Hello chaps, quick thing to get off my chest...
For you film fanatics, has anyone seen Avatar? Haven't managed to catch it yet, though I have heard brilliant reviews. But, do any of you think the advertisements for it are a bit, amateur??? The text of the title looks like it has been done before, and looks like it is trying too hard. I am not a fan at all. Also, the posters you see everywhere again look like they have been doing by someone in A Level or GCSE creating a poster advert. Not sure whether I am being harsh, but I have asked my family and they all agree. Disappointing seen as the film is meant to be absolutely superb. Will make sure I see it before the end of the Christmas jollies.
Enjoy the rest of the holly bobs.
Peace.
27 December 2009
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21 December 2009
The Sixth Sense by M.Night Shyamalan
I've finally made my decision of which film I want to do the title sequence for: The Sixth Sense.
The decision was a bit difficult, because I had in mind three other films, Saw, House of Wax and The Happening.
The reason I've chosen The Sixth Sense is because I've seen this movie at least ten times, I never get bored of it and could watch it ten more times, and also because I'm a big fan of its director M.Night Shyamalan as well as its soundtrack composer James Newton Howard (which is the composer of all the brilliant films by Shyamalan, Unbreakable, Signs, The Village, Lady in the water and The Happening).
Unfortunately, he is not very wellknown, I don't know what you guys think of these movies or if you have seen them, but what the majority think of them is that they are "rubbish",excluding The Sixth Sense and Signs which are the most succesful ones according to the viewers.
Anyway, I love this director, I think his movies are different to anything else, and up till now he has been able to defend them and not to listen to destructive criticism.
Have a great and snowy XMAS!! (I'm so jealous of you guys, I want snow!!!!)
18 December 2009
clarification across the nation...
about the christmas holidays.
as you will all be aware [or at least that portion of you who actually bother to turn up at college occasionally], there has been a right old mixup as regards the chrimbo holidays:
* at the start of the year i told you all that the holidays ran from 21st december - 8th january [ie. starting back on 11th january]
* then a couple of weeks back my big chief boss-man manager came into the room and asked me why i'd told you all to come back on the 11th, when you should start back on 4th. so i stood up the front of the room - like an eejit - and told you all that i'd made a mistake and that you should all come back on 4th january.
* well, yesterday i found out that i was right in the first place and big chief boss-man manager was wrong; you do start back on 11th january. college will be open the week before, but only so us poor long-suffering tutors can come in and do lots of marking and admin and sitting through interminable meetings etc.
you lot can come in that week if you want... or enjoy another seven days, lying on the sofa, drinking cheap booze, guzzling mince pies & leftover turkey and watching endless reruns of the only fools and horses christmas special.
hmmm... it's a tough decision, isn't it?
so in summary:
back after xmas on
mon 11th jan 2010
see yous all then!
as you will all be aware [or at least that portion of you who actually bother to turn up at college occasionally], there has been a right old mixup as regards the chrimbo holidays:
* at the start of the year i told you all that the holidays ran from 21st december - 8th january [ie. starting back on 11th january]
* then a couple of weeks back my big chief boss-man manager came into the room and asked me why i'd told you all to come back on the 11th, when you should start back on 4th. so i stood up the front of the room - like an eejit - and told you all that i'd made a mistake and that you should all come back on 4th january.
* well, yesterday i found out that i was right in the first place and big chief boss-man manager was wrong; you do start back on 11th january. college will be open the week before, but only so us poor long-suffering tutors can come in and do lots of marking and admin and sitting through interminable meetings etc.
you lot can come in that week if you want... or enjoy another seven days, lying on the sofa, drinking cheap booze, guzzling mince pies & leftover turkey and watching endless reruns of the only fools and horses christmas special.
hmmm... it's a tough decision, isn't it?
so in summary:
back after xmas on
mon 11th jan 2010
see yous all then!
Lets spice things up a bit...
