Tests for first person sight

here are a couple of tests I did to see how I can get the first person views that you see in Being John Malkovich



This one came out too high, as I had attached it to my face. Even though eye length, it did not capture how I really see.



The camera was under my chin for this video, and worked pretty well. Good movement and good effect.



This tested how to create looking around. I tried to move my body and make it look like it was my eyes that were moving. Not very convincing, but with practice this could be very effective.



My camera's shutter is broken and I have to manually open it. I forgot to do it when I was filming, but the effects of a soft vignette worked well to make it look like an eye looking through...

1-28 secs

Here is more titles, going to 28 secs. Someone in the mac suite asked if I had drawn the images (I didn't), which made me think of the various possibilities that could use this same format, but more personalised for each character.

Same style of images-
John Cusack- puppet gear, maybe make a puppet that looks like his character
Cameron Diaz- animals around her, with puppet that signifies her

...ect.

Newer Titles, first 14 seconds

Here is one that I started working on this weekend. I think that it works well with the swipes and I like the slight movement forward of the camera.

The music is essential to the credits, because the swipes should move with the music, so it took me a long time to settle on a track. I wanted one that was happy yet sad, a bit ironic, so that the audience didn't know what to make of the song or atmosphere. Something deep and forboding would not have worked, like beethoven. I also looked at the music of Icelandic composer Olufur Arnalds, but his music had too much hope. I am settling on Jon Brion's collecting things. Think it suits for a title sequence, and it makes sense that it is J. Brion because he collaborates with Charlie Kaufman on a number of films, so his music (although from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) fits well.

Puppet Rotate Test

Did this a couple of days ago as a test for the t.s. I like the colors/images and think they work to bring a dark surreal aspect to the opening. I have more of these images and have been working on a more complete title sequence that moves to music, revealing names with body parts...

Easier t.s., revealing portions of the puppet images

For an easy solution to the t.s. an amalgamation of the two of these t.ss, these are the kind of styles that I had in mind, revealing parts, panning across as if it were in a sketchbook or textbook.

Man Becomes Puppet

One of the themes of the t.s. is going to be man becoming puppet. It alludes to the theme of the movie and will be done in a textbook way.

I looked at Wes Anderson's style of shooting and cmae across the term 'rostrum camera'. Want it to be like a puppeteer's book, as stated in an earlier blog post. Make it similar to opening of R.Tenebaum's, with a darker side.

Will also use psychology images showing it as if it is a science. This will fit in nicely with the already created images in the film, and pose too add more insight into the film.

Links to textbook-esque pattern

http://alt-reality.deviantart.com/art/Old-Textbook-92284430

Deviant Art Inspiration

http://gregoriousone.deviantart.com/art/fig-118-the-looking-machine-25952586?loggedin=1

This is a good style for the theme of the t.s. It is dark enough and is a fun style to work with. Because everything is of a similar tone, it makes everything more subtle. You can hide clues in the t.s. without them being too obvious, something fun to watch many times because you understand more and more the more you look at it.

Pantin paper puppets (What alliteration)

I found the first paper puppet with the creepy smile in the library yesterday. I found the rest a-browsin' the internet. They are nice looking images, good colors and look good as a set. The appendages make for good movement...

Tests of Title with Names (2)

Here are two more recent images. This comes from a style that I have been developing from the last project. It comes from old textbook style graphics. Like that seen in The Royal Tenenbaums, there is a certain quality that I like about it.(Like how the title 'Royal Tenenbaums' appears as if it is a book being checked out of the library.) Maybe it's 1970's scholarly writing. I think it fits with Being John Malkovich, same level of quality, of reality.

When there is this style it makes design more believable, like it was actually in existence somewhere.

Test for title-

Here is a test for the movie title. I used Times New Roman to go with the other pages, so that it fits in with the rest of the 'book'.

Could use different typeface because it's the title, and because it is obvious that this doesn't belong in the book...

Too dark?

