Night Stories 2002, 16mm performance, 45min
Units 2000-2002, 16mm performance, 50-70min
Ultra (also V_ltra) initiated in 2000 as a continuation of F.A.G improvisation group. Ultra’s production is based on multiple 16mm film projection accompanied by improvised music. During the performance optical attachments, lenses and prisms further optically deform the projection of pre-prepared film loops.
The first program of the group, called ‘Units’, had a distinct theme of basic natural elements. During the performance lasting 50-70 minutes, five 16mm projectors were used in combination with a slide show. This program was performed ten times, with varying casting of music accompaniment.
The name of the second mainly abstract black and white program called ‘Night Stories’ was inspired by the time of its creation - between 11pm and 3am. All film loops were created by hand-made changes on the filmstrip with use of acrylic colors, emery-paper and other chemical procedures. The projected images are laid out horizontally on three screens. The program length is 40-50 minutes.
Ultra members and co-operators (2000-2003):
Martin Blažíček [16mm film], František Wirth [16mm projection], Alice Ružičková [16mm projection], Filip Novák [violin], Marcus Godwyn (UK) [drums&percussion], Viola Ježková [piano], Ladislav Soukup [contrabass], Pavel Malý [drums], Vladimír Špulák [clarinet], Petr Marek [guitar, violin, keyboard, sampler, tapes], Prokop Holoubek [drums, clarinet, keyboard, sampler], Sergej Kotov (RUS) [guitar, tapes], Jiří Nezhyba [drums], Ludmila Chábová [violin]