All of the most recent posts are title sequences...seen as its a Friday, thought I would mix it up a bit.
Yesterday, in college, during lunch break I decided to have a play with Illustrator. As you know from previous posts, curly hair is the future in my opinion!! That is where the inspiration for this illustration came from.
Have a beautiful day folks.
Yesterday, in college, during lunch break I decided to have a play with Illustrator. As you know from previous posts, curly hair is the future in my opinion!! That is where the inspiration for this illustration came from.
Have a beautiful day folks.
17 December 2009
You Know My Name
After typing in title sequences into Youtude I saw some interesting stuff...
Like "Casino Royale: James Bond", I think it's a great example of how the opening titles sets an atmosphere and mood for the film and I really like the use of vector graphics and line. Having Daniel Craig in every little bit of the thing makes me want to scream at him to go away just until the film starts because we understand that he is the main character by the way his name was before the title...sorry about that...and the run time for the title bit is 3 minutes 14 seconds and a brilliant music to run with it.
This is a nice simplistic opening title with the film "North by Northwest", the grid line thing reminds me of a building drawn to its simplistic form with the titles moving in and out in the opposite direction.
Like "Casino Royale: James Bond", I think it's a great example of how the opening titles sets an atmosphere and mood for the film and I really like the use of vector graphics and line. Having Daniel Craig in every little bit of the thing makes me want to scream at him to go away just until the film starts because we understand that he is the main character by the way his name was before the title...sorry about that...and the run time for the title bit is 3 minutes 14 seconds and a brilliant music to run with it.
This is a nice simplistic opening title with the film "North by Northwest", the grid line thing reminds me of a building drawn to its simplistic form with the titles moving in and out in the opposite direction.
Stop the Press!
Finally after soul searching I have pick a film for the new brief "To Kill A Mocking Bird", that was until after I went through each film I know and watched such as, each of Stephen King films or other films.
"To Kill a Mocking Bird", is a film based upon a brilliant book by Harper Lee in 1960 (nearly 50 years), the release date of the film 1962 (info by Wikipedia) I don't know, which theme it fits into for the brief Period drama or Courtroom (because Atticus Finch in a courtroom for some of the film)
The reason why I picked this film because I think this film shaped me into the person I am today and teaching me a lot.
This is only the trailer as I can't embed the opening credits, the opening titles is lovely for the time but the play of naivety and childhood memories and time I think I could work with the imagery. With this film I may want to keep it to a linear opening and keep the simplicity of the titles to blend in with the film. The original opening also takes about 2 minutes and 55 seconds, which for the brief has to finish 1 minutes or under, which I will try...
15 December 2009
We saw a clip of this in Mike DeVere's....
...lecture the other week and I knew I'd seen it before but couldn't remember where from but I remembered and thought I'd stick it on here.
It's.... erm... well it's pretty creative anyway, from an animation point of view. Make of it what you will...
It's.... erm... well it's pretty creative anyway, from an animation point of view. Make of it what you will...
12 December 2009
Gerry Anderson
I was thinking about title sequences a bit more last night and tried to recall anything that I found particular effective, and although i've not seen it for quite a few years now there is one particular TV show whose opening sequence has always impressed me. Captain Scarlet.
I think this sequence more than most is one of few instances where i've liked the title sequences more than the actually film itself, it's opening starts with the sound of footsteps as the camera rolls down a dark alley and I always found that a little freaky as it is completely model based yet looks (and sounds) realistic. And the familiar sub-theme which plays throughout the show during transitions between scenes is used in conjunction with the title of the show....it worked well I thought.
The closing sequence to Captain Scarlet was also brilliant because whilst it didn't reflect any storylines in the show itself, it gave a background story to the title character giving him more depth and showed the kind of situations that could be possible to him outside of those that were possible using the puppetry in the programme.