I have split up the layers of this image so that I can animate the pin going in, but is it a bit too dark to have the blood come out? Hmmmm....

Tests of Title with Names

These work nicely with the names, as they signify character identity. Maybe be more powerful if I drew the faces of the actual people, basically same models with the crazy hair they have in the film.

Good Quote fo beggining of T.S.

This passage found me. Great quote for opening of movie.

Puppet images found in the Library

Here are the images that go with the previous post. Similar style; textbook, informative style. Title sequence, like puppeteers manual "How to Get Inside the Head of Your Puppet", and then go through the 'book'. Add a bit of motion so that each one comes to life, but very subtle. This is good because it stays in that film's dark realm, and gives visual clues as to what is to come.

Cool style from Being John Malkovich

I like the text book that Dr. Lester shows Lottie. This is describing how going into the body vessel works. I found some books in the library today on how to puppet which look similar to this style. It would be a nice intro using the diagrams to show character's names. Add a bit of motion to show that the puppets are alive. Good visual metaphor.

David Carson On Design

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_carson_on_design.html


Humorous talk by Carson, involving emotions and personal experience to do design. I like his view of what design should be, how he integrates his own personal experience into design. This is because no one else can tap into your experiences, so why not use them to your advantage? Inspiring, like.

Magritte Animation

In thinking about a topic for a possible tv show, Magritte, the surreal artist comes to mind. I would be a fun visual style to work with, the potential tv show being about his works coming to life. There could different appraoches, from live action filming to try and capture his paintings using my surroundings, or motion graphics, animating in and out of the different elements of his work.

Here are some people that have done these kind of animations on youtube:



Good story line, as if Magritte is standing at the window, seeing the world in reference to his paintings. I am not crazy about the execution, the color pencil style drawings, and would stick with using his actual paintings to deconstruct and animate.





here is someone who has use the actual artwork, but the transitions and timing are sloppy. Faster transitions, and a more clever approach to how the paintings combine.

TV intro website

here is a site dedicated to tv intros with an inventive name: http://www.tv-intros.com/


big bang theory, cool intro, covers a lot of ground in a very short time. Intro song made for the graphics.

desperate housewives, like the way that the classic paintings come to life, and the transitions in between scenes.

Eureka intro, not bad, not bad at all. I have never seen the show, but the opening piqued my interest, so it has done its job. The budget allotted to the opening seems well spent. The imagery of using normal day to day scenes, with a futuristic twist made me want to see what kind of a society the characters in Eureka live in.

Royal Tennenbaums Trailer

Couldn't find the opening to Royal Tenenbaums, but there are pieces of it in the trailer. It consists of all the characters as if in a play, listed with their names and the character's names. It is shot to make it look like they are looking into a mirror. Very nice idea, then alone, how they see themselves. Gives a good insight as to who the characters are, and how they choose to see them selves. Eli Cash (Owen Wilson) appears to be the most vain out of the bunch, because he is placing his hat in a very distinct way, whilst Margot (Gweneth Paltrow) seems distant, staring into the mirror frankly, uncaring, which matches her personality in the movie. This coupled with location, gives the viewer a sense of how the character's spend their time (at the salon, getting a face mask...) It serves as a good into into the film, as the movie picks up from the last opening credit, back to following a script.

Ocean's 11

Here is an example of strong visual style, that also contains meaning. Here, it does not give away a major plot, like in mystery/horror title sequences, but uses the numbers and names (coupled with a brief piece of music that alludes to a certain personality type) to bring the viewer into the movie. Then within the art of the t.s. certain elements help create an idea of what is to come (playing cards). Perhaps the style is driven by the bright lights of Las Vegas, kind of show lights, taking it to another level by making them into design elements.

