30 Years of Magic Documentary
30 Years of Magic is a cinematic storytelling performance celebrating three decades of creativity, illusion, and craft.
Created by Ragtown Media, the project combines documentary filmmaking with live performance, guiding audiences through the journey behind the work.
About the Project
30 Years of MC Magic is a long-form documentary celebrating three decades of music, performance, and cultural impact from Phoenix-based Latin hip-hop artist MC Magic. The film traces Magic's journey from his early career through 30 years of building a dedicated fanbase across the American Southwest and beyond, capturing live performance footage, personal interviews, and the stories of fans whose lives have been shaped by his music.
Our Role
Ragtown Media produced, directed, and edited this full-length documentary, handling everything from pre-production planning and interview setup through live concert cinematography and post-production. The project required coordinating multiple locations across Arizona and integrating archival material with original footage.
Why This Story
MC Magic represents something rare in the music industry, an independent artist who built a lasting career on genuine connection with his audience rather than mainstream commercial success. Thirty years of that story deserved a documentary treatment, not a music video or a press package. This project is one of Ragtown Media's most comprehensive long-form music documentaries.
Filming the 30 Years of Magic Documentary
Production took place across several filming sessions designed to capture both interviews and environmental moments. The documentary approach allowed the film to reveal authentic reflections while showcasing the spaces and creative environments connected to the story.
Using cinematic lighting, professional cinema cameras, and documentary interview techniques, the film creates an intimate look into the creative journey behind the project.
The Mario Lopez interview
1 hour before the performance started at 7 pm, we pre-staged lights and two FX6s the day before. This setup was in a small green room downstairs, designated for an interview with Mario Lopez for Magic’s longer documentary.
He was flying in to introduce Magic to the stage, but we wanted to do a sitdown with him before he went to the stage right after.
We managed to get his interview wrapped in 15 minutes, and he went to the stage without a hiccup.
The Performance
On November 29th, 2025 in downtown Phoenix. The 30 Years of Magic show, all three acts, the crew, and a sold-out theatre was underway.
The Ragtown live production team consisted of 1 producer/director, 1 director of photography, 1 co-producer, 1 technical director, 1 production coordinator, 2 production assitants, 1 assistant camera, 6 camera operators, 7 cameras, 1 audio for audience/crowd mics/house backup, 2 still photographers. (Crew listed below)
The Three Acts Performed at the Orpheum Theatre
For the live performance of 30 Years of Magic at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix, three cinematic acts were created to introduce and guide the audience through the story.
Each act combines documentary storytelling with cinematic visuals, reflecting different chapters of the journey behind the work. These films were designed to play throughout the performance, setting the tone and bringing the audience deeper into the story unfolding on stage.
Act I — The Beginning
Act I introduces the origins of the journey, exploring the early influences, creative sparks, and defining moments that shaped the path ahead.
Through cinematic imagery and reflective storytelling, the first act invites the audience into the foundation of the story that would unfold over the next three decades.
Act II — The Evolution
Act II explores the evolution of the work and the experiences that shaped the creative voice behind it.
This chapter highlights growth, experimentation, and the pursuit of meaningful storytelling that has developed over the years.
Act III — The Legacy
The final act reflects on the impact of the journey and the legacy created through years of dedication to storytelling and craft.
Designed as the closing chapter of the performance, this act brings the audience full circle while looking toward the future.
Themes of the 30 Years of Magic Performance
• creativity and lifelong passion
• the evolution of a performer
• storytelling through film and live performance
• reflection on a thirty-year journey
More Brand Documentary Projects by Ragtown Media
Explore more documentary storytelling projects produced by Ragtown Media, including brand documentaries, automotive stories, and therapeutic storytelling films.
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Crew Credits
Camera
ARRI Alexa Mini
Panasonic VeriCam
Sony FX9
Sony FX6
Sony FX3
CREW
Executive Producer
MC Magic
Nastyboy Records
Director / Producer
Clayton Lindley
Co-Producer
Jazz Shambo
Co-Director
Daniel Cardenas
Written by
MC Magic
Clayton Lindley
Edited
Clayton Lindley
Sound Design
Justin Wiechec
Live Technical Director
Glenn Koch
Stage Manager
Darrell Asberry
Director of Photography
Quinn Taplin
Camera Operator
Frank Kralijic
Ryan Taplin
Jay Brodeur
Bear Prandelli
David Stribik
Still Photographer
Jordan Pillar
Race Jones
BTS Video/Photo
Caleah Niño
David Strbik
Race Jones
Blake Glenn
1st AC
Andrew Paradise
2nd AC
Jay Brodeur
Gaffer
Ian Grau
Mitch Szpilla
Key Grip
Cameron Ellsworth
Alyssa Ramirez
Key Rigging Grip
Dawson Buckholz
Playback Operator
Jason Vaughn
Live Audio
Chainey Harpe
Sound Mixer
Josh Morrison
Zaid Noamon
Eric Richardson
Production Coordinator
Stephanie Deleon
Production Assistant
Natalie Viramontes
Aubrey Remlinger
Hair and Makeup
Monica Jsuarez
Wardrobe Stylist
Lexi Loaiza
Driver
Conrad Trevino