Gerry Anderson created 'Captain Scarlet' and there are at least two other memorable title sequences from his work that sprung to mind which i'm sure most people will be aware of, the opening sequence to 'Thunderbirds' and the ending sequence to 'Joe 90'.
With all of the title sequences from his TV shows there was always a certain mood to them and perhaps these aren't as celebrated as they probably should be.
Bit of the ol' vector graphics going on there in that Thunderbirds one...
I think this sequence more than most is one of few instances where i've liked the title sequences more than the actually film itself, it's opening starts with the sound of footsteps as the camera rolls down a dark alley and I always found that a little freaky as it is completely model based yet looks (and sounds) realistic. And the familiar sub-theme which plays throughout the show during transitions between scenes is used in conjunction with the title of the show....it worked well I thought.
The closing sequence to Captain Scarlet was also brilliant because whilst it didn't reflect any storylines in the show itself, it gave a background story to the title character giving him more depth and showed the kind of situations that could be possible to him outside of those that were possible using the puppetry in the programme.
Gerry Anderson created 'Captain Scarlet' and there are at least two other memorable title sequences from his work that sprung to mind which i'm sure most people will be aware of, the opening sequence to 'Thunderbirds' and the ending sequence to 'Joe 90'.
With all of the title sequences from his TV shows there was always a certain mood to them and perhaps these aren't as celebrated as they probably should be.
Bit of the ol' vector graphics going on there in that Thunderbirds one...
One Hour Photo it is then...
During the lunch break on Thursday afternoon I paid a visit to all the major DVD retailers in Manchester with the aim of buying 'One Hour Photo', and not one of them stocked it....but as luck would have it I managed to find a 2nd-hand copy for £3 in an exchange shop inside the Arndale. I had only seen the film once a few years back and because of the minimalist use of colour it's always been quite memorable, I couldn't remember what the title sequence was like though....and as I couldn't find it posted anywhere online I had to go and get a copy.
I watched it last night, the title sequence in it's entirity was about 7-10 seconds long, extremely brief, but it was still pretty good I thought. Nevertheless i've made my decision now that i'm definately going to do my sequence for this film.
Before watching it again I had an idea what I was going to do for the music, and after seeing it the sounds I have in mind are pretty much running with the original theme that was used....although I am not going to reference the original score as I want to do a complete remake with my own musical composition.
'One Hour Photo' was not the first film that I had in mind when I found out about the brief, my initial thoughts were to do an updated title sequence for a Hong Kong movie called 'Duel to the Death' as I wanted to make a choice that I would be passionate about making. It's about an age old hourable tradition that sees the best swordsman from China and Japan go head-to-head to see which is the greater nation...despite the two fighter's reluctance to fight each other. It's one of the most significant Hong Kong movies of all time as it pioneered the iconic wire-flying technique which has become widely used to this day in such legendary films as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'House of Flying Daggers' and 'The Matrix'. It's also the best depiction of ninja in cinema that i've ever known.
Although, when I then recieved the brief and noticed the limitation of only up to a minute for the title sequence I discarded the idea as I felt I wouldn't be able to do the film full justice with such a short time frame. I suppose, ultimately, this is a good thing as I shouldn't really be too indulgient in my choice towards my favourite movies and allow it to cloud my thought process. Hence why I chose a neutral film that, rather than being a fond favourite, is a film that I can definately apply some depth to with regards to it's title sequence.
I watched it last night, the title sequence in it's entirity was about 7-10 seconds long, extremely brief, but it was still pretty good I thought. Nevertheless i've made my decision now that i'm definately going to do my sequence for this film.
Before watching it again I had an idea what I was going to do for the music, and after seeing it the sounds I have in mind are pretty much running with the original theme that was used....although I am not going to reference the original score as I want to do a complete remake with my own musical composition.
