Projects will develop your ability to create time based projects such as digital motion graphics, film titles, dynamic information design and other applications where digital time based messages represent an appropriate channel of communication.

 

Assignment 1 // Setting Up Your Resources

Due Thurs, Jan.12

  1. A user account to Lynda.com This is free through blackboard and provides access to hundreds of tutorials.
  2. Send me an email to: jamesahouff@gmail.com  so that we can have a digital connection.  
  3. Everyone must have a Vimeo account (or YouTube). 
  4. A backup system is required (with an external hard drive or online service like DropBox Pro)   
  5. Buy a 3 ring binder to collect and organize ALL process work. 
 

Assignment 2 // Read/Watch

Due Thursday, Jan.12

Take good notes and be prepared to discuss the following articles/movies. 

Step 2a.

Read: Using Movie Title Sequences Effectively

by Peter Weed

Watch 'A BRIEF HISTORY OF TITLE DESIGN'

by Ian Albinson and friends

Watch the Kyle Cooper Interview (in 2 parts):

Watch Interview 1

Watch Interview 2

Watch 'Laurent Brett Interview'

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

Optional: Michael Riley Interview

Optional: 'Danny Yount Interview'

(We will watch the making of the Stranger than Fiction GUI, in class, time permitting)

Step 2b.

Find at least one other interesting article OR interview OR documentary short that relates to title sequence design to share with your classmates. Try choosing something that uses interesting or unique typography in some way.

Email me a website URL of the article BEFORE class on Due Thursday, Jan.14

 

Assignment 3 // Reverse Storyboard

Due Tuesday, Jan. 17
Visual communicators use a variety of sketching techniques as aids in translating concepts/ideas into meaningful communications. Sketching, using whatever tools are appropriate, translates abstract thoughts into tangible realities. Furthermore, the process of sketching refines the communicators selection improving the potential of the message to reach the intended audience. Time based communication introduced new sets of conditions that fundamentally changed the nature of sketching. The method used to sketch a temporal idea is a storyboard. The storyboard outlines the narrative and develops compositional models for type, images, image frame, transitions and sound.

Select a title sequence from the list below. All are found on http://www.artofthetitle.com/.

  1. To Kill a Mockingbird
  2. Zombieland
  3. Dexter
  4. Mad Men
  5. Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events
  6. Catch Me If You Can
  7. Six Feet Under
  8. The Island of Dr. Moreau
  9. Walk on the Wild Side

Develop a well organized storyboard on 11"x17" pdf document. Create a 2 page, 11x17 pdf, each page should contain 3 panels/frames. Use still images and text to model and articulate what is occurring in the frame. Make sure to include the time code under each panel. BE THOROUGH AND PRESENT YOUR STOYBOARD IN A WELL ORGANIZED, PROFESSIONAL DOCUMENT.

Please include a cover sheet to your storyboard that gives an overview of what is being communicated.

Cover sheet overview:

Start by creating a cover sheet to your storyboard with an overview that describes (in a few paragraphs) the following:

  1. Intent + Meaning: what is the collective intent and meaning of all the visual, sound and pacing elements?
  2. Is symbolism and/or metaphor used? To what extent? List some of the key symbols used and what they represent.
  3. Does the title sequence set a mood OR does it add to the movies story/narrative?

Attributes to articulate within the stroyboard for each panel: 

  1. IMAGE: what is the nature of the image/video? describe it. are the images processed in any way (with filters, effects, color)?
  2. TYPOGRAPHY: what is the nature of the text? describe it. what font(s) are used? is the type processed in any way (with filters, effects, color...with all caps, title case, kerning)?
  3. COMPOSITION: How is the 2d space used? where is the camera? what are the spatial relationships between subject and viewer? 
  4. MEANING: what symbolic forms are being used? what metaphors are used... what image/video metaphors, what type metaphors?
  5. TIME: analyze carefully the use of time, note the time break for each change/cut/transition. what do the transitions mean to the narrative and overall pacing?
  6. SOUND: what is the role of voice, music and rhetorical sound?

Hand In

Digital PDF Due Tues, Jan. 17
Your completed PDF storyboard should be a 2 page PDF with 6 total panels (screengrabs), each with their corresponding text breakdown. This can be handed in digitally and does not need to be printed.

 

Project 1 / Title Sequence Redesign

Most people have had the experience of losing themselves in a film but probably haven’t given much thought to the transition we go through mentally and emotionally as we move from reality to fantasy. Film titles help to create this transition. The attention narrows, the “self” slips away, and the film washes over the senses. Film titles set the dramatic stage; they tune our emotions to the proper pitch so that we enter into the humor, mystery, or pathos of a film with hardly a blink.