Saul Bass

Not going by the rules that I found the other day, in the previous title sequences for movies Saul Bass, a pioneer in title credits, made it an art form. Below, the man with a golden arm, uses graphic elements, which neither set up for a story, not allude to what will happen in the plot. Instead it sets a graphic tone, a style for the movie to use on posters and to brand it. Interestingly done, and def. innovative, but if I choose a movie title sequence, I would hope to make a graphic style, along with furthering the plot, by using signs and symbols in the t.s. or key elements.

Wikipedia on TV programs

"Older American television shows began with a Pilot title sequence, showed opening credits at the bottom of the screen during the beginning of the show, and included closing credits at the end of the show. However, beginning in the 1990s some shows began with a "cold open," followed by a title sequence and a commercial break. Many serialistic shows begin with a "Previously on..." (such as 24) introduction before the teaser. And, to save time, some shows omit the title sequence altogether, folding the names normally featured there into the opening credits. The title sequence has not been completely eliminated, however, as many major television series still use them in 2008."


Because of the 24 minutes (circa) blocks of time allotted to tv shows, there is less time allotted to the title sequences. Perhaps on specialty programs there is less of a limit, because if I was to do one on art, it would be a one time thing, so it is getting the viewer sucked into the show.

TV show opening credits Heroes

Heroes opening credits are short but sweet. Although not lengthy, the imagery fits in with the theme of the show. Nice transition from globe to eye, easy on the viewer as it transforms into the same shape. Like 'i met the walrus' transitions, or those from shrek 2, it is a nice way to change symbols.

Top 34 modern opening title sequences cont.

Run Lola Run: Title Sequence using different mediums to engage the viewer. Starting with the clock, which could be the opening title sequence on its own, to traveling inside of the clock makes for a surreal opening. Then the intro into human insights and philosophy gets the viewer thinking. The transition into cartoon is strange, adding more surreal elements where you don't know where the narrative will take you. Perhaps it gets the viewer ready for a strange movie, I have not seen it, but I found it visually confusing. In 'the kingdom' opening they mixed different mediums together in a seamless way, making the colors between the modern graphics and the old news real match. In this opening, my brain has to work harder to connect the concepts, so I would not opt to do this in my own opening t.s.

Sahara utilises a specific location to allow viewers to get to know the characters. By putting it in the intimate setting of an office, adorned with personal photos, it builds a 'real' feeling into the story. It makes the film believable, as if this is a real character with a real life. This also helps to give clues as to what the character does, i.e. military training, as seen in picture of main character in uniform. The song either sets the tone of the movie, or adds to the visual clues of the office, perhaps the character would listen to that song. Then the globe transition into the story sets location, as is seamless in transition. Good overall t.s.

Scooby Dooby Doo 2: Again with branding changed the viewer's attention is trying to be caught. The title's take teh color of the scooby dooby doo brand, along with the song remixed, sets a 'beware' tone, like haloween. Maybe there will be ghosts in the movie because the titles evaporate, or maybe it is just turning into mist. Then we go to the city, to set location with the occasional terydactal coming into frame. Ans then the transition to the opening sequence. Not entirely my cup of tea, but it is effective.





She's the Man: typical.

Shooter: beautiful cinematography gets location and is visually pleasing. It leads into the first scene establishing context. If it weren't for the music I would have no other insight into the movie. I guess this is a way to entice the viewer, so that they have no frame of reference for the plot. I don't think I will try this kind of opening out, doesn't do much for me.

Signs: This t.s. does nothing for me. They could have done so many things with it, instead of making the focus the headliners. They could have done a really cool t.s. using crop circles, or alien paraphenelia, instead of the strange lights on screen. Wank.

Oh, I hear epic music, and it's only paramount's brand that is on screen! It seems vaguely familiar, yet different than superman. There are the lines on screen coming in and out of focus and then the name of the movie, coming out of the clouds. Not saying much for the film, except that it is in the clouds and I know the movie is about pilots. Meh.

Spider Man 3: Cool, webs, webs and more webs. Nice touch on the letters that make up the crews names 'jumping from one web to the other, slighty turning to reveal that red color that we know as spider man. I guess the movie is already sold the third time round, so they are just playing with the visual language of the previous comic books and movies, to bring the viewer up to speed and remind him that spider man is a human spider that shoots webs and fights crime.

