, video editing, video synthesis, bio-synthesis for the purpose of making art and offering client services to film makers and video makers.
Employ and train a staff of 3 to 5 lab assistants for various client projects.
Create and develop a holography laboratory for the purpose of creating all forms of holograms known, and to develop holographic motion-picture and projection technologies.
Teach workshops in holographic imaging to be conducted at Visual Alchemy.
Teach workshops and present screenings of works at educational institutions and universities.
Create a body of experimental films and videos for exhibition and distribution nationally and internationally.
Establish a free image-exchange for film makers to swap or deposit stock footage on film.
Create a unique laboratory of products and services and distribute examples of these works to the current day (2013).
Exhibit works in film, video, holography, or hybrid techniques of imaging in local, national, and international exhibitions.
Create a traveling holographic art exhibition named ‘Visual Alchemy’ for the Burnaby Art Gallery and trans-Canada exhibition, including the Science Centre in Seattle, U.S.A. Some of this holographic art continues to be exhibited today (2012).
Create the first video-synthesis bio-feedback process in Canada (1974), first motion-picture animated hologram (1974), first touring solo exhibition of holography in Canada (1977), and first instance in Canada of interferometric hologram art (1974, 1983).
1972-1971 - Visiting Faculty Member, Evergreen State College, Olympia, U.S.A.
Responsibilities:
Develop unique curriculum for individual students in the arts of video, video-synthesis, film, and experimental and documentary film practices and history.
Collaborate with all faculty art departments in sharing of facilities and support of all projects taken to point of completion.
Create artistic works as faculty research in the areas of video art, film art, video-synthesis, bio-feedback with video.
1967-1963
California Western Univ. - BA, Major: Chemistry,
Physics Minor: Mathematics, Biology - cum
laude
1968-1967
Univ. of California, Davis - (graduate fellowship - PhD program):
Nuclear Chemistry. (Resigned)
International
3D Society, Member
Society for Information Display (SID), Member.