Project Overview:

  • Choose a film that you are (intimately) familiar with.
  • Choose a film that does NOT have a 'designed' title sequence.
  • Submit the film title to me for approval.
  • Research the film.
  • Create a 45sec-1:30min title sequence using video, text, image and sound.
  • Final animations must use some video (authored by you). 
  • Final animations must incorporate some 'in-camera' effects. After Effects can be used, but it should NOT be the primary tool/medium.

 

Step 1a. Choose a Film

Due: Thurs. Jan.19
Your film should meet this criteria:

  • Choose a film that is interesting to you. 
  • Choose a film that you are intimately familiar with, do NOT simply choose a film that you like. The more you know about the film the better (plot nuances, historical context and relevance, use of metaphor/symbolism, info about the director/actors/editor, etc.). Is the film an adaptation of a book or short story. If so, read it.
  • Choose a film that does NOT have a 'designed' title sequence.
  • It is best to choose a film 'classic' or one that has a historical context (within the film industry). Avoid obscure films, sequels and b-movies.

 

Step 1b. Submit Your Film

Due: Email Before Thurs. Jan.19
Submit your film choice to me via email BEFORE class on Thurs. Jan.19 for approval. If you have more than one choice, it's ok to send me a few options (please prioritize your list).
 

Step 2. Write / Initial Response

Due: Thurs. Jan.19
Write a 2 paragraph plot summation IN YOUR OWN WORDS. Do NOT copy/paste from an existing site/source. Hand in a pdf document with your summation. (note: your writing will be checked against online writing resources. please do not copy/paste others work and give credit to any source.). Hand in a digital file with your writing (pdf or Word file).

 

Step 3. Research + Mind Map

Due: Tuesday. Jan.24
Research EVERY aspect of your film. Watch and re-watch your film. Read about it online and offline. Watch any (DVD) extras or bonus features. Listen to the directors commentary if available.

Using the questions below as a guide, create a mind map on a large scroll paper. Your mind map is your research made visual through words, phrases, drawings and images (images canbe screen grabs from the film and/or shot images and/or found images and/or hand sketches.)

Do your best to answers ALL of the following questions in your research. Note, you are NOT limited to this list and may go beyond the suggested questions. Use each of the bolded words below as main topics to expand from in your mind map.

What is the plot synopsis?
Who are the main characters?
Is there a prevailing message throughout the film?

What is the setting?
What is the mood of the film?

Does the film have a historical context and/or relevance? 

Describe the visuals in the film. This includes the framing of elements in the film, the overall compositions and the cinematography. 

Describe any unique editing used in the film.

Describe any unique technologies used in the making of the film.

Describe any unique storytelling or narrative devices used.

What use of metaphor/symbolism is used in the film?

How do the topics (in the film) relate to contemporary culture?
Do they relate to the past?
Do they relate to the future?

Step 4. Mind Map Expanded 

Due: Thurs. Jan.26
How do the topics relate to form-making? List as many different initial ideas you have that translates your research into graphic form. Ex. The underlying message of my film is 'x', which lends itself to be illustrated with 'y' visuals/images/themes/metaphors. 

4a. (in class) Explain your movie synopsis to the class.
4b. (in class) For 10-15 minutes, walk around and contribute to at least 3 mind maps
4c. (in class) How do the topics relate to form-making? 
how do the various words/images/doodles translate to:

  • color (assign color to various aspects of you mind map: i.e. 'red' evokes this mood) 
  • type (assign type ideas: serif vs. sans serif / font family / font pairings / visual treatment)
  • image/video (assign image ideas: how do the various elements translate to images/video, camera angles, handheld vs. tripod, etc.)
  • motion (assign motion ideas: how do the various elements translate to motion)
  • space (assign space ideas: how do the various elements translate to the use of space / grid / composition)
  • sound (assign sound ideas: how do the various elements translate to the sound / music / sound effects / voice over) 

Use tools like dictionary.com / thesaurus.com / phrases.org.uk… / idiomsandexpressions.com/ / google image search / punchstock.com / visualthesaurus.com / compfight.com / kuler.adobe.com (chatting w/ Friends / Facebook / iChat) to explore form. 

 

Step 5. Type in Motion (Studies)

Due: Multiple Due Dates
Overview: Create a series of TYPOGRAPHIC video/motion/animation studies that explore key visual concepts for your title sequence. Choose some type you will be using for your title sequence like 'the title of the film' or 'directed by: John Smith' or 'starring: Sue Smith'.

These studies should show a range of play and exploration with a variety of ideas and techniques. These studies do NOT need to be used in your final title sequence. THEY ARE ABOUT PLAY AND TECHNIQUE, so don't over think them, just MAkE!