'One Hour Photo' was not the first film that I had in mind when I found out about the brief, my initial thoughts were to do an updated title sequence for a Hong Kong movie called 'Duel to the Death' as I wanted to make a choice that I would be passionate about making. It's about an age old hourable tradition that sees the best swordsman from China and Japan go head-to-head to see which is the greater nation...despite the two fighter's reluctance to fight each other. It's one of the most significant Hong Kong movies of all time as it pioneered the iconic wire-flying technique which has become widely used to this day in such legendary films as 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon', 'House of Flying Daggers' and 'The Matrix'. It's also the best depiction of ninja in cinema that i've ever known.
Although, when I then recieved the brief and noticed the limitation of only up to a minute for the title sequence I discarded the idea as I felt I wouldn't be able to do the film full justice with such a short time frame. I suppose, ultimately, this is a good thing as I shouldn't really be too indulgient in my choice towards my favourite movies and allow it to cloud my thought process. Hence why I chose a neutral film that, rather than being a fond favourite, is a film that I can definately apply some depth to with regards to it's title sequence.
Painted Faces
Yesterday I finished painting a mask i've been working on recently, it's a chinese design common to their opera masks....sometimes also referred to as 'painted faces'.
However this particular design is in reference to one of my favourite Hong Kong movies, it's called 'Dreadnaught' and the main villain of the film paints this design on his face to go unnoticed as he begins to kill members of an opera troupe.
Over the years that i've been composing music, i've often referred to myself using a few different alias's and one of the more popular of these was 'Dreadnaught'. In recent years the desire to perform has increased; but fluctuations in confidence have made me doubtful, so the idea of wearing a mask to ease me into it has been in my head for a quite a while.....painting this mask is only the beginning. I doubt that i'll perform on my own for some time yet, but the potential for collaboration is there. I'm quite pleased with how the mask turned out at least.
I also created a t-shirt design this summer for the same thing, for me it's all about promoting and honouring movie classics that are perhaps not as well promoted as they should be.
This weeks intriguing imagery.
On wednesday as I walked to MMU, I noticed this on the side of the Chatham building where we have our lectures....it stood out a mile away....and whilst the message is a little bit cheesey, I liked the look and thought of it.
Also, I saw this billboard on the side of the Printworks building. I like how the design breaks the borders of the billboard and goes right down the wall.
Life is a stage and we are merely players
Well I has everybody got ideas for the title sequences brief I have been looking at films, which has made an impact on me for one reason or the other and decided on two possibles that are:
Stigmata
Stigmata
This is my first thriller film I brought having seen it numous times on the TV, so I know alot about this film and enjoy it. The beginning is very simplistic, which opens on a setting sun, as the title sequence displays the names this is entangled with the use different languages written in a script type this is used to compliment of typography. The reason for maybe picking this is the themes within the film, are religion, corruption within the church and the stigmatised (the marks of Jesus on the cross) and might create interesting opening sequences and the use of different typograpy
Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet
The second film is the cheesiest movie in the 90's Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet I thought about the film not because it was the worst film ever made or because it could of won the crappiest unacting but the metaphoric imagery such as, the opening on the TV in a dark room, the crosses, the guns with the words dagger on them I think might also improve it a little bit.
I am positive that I will make my mind up soon before the deadline ...
11 December 2009
Title Sequence - Studio Log
Hello folks.
When I started thinking about different genres for this brief the first thing that came to mind was horror. I imagined doing a dark, blood-soaked sequence that would chill your bones!!
Here's the True Blood one which is well nice.
And here's a student one for the classic The Lost Boys:
Then I started thinking about doing a horror version of a kids film, or book. Or the other way round, a kids version of a horror flick. I remembered something I saw ages ago on Youtube, a horror style trailer for Mary Poppins remake Scary Poppins!! It's done using just clips from the film made to look spooky and even a song sung by Poppins slowwwwwed down to sound eery. Goes to show that anything can be edited to appear any way you want. Here it is:
So i may do a sequence for that - Scary Poppins. There's some some iconic imagery that could be used, like Mary flying over the London rooftops under her umbrella, ella ella, ella... Etcetera (Mike DeVere's favourite word)
When I started thinking about different genres for this brief the first thing that came to mind was horror. I imagined doing a dark, blood-soaked sequence that would chill your bones!!