Best Modern TItle Sequences on YouTube

The first title sequence gets the viewer in the mood for what is to come. The driving styles can be reflected in the personalities of the character's names. It adds to the narrative and allows an premature access into the character's identity, through the way they drive and interact with the other character's names. I have not seen the film, but I would imagine that the designers profited from knowing the story.

23 title sequence is nice in that it makes the audience part of the conspiracy. It gives facts along with names of the cast, making the viewer question if the facts are merely a coincidence or part of a greater conspiracy with which the movie deals with. It makes the viewer pre-sympathetic to Jim Carrey's character, which is what is needed for a good film.The style of using the courier type face (usually connected to typewriters, books and user-made content {a published book need not use typewriters for mass production}) coupled with blood allude to a danger that will come in the film.






Blue velvet- does not give any insight into what is to come, except the connection of curtains to the tile "Blue Velvet". Room for improvement.

Charlie and the chocolate factory: Like how even before the title sequence there is a rendering of the production companies names. It seems that when this is done it catches the viewer's attention by taking a previously seen brand, and making it part of the film pulling viewers into the narrative.(SImilarly done in the Matrix, which grabbed my attention when I first saw it) Then, with use of Danny Elfman's audio, the anticipation is highered. As the viewer is pulled into the factory to see the process of the chocolate being made, through the delivery it shows a background to the story that enriches the later narrative, because the audience begins to believe in the factory that it could be a real place. I like the title sequence, effectvely carried out, but it seems like Tim Burton had recieved too high a budget for the movie. The title sequence in Edward Scissorhands is very similar, taking the audience through a work of a factory, yet the style has the grit of Tim Burton's earlier work. It seems more real, instead of pretty 3d animation.

Final Destination 3: Typeface consist with carnival theme, and the audio adds a foreshadow of doooooooom. If it was 1950's bandstand playing in the background, then it would be an entirely different film. (Probably one with kids, cotton candy and a love story. Hopefully not all intertwined for then the theme could be construed with a touch of irony.)

The Grudge: Colors, theme music, the hair all let the user guess what they are expected to be afraid of. The symbol of the hair is key in the story, so they did a good job at alerting the audience of this danger before hand. Saves them some work.

I have not seen this next film, so it makes for a good deconstructing of the title sequence. I am guessing that the movie is going to follow a death, because the title sequence (from here on 't.s.') is following a coffin around a town. Perhaps a body has been taken. The music alludes to mischief, someone has done something wrong. Maybe something like a murder, and the body has to be hidden in different locations, or someone is trying to find the location of said body. Maybe something to do with architecture, because it has a city plan, either than or it takes place in the suburbs, maybe the main character is an average joe. Now I shall look on imdb and try to find the film...Ah death at a funeral I was wrong. "A coffin is transported from the mortuary to a family home in the English countryside while the credits roll. Daniel (Matthew Macfadyen) opens the coffin for a last look, the wrong person is inside. The drivers, embarrassed, go back and bring the correct one." It was tying in with the narrative, so that the film need not shoot that part of the movie.

***There are the t.s.'s that tie in with the narrative, in line with the opening scene so that the viewer has context, or those that have key symbols (23 the grudge) that alert the viewer to look out for certain items, or themes like thank you for smoking which use symbols that tie into the plot, but done give anything away, just a visually pleasing t.s.

Dirty Dancing: Shows dirty dancing in the t.s. and also the typeface that branded the movie name. Hot Pink perhaps because it was done in the 1980's and there were bright colors that identified with the youth of the age, or perhaps because it is a color that symbolises girls. The dancing in it is sexual and intriguing. Ohhh, I sound like a creep.

Elf: Type face is fun and playful, not the typeface for a bank, so fun and playful movie coming your way. The picture book = kids, snowflakes winter, illustartions christmas, along with soundtrack. Right style, and for the kind of movie that does not require any heavy thinking or analysis of the plot, it is a good t.s.