Due: Tues. Jan.31 Create 5 video/motion/animation studies (choose any techniques from the list below)
Due: thurs.Feb.2 Create 5 more motion/animation/video studies (choose any techniquesfrom the list below)
Due: Tues. Feb.7 Create 5 more motion/animation/video studies (make sure to represent multiple samples from ALL of the techniques from the list below) 
Create a series of short (5-20 second) motion/animation/video studies that illustrate your visual ideas/concepts listed in your Step 4c, Mindmap Extended. Be sure to cover the motion/animation/video techniques outlined below. Incorporate typography in most of your studies, a few without type is acceptable.

Technique List

  • digital type sequences. (in After Fffects, 3D software, etc.) 
  • in-camera type sequences. note, this refers to type in motion, capture through a video or still/video camera.
  • frame-by-frame type sequences. note, this can be a stop motion animation shot with a digital still camera, or a series of photographed or scanned images (ex, series of polaroid's, or series of Xerox scans).
     

Step 6. (digital) Designs and Storyboard

Due: Thursday. Feb.9/ Tuesday Feb14

Create 2 mini-storyboards. Each mini-storyboard should contain (about) 4 panels, illustrating the essence of your sequence. Each storyboard should be a visually unique/different approach, and ideally each with a unique concept.

Try approaching one visual direction as a literal take on what's being said with the second visual direction with an interpretation (using juxtaposition, metaphor/symbolism, etc).

Final storyboards must be pdf files and should strive to show actual design choices (move beyond thumbnail sketches and doodles). Found imagery can be used for sketching purposes but ideally each storyboard should incorporate real imagery/type/graphic form authored by you.

Your final pdf can be a combination of photos, digital compositions (in photoshop/illustrator/.etc), video stills and/or hand drawings.

Note: Your storyboard can include hand drawings but should lean towards refined, clear representations of your ideas. In other words, do NOT hand in a storyboard exclusively made of abstract pencil doodles. The individual panels SHOULD be designed and represent actual image compositions. 

IMPORTANT: Remember to DOCUMENT your process. I want to see all photoshop/illustrator files, video and video stills and hand drawings that lead up to your storyboard. THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!!!

Each box/panel in the storyboard is formatted with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This ratio is common among digital video devices like still cameras and DSLR's and comes close to movie theatre proportions. 

Please see this site for reference to other common video format (ratios):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspect_ratio_(image)

 

Step 7. Final Title Sequence

Due: Due in Several Parts

Step 7a: Preliminary Animations
Due: Thurs.Feb 16/Tues. Feb21
Start animating 2 or 3 key moments from one of your storyboards. Each animation shold be about 5-10 seconds. This does NOT need to be the beginning of your animation. Make sure to focus on typography. Your anmations can be in camera and/or digital (i.e.After Effects)

Step 7b: Animation 70% Complete (at least 20-30 secs complete)
Due: Thurs. Feb.23
Email/DropBox/GoogleDrive a rendered Quicktime movie, that is about 20-30 seconds of completed footage. In this movie, show 2-4 actual title pairings. Include sound/music.

Step 7c.Final Movie 100% Complete: 
Due: Thurs. Mar.16

Technical Parameters (for final movie): 

  • runtime of 45sec-1:30min
  • H264 compression
  • 720P Size, 29.9 FPS

Remember:
Final animations must use some video (authored by you). 

Final animations must incorporate some 'in-camera' effects. After Effects can be used, but it should NOT be the primary tool/medium.

Content Parameters:
need a minimum 7 "credits" such as: Distribution Company Presents: Company X, Director, Prominent Actor 1, Actor 2, Actor 3, et, Director of Photograph, Music By, Producer(s), Executive Producer(s), Movie Title

Sound:

Sound/Music can be authored by you (PREFERRED), sampled from the movie OR sampled from another source (existing song). Try to author as much, if not all of the sound/music whenever possible. 

Transition:
Ideally, you should transition your title sequence into the first 10 seconds of the film. This is not required, but recommended.

Project 2 / Spoken Word: Moving Verse

Project Parameters:

Final Movie Specs: 30sec-1Minute (approx.); H264 Quicktime Movie; 720P (1080pxx720px)

Typography: Type can be created either digitally or in-camera (or both). IMPORTANT: Every word spoken must appear on screen as text (but doesn't need to be legible).

Audio: Primarily spoken word, music and sound effects can be used as a secondary component

Video: Video can be used but must be authored by you (some exceptions allowed with approval). Remember, the focus of the project should be on creating an expressive, typographic narrative, one that interprets the narrative, giving it new meaning or context.

Image: Still Images can be used but must be authored by you.

Step 1. Select

Due: Thursday Mar.23

++ hillman curtis artist series
++ aiga conference speaker archives
++ 99% invisible podcasts
++ type radio
++ the happy film
++ design matters with debbie millman
++ helvetica

++ objectified
++ milton glaser
 

copy examples:
++ the crystal goblet
++ steve jobs
++ ten things i have learned
++ sagmeister walsh
++ understanding comics

 

for design inspiration:


++ tiny story
++ karloff
++ a font is born
++ greta
++ friction

Hand in pdf of your spoken audio statement.