Here's the True Blood one which is well nice.
And here's a student one for the classic The Lost Boys:
Then I started thinking about doing a horror version of a kids film, or book. Or the other way round, a kids version of a horror flick. I remembered something I saw ages ago on Youtube, a horror style trailer for Mary Poppins remake Scary Poppins!! It's done using just clips from the film made to look spooky and even a song sung by Poppins slowwwwwed down to sound eery. Goes to show that anything can be edited to appear any way you want. Here it is:
So i may do a sequence for that - Scary Poppins. There's some some iconic imagery that could be used, like Mary flying over the London rooftops under her umbrella, ella ella, ella... Etcetera (Mike DeVere's favourite word)
Title Sequence - Review
Here's a nice one for you...
This is for the film noir Sin City. The film was adapted from the graphic novels of the same name by Frank Miller and the title sequence makes clear reference to the films comic origins using, I think, some of the original artwork from the comics. The story plays out in the fictional city of Basin City, known by all as Sin city, which is a dark and dangerous place filled with violence and crime. This sequence shows us some of the main characters and gives us a sneak preview of some of the scenes to come. The film is all black and white except for the occasional use of bold colours which gives it a nightmarish and very stylised look, this is taken directly form the graphic novels, and is used in this sequence too. It starts with a 3D cityscape which turns into the title Sin City. Nice. The credits are all blood red and move over the top of the black and white comic style characters. The text is kind of translucent too allowing us to see the scenes underneath. Very nice. The soundtrack used adds to the feeling of suspense and of building tension. Extra Nice.
This is for the film noir Sin City. The film was adapted from the graphic novels of the same name by Frank Miller and the title sequence makes clear reference to the films comic origins using, I think, some of the original artwork from the comics. The story plays out in the fictional city of Basin City, known by all as Sin city, which is a dark and dangerous place filled with violence and crime. This sequence shows us some of the main characters and gives us a sneak preview of some of the scenes to come. The film is all black and white except for the occasional use of bold colours which gives it a nightmarish and very stylised look, this is taken directly form the graphic novels, and is used in this sequence too. It starts with a 3D cityscape which turns into the title Sin City. Nice. The credits are all blood red and move over the top of the black and white comic style characters. The text is kind of translucent too allowing us to see the scenes underneath. Very nice. The soundtrack used adds to the feeling of suspense and of building tension. Extra Nice.
This morning I saw...
...the most beautiful scene ever, when I looked out the train window. I have tried to recreate it.
Title Sequence - Review
Hello all. Here's a title sequence I've found that I really like.
This is for a film I've never heard of called Thank You For Smoking. All the credits are presented as though it's on a packet of cigarettes. Lots of research must have been done into the look of loads of different old fashioned fag packets. In fact several of them look as though they may have used actual photographs of old packs as there's creases and scuff marks in some of them, which adds an authentic, worn, beat up look. Some look like they've been made up. There are lots of different styles; each new credit coming on screen with a new style. They're all old fashioned style ones too, no Silk Cut or B & H. The transitions between each new credit (and cig packet) are nice and smooth too, with the individual components of each packet breaking up and separating and the new one moving on to the screen. The music goes perfectly with it as it's all about smoking and the tempo goes well with the on screen transitions. Nice.
This is for a film I've never heard of called Thank You For Smoking. All the credits are presented as though it's on a packet of cigarettes. Lots of research must have been done into the look of loads of different old fashioned fag packets. In fact several of them look as though they may have used actual photographs of old packs as there's creases and scuff marks in some of them, which adds an authentic, worn, beat up look. Some look like they've been made up. There are lots of different styles; each new credit coming on screen with a new style. They're all old fashioned style ones too, no Silk Cut or B & H. The transitions between each new credit (and cig packet) are nice and smooth too, with the individual components of each packet breaking up and separating and the new one moving on to the screen. The music goes perfectly with it as it's all about smoking and the tempo goes well with the on screen transitions. Nice.
10 December 2009
9 December 2009
Vector Graphics
I have been searching through youtube looking at typography, and I have now started looking more into vector graphic animations. To see what you can do with vector images. This one, is quite short but I loved the whole idea of going into a book and escaping to a different world. It was very similar to the idea of my youbrief animation, escaping to my little world.
It also has 3d style effects, for e.g. with the trees.
It also has 3d style effects, for e.g. with the trees.
Pulp Fiction
I was talking with my brother about the title sequence brief the other night and we were discussing classic sequences and also classic films which had crap title sequences. One in particular had us both agreeing that it was amazing; Pulp Fiction.
As far as the sequence goes there's pretty much nothing to it apart from Tarantino's iconic font which he uses on all his films now, but it starts with th title rising up from the bottom, taking up the full screen, and then fading out from the center....
Watching this on a TV doesn't really have any effect, but I saw the film on multiplex cinema screen with my brother and when that title rolls up it is amazingly overwhelming. I remember it being really quite unreal for a second as the title seemed to be right in front of my face because of the size of it.....
So there you go.....size does matter afterall!
---> 4:29
As far as the sequence goes there's pretty much nothing to it apart from Tarantino's iconic font which he uses on all his films now, but it starts with th title rising up from the bottom, taking up the full screen, and then fading out from the center....
Watching this on a TV doesn't really have any effect, but I saw the film on multiplex cinema screen with my brother and when that title rolls up it is amazingly overwhelming. I remember it being really quite unreal for a second as the title seemed to be right in front of my face because of the size of it.....
So there you go.....size does matter afterall!
---> 4:29
An interesting...and somewhat scary evening.
I went to the final Life Drawing class of the year with my friend Jim this evening, the model was a guy called Reece who we've drawn before. During the warm-up sketches I experimented this time with using my metalic gold and silver pens aswell as letraset markers....no major difference....may buy some crayons or something for next time and see how that turns out.
The final pose was longer than usual at 40 minutes and i'm quite pleased with how my drawing turned out, I thought that Jim's was also the best he'd done since we've started going to these classes.
The night was spoiled by my bus service though, they were running late because of some big act that was playing at the M.E.N. arena. The bus was a little late but that wasn't the issue....the driver had decided that to make up his time he would make the local shopping centre the last stop. So I had to walk home from there.
Problem is the area between there and my house is gun central. Suffice to say that on this night, I have thrashed the speed walking world record.
The final pose was longer than usual at 40 minutes and i'm quite pleased with how my drawing turned out, I thought that Jim's was also the best he'd done since we've started going to these classes.
The night was spoiled by my bus service though, they were running late because of some big act that was playing at the M.E.N. arena. The bus was a little late but that wasn't the issue....the driver had decided that to make up his time he would make the local shopping centre the last stop. So I had to walk home from there.
Problem is the area between there and my house is gun central. Suffice to say that on this night, I have thrashed the speed walking world record.
8 December 2009
Title sequences - reviews
I'm trying not to think to hard about what i'm doing just yet, I did have a few films in mind that i'd have liked to try....but the time limit wont be suitable for them so i'm still mulling a few over.
I just thought i'd look at some of my DVDs and pick out some title sequences which I found (/continue to find) particularly effective.....
Creepshow 2
The movie is a collection of short horror stories presented by a crypt keeper (Tom Savini...hehe) with the overall package being that of a comic book style, the opening titles show pages of a comic showing scenes from the coming film....preparing the viewer for what is in store yet not to an extent that the story is spoiled. Naturally the typography of the sequence is in the style of a comic book and the music sets the tone and sequence eases the audience comfortably into the film.
Jason and the Argonauts
Whilst this is again a fairly simple sequence with the camera panning across the canvas, it does the job well in setting the mood as the artwork (coupled with ancient greek typography) displays scenes of what is to be expected in the following film and the addition of Bernard Herrman's amazing score makes it complete.
Run Lola Run
A fast-paced and interesting movie from Germany, the title sequence begins with an animated version of the main character running through a seemingly endless tunnel making her way through various obstacles.....this is pretty much the feel of the film itself and the music is consistant throughout not only the title sequence but the full movie aswell so the continuation is not stuttered by any loss of pace.
The sequence then changes to a kind of police line-up of the main cast of the coming film changing from animation to photography, yet the accompanying text is still creatively animated in a series of ways. Brilliant.
[ Skip to about 2:25 ]
Mannequin
Another animated title sequence, one of which has always been a fond favourite since my childhood. The film is a romantic comedy and the sequence clearly reflects the uplifting pace at which is plays out, the film is about an Egyptian who prays to god to send her to a time where she will find true love rather than stay in the bind of an arranged marriage....the title sequence plays an integral part in this as it takes the character from Ancient Egypt right through to the present day presenting the passing of ages with clocks and showing various key moments in time. The sequence ends with the character being transformed into a mannequin at which point the film begins, the sequence has by this point given the viewer an brief introduction into this character and the idea that she has been on a very long adventure through time.
-----------------
My last post made me remember the title sequence for Ironside, so i'll post that....it's one classic sequence. If you like Kill Bill you'll definately like it, direct reference right here.
I just thought i'd look at some of my DVDs and pick out some title sequences which I found (/continue to find) particularly effective.....
Creepshow 2
The movie is a collection of short horror stories presented by a crypt keeper (Tom Savini...hehe) with the overall package being that of a comic book style, the opening titles show pages of a comic showing scenes from the coming film....preparing the viewer for what is in store yet not to an extent that the story is spoiled. Naturally the typography of the sequence is in the style of a comic book and the music sets the tone and sequence eases the audience comfortably into the film.
Jason and the Argonauts
Whilst this is again a fairly simple sequence with the camera panning across the canvas, it does the job well in setting the mood as the artwork (coupled with ancient greek typography) displays scenes of what is to be expected in the following film and the addition of Bernard Herrman's amazing score makes it complete.
Run Lola Run
A fast-paced and interesting movie from Germany, the title sequence begins with an animated version of the main character running through a seemingly endless tunnel making her way through various obstacles.....this is pretty much the feel of the film itself and the music is consistant throughout not only the title sequence but the full movie aswell so the continuation is not stuttered by any loss of pace.
The sequence then changes to a kind of police line-up of the main cast of the coming film changing from animation to photography, yet the accompanying text is still creatively animated in a series of ways. Brilliant.
[ Skip to about 2:25 ]
Mannequin
Another animated title sequence, one of which has always been a fond favourite since my childhood. The film is a romantic comedy and the sequence clearly reflects the uplifting pace at which is plays out, the film is about an Egyptian who prays to god to send her to a time where she will find true love rather than stay in the bind of an arranged marriage....the title sequence plays an integral part in this as it takes the character from Ancient Egypt right through to the present day presenting the passing of ages with clocks and showing various key moments in time. The sequence ends with the character being transformed into a mannequin at which point the film begins, the sequence has by this point given the viewer an brief introduction into this character and the idea that she has been on a very long adventure through time.
-----------------
My last post made me remember the title sequence for Ironside, so i'll post that....it's one classic sequence. If you like Kill Bill you'll definately like it, direct reference right here.
Weekend
It's great when the film channels show some of your favourite films on rotation for a whole season, in the past month i've seen (dare I say it -Hitchcock's best film) Rear Window so many times....and since I had no internet access for most of the day I saw that it was on today aswell, so I watched it.
I always found it funny how the actor whose plans were sussed by a wheelchair-bound wannabe detective in this movie later ended up playing Ironside, a wheelchair-bound detective. But anyway...