Fantastic 4: Gets the brand down, right away. Then furthers the plot by showing the characters using science, which they do in the film. The style is that of a comic book, alluding to the previous form of the story.

The Family Stone: Christmas, the names of the actors in combination speak loudly about the content of the film, heartwarming, like romantic comedy, probably about family and love at christmas.



The Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy: bringing the viewer into the narrative-the book start out in the same way. By the time the intro is over the audience is wondering what the impending doom of the planet is. Also the alluding that there is another animal that is smarter than either the dolphin or man early in the film gives a hint as to what is to come, whilst not being too obvious about it. The song is very cute as well, as if the dolphins are singing.

Poseidon: Starts underwater, foreshadowing being underwater, and continues the anrrative, showing a man running on the ship, which matches the introduction of the movie.

It seems like most scary movies use t.s. that foreshadow what is to be afraid of. This one seems like internet, coupled with voices as if they are being listened to, maybe the viewer has to be afraid of stalker/hackers. I'm guilty of being intrigued. I guess you wouldn't need to use this tactic in a happy movie, because you are not solving a mystery along with the characters. You are not supposed to be guessing what is coming next, but being in the passenger seat.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=SYMV645RZnA the embedding was 'disabled among request'


The Kingdom: Good use of graphics with old news feed. Almost seamlessly tied, gives factual information that helps the viewer if they don't know enough about the topic. What they need to know to go into the film.

Lucky Number Slevin: ties in t.s. with introduction to the film. There is a type of sportscast in the background in the first scene. It is not done obviously, so that you are given clues, but need to put them together to understand what is going on, congruent with the movie. It is a mystery, so you need to gather as many crumbs as the filmmakers leave behind. Perhaps this is congruent with all mystery title sequences, that they match the theme of the movie. In the movie you will need to dissect the plot, so in the t.s. you need to dissect the clues.

Mission Impossible: Theme music to brand it, gives you spies, government officials, time running out, character faces and perhaps insight into what they do.


Over The Hedge: Makes viewer sympathetic to actions of main character. The names are part of the scenery, to blend in and not take so much away from the action going on. Makes the actions of a raccoon understandable, thingslike crossing the road and eating the food at picnic sights (things that might have been frowned upon by humans because it makes a mess). It anthropomorphices the animal, getting the viewer ready to be sympathetic to animals.

Okay, time for a break, more later....

12 Monkeys title sequence and remake

Here is the original title sequence for 12 monkeys.I like the style and art of the sequence, but lacks a story. It is a good piece of design, but could have told a stronger narrative.



This new one, done by a fellow youtuber, is simple, but intrigues the viewer and sucks them in, whilst still keeping with the original style of the movie's title sequence.

Fringe Title Sequence

Andrew Kramer is a Motion God, and we peons must humble ourselves in his glory. Good opening.

Desperate Housewives

Effective, good intro into the show, you are intrigued whilst entertained with the new spin on history.

Napoleon Dynamite

Unfortunately bad bad quality, but the opening brings me back to tater-tots. Smart Idea.

Fight Club Opening Sequence

Opening like this pique's viewer's interest. Not knowing what it is about, or how it relates to the film keeps audience guessing. I also like the continuity of the film, how the trailer leads the viewer directly into the movie.

MK12

MK12 is one of my favourite motion graphics companies, I like their style and the two motion titles sequences are fantabulous.

The Kite Runner, perfect for the theme.



And Stranger than Fiction, great great great graphics. Loof it.

Thank You For Smoking Title Sequence

Really like the transitions and the references to cigarette packages. Good song as well. SImilar to the nice transitions in I Met the Walrus: Would like to try doing these kind of transitions.

25 best title sequences

25 best titles sequences made by randoms. I am drawn to the older looking title sequences: North By Northwest, pastiche of Catch Me If You Can...