Initial Research For Motion Graphics

Initial Ideas

After reading into the brief and looking at some previous examples I decided to go with the opening titles brief, looking at it I think there’s so much to work with and so many different ways to go about it. I drew up a mind map to brainstorm ideas for opening titles; I thought of some of my favourite shows like Desperate Housewives and ones I know have creative title sequences like 13 Reasons Why. I jotted down what I thought was good about them and any ideas I could use for my title sequence. I then furthered my research by looking into each one in a bit more depth.

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Desperate Housewives

'Desperate Housewives' is a very successful motion graphic. It shows housewives through the ages, starting with Adam and Eve. There are some great themes throughout including Pop Art. There is a ‘temptation’ theme that runs through the sequence along with a continuation, or carry over, from one image to the next; such as the banana superimposed onto the Adam and Eve is also in the next image. 'Desperate Housewives' has a theme tune which sounds a little like the Simpsons one, just a bit softer giving it a classy effect. The opening sequence mirrors the show well. A very popular show airing from 2004 to 2012.

To watch the full opening titles follow this link.

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Silent Witness

A more simplistic opening sequence a black background with a 3D rotation of a skeleton slowly zooming into a heart. The imagery matches the content of the program without giving anything away whatsoever. There are light flare effects to smooth into and change the text. There is an eerie feel which goes along nicely with the CSI style of program. Along with the song “Silencium” behind, it makes very short snappy titles.

To watch the full opening titles follow this link.

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Mad Men

'Mad Men' is a bit different but still very minimalistic. The scene shows a man in the office, everything starts falling including him and it then cuts to what appears to be the same guy sitting with a cigar. Tied in with the song 'A Beautiful Mine' I haven’t seen this program but liked the idea of the motion graphic, from my research it’s a drama based in the 1960s+70s about advertising executives, their work and personal lives; it is said to be a very popular show. The graphics do not give the idea of the show being set in the '60s but it doesn’t stop it from being a successful one.

To watch the full opening titles follow this link.

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Stranger Things

'Stranger Things' is a more recent series, a Netflix original, airing in 2016. The opening sequence is bold typography with the camera angle moving in and out showing letters come together to create the title. The music is now recognisable when originally it was just a track waiting for commercial use. There’s something very dark about it as a whole and gives off a science fiction vibe which is suggestive of the show.

To watch the full opening titles follow this link.

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A Series of Unfortunate Events (Netflix)

This is the new Netflix original show, based almost word for word on the Lemony Snicket books. It’s an upgrade from the film. The title sequence is one of my favourites. The music is the same tune and chorus each episode but the verses differ, sung by Neil Patrick Harris, the villain of the show; the theme tune fits well with the motion picture. Visually it shows someone creating a suspect board all leading to the villain and incorporates short clips taken from that episode.

To watch the full opening titles follow this link.

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A Series of Unfortunate Events (Film)

The original 2004 film based on the first three of Lemony Snicket’s books. This all animation, very cleverly done, cartoon-like including textures and cut-outs to make it look like a collage. The characters are drawn in a fountain pen and it shows the run from Count Olaf. Similarly to the tv show, eyes are a theme throughout the film and that is shown in the opening titles. Very creepy music alongside fits nicely.

To watch the full opening titles follow this link.

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13 Reasons Why

Another Netflix series airing in 2017. A very controversial program based on a book. The opening titles are white drawings of cassette tapes, a boy riding a bike and car headlights. A few of the main aspects of the show. Then leading on the title and the cassette tape/episode number with small doodles all around. The doodles symbolise the innocence of the main character but the actual doodles include razor blades and condoms showing there is an adult/nasty element to the show.

To watch the full opening titles follow this link.

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My Presentation

Here is my presentation of my research and my moodboard from week 5.
Please listen with sound as there is a voice-over with further information.
If the audio doesn't play automatically there is a hidden play button in the bottom right corner of the slides. You may need to restart the audio after every slide.