Select a spoken audio verse.

•   It must be approximately 30seconds-1minute in length (it can be a bit longer)

•   It should be spoken by the author OR an official spokesperson or professional talent

•   It can have multiple voices

 

Step 2. Research + Mind Map

Due at the end of class: Tues Mar.23

Hand in a large scroll paper with your mind map + Hand in a pdf of your answers.

Research and deconstruct EVERY aspect of your spoken statement. Read it many times. Read it aloud. Have a friend read it.

Start by writing your spoken word in the center of a LARGE scroll paper. Create a mind map that branches off from the individual words and phrases. Your mind map is your thought process made visual through words, phrases, drawings and images (images can be shot/authored by you and/or found images.)

Answer ALL of the following questions below. Note, you are NOT limited to this list and may go beyond the suggested questions.

1. What is a 2-3 sentence synopsis of the spoken statement (what is literally about)?

2. What is the point of your spoken statement? Is there a prevailing message?

3. What is the intent of the spoken statement?

4. What is the setting?

5Does the spoken statement have a historical context and/or relevance?

6. Who is the speaker? Describe him/her.

7. Is there any use of metaphor/symbolism is used?

8. Describe the pacing of the spoken statement?

 

 

Step 3. Mind Map to > > > Conclusions

Due: Tues. March 28

Hand in a pdf of your answers.

Upon completion of your research and mind maps, ask yourself this question: "How do the topics/themes above translate to form-making?"

Answer ALL of the following questions below.Note, you are encouraged to have more than one answer for each question. Be thorough and explore MANY MANY MANY OPTIONS.

1. Font(s): Based on my research/mind map I plan on using <insert font name> to communicate this <blank>.

2. Color(s): Based on my research/mind map I plan on using <insert color(s)> to communicate this <blank>.

3. Composition/Space: Based on my research/mind map I plan on using <the composition> to communicate this <blank>.

4. Image(s): Based on my research/mind map I plan on using <image(s)> to communicate this <blank>. Note: List MANY image ideas that relate.

5. Pacing: Based on my research/mind map I plan on using <pacing> to communicate this <blank>.

6. Literal vs. Metaphor: Based on my research/mind map I plan on using <insert literal references> to communicate this <blank>. orBased on my research/mind map I plan on using <insert metaphor ideas> to communicate this <blank>. Note: List MANY metaphor ideas that relate.

7. Animation/Motion: Based on my research/mind map I plan on using <insert motion> to communicate this <blank>. Note: List Many animation ideas that relate.

 

 

Step 4. (digital) Designs and Storyboard

Due: Thursday. March 30

Create 2 storyboards. Each storyboard should contain 6 panels, illustrating the essence of your sequence. Each storyboard should be a visually unique/different approach, and ideally each with a unique concept. INCLUDE TYPE IN EVERY PANEL.

Try approaching one visual direction as a literal take on what's being said with the second visual direction with an interpretation (using juxtaposition, metaphor/symbolism, etc).

Final storyboards must be pdf files and should strive to show actual design choices (move beyond thumbnail sketches and doodles). Found imagery can be used for sketching purposes but ideally each storyboard should incorporate real imagery/type/graphic form authored by you.

 

 

Step 5. Type in Motion (Studies)

Due: Tues. April 4- Hand In Minimum 6 Studies (this can be a mix of digital and/or in camera)

Due: Thurs. April 6 - Hand In Remaining 4 Studies (this can be a mix of digital and/or in camera)

 

Overview:

Create a series of 10 TYPOGRAPHIC video/motion/animation studies. Each study should use actual type, actual audio, and should strive to be expressive in nature. Remember to refer to your answers from Step 3 above.

Content Parameters:

Choose one or two sentences of type, with audio, for each study. You can use the same sentence for all 16 studies, or choose to use different sentences if wanted.

Animation Parameters:

Studies should show a RANGE of play and exploration of a variety of ideas and techniques. These studies do not need to be used in your final movie so don't limit your exploration.

•   create at least 6 DIFFERENT type animations created digitally (created in After effects or other digital tools)

•   create at least 4 DIFFERENT type animatiions created in camera

 

 

Step 6a. Animate

Due: Thurs. April 13: Step 6a. Animation Rough Cut

Animation 40% Complete.

Due: Thurs. April 20: Step 6b. Animation Completed

Animation 100% Complete.

 

 

Step 7. Refine/Overhaul/Update

Due: Thurs. April 27: Step 6c. Refined Animation Completed

Take all the feedback received in class and make all needed changes to your movie. Refine areas that need refinement. Overhaul and/or reshoot areas that need it. Change the type, the visuals, the video or audio as needed. Re-render your movie and hand in a new, final Quicktime H264 version.