Also over the weekend I watched a biography on Shirley Temple, the curly-haired tap dancer from the 1930s, beforehand i'd only seen photos and references in The Simpsons which pretty much took the piss out of her on-screen relationship with the family's slave, but now I am actually quite looking forward to seeing some of her films (my mam recently got a box set of hers on the cheap) as I was very impressed with the clips in the biography show.
It's also got me thinking about when, if ever, cinema will get a tap dancing revival. Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn's tap performances in Funny Face were unbelieveable as I seem to recall.
I always found it funny how the actor whose plans were sussed by a wheelchair-bound wannabe detective in this movie later ended up playing Ironside, a wheelchair-bound detective. But anyway...
Also over the weekend I watched a biography on Shirley Temple, the curly-haired tap dancer from the 1930s, beforehand i'd only seen photos and references in The Simpsons which pretty much took the piss out of her on-screen relationship with the family's slave, but now I am actually quite looking forward to seeing some of her films (my mam recently got a box set of hers on the cheap) as I was very impressed with the clips in the biography show.
It's also got me thinking about when, if ever, cinema will get a tap dancing revival. Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn's tap performances in Funny Face were unbelieveable as I seem to recall.
7 December 2009
'You' Brief presentation
Well I was intending on posting this last week but our cable modem decided to explode on us and i've been without the t'internet over the weekend....but a UPS van arrived this afternoon with a replacement and here I am. (Anyone else noticing a lot more UPS vans lately? ....yep.)
So the presentation, I wasn't that nervous about doing it but my heart was racing like Linford and that was very off-putting. I think that in the main I put forward the basic vibe of what I was going for but i'll definately need to talk positively about my work in the future as I made a point of how rubbish I felt my mind map was....yet Andrea told me not to be so critical about my stuff as she felt that it came across ok.
In my frustration about the 3 minute (or rather...4 minute!) time limit I had forgotten to mention any of the audio side of my project, the SFX that I spent time sourcing and timing with the visuals....and also the music that I created for it (half composed, half re-worked references). Ultimately, this was all mentioned in my written evaluation so I am not so disappointed that I missed this out of my speech.
Two of my direct references:
Ghostbusters - 'Stay Puft Marshmallow Man' scene
Ring - 'Sadako climbing out of TV' scene
So the presentation, I wasn't that nervous about doing it but my heart was racing like Linford and that was very off-putting. I think that in the main I put forward the basic vibe of what I was going for but i'll definately need to talk positively about my work in the future as I made a point of how rubbish I felt my mind map was....yet Andrea told me not to be so critical about my stuff as she felt that it came across ok.
In my frustration about the 3 minute (or rather...4 minute!) time limit I had forgotten to mention any of the audio side of my project, the SFX that I spent time sourcing and timing with the visuals....and also the music that I created for it (half composed, half re-worked references). Ultimately, this was all mentioned in my written evaluation so I am not so disappointed that I missed this out of my speech.
Two of my direct references:
Ghostbusters - 'Stay Puft Marshmallow Man' scene
Ring - 'Sadako climbing out of TV' scene
Update
Today, I have looked through my DVDs and started to really think about the film I want to create the title sequence for. I also created my Gantt chart, it seems like forever till February...but its not!!
The title sequences we have been shown last week, and also examples people have posted on this are awesome. However, they do seem to be slightly intimadating. Even though we should watch these for motivation and thrive to be as good as them, I think it is also useful to see projects people our age and of our skills have produced to help us.
This one below, is effective, and quite simple. It is something, with a bit of work, we could definitely re-create.
The title sequences we have been shown last week, and also examples people have posted on this are awesome. However, they do seem to be slightly intimadating. Even though we should watch these for motivation and thrive to be as good as them, I think it is also useful to see projects people our age and of our skills have produced to help us.
This one below, is effective, and quite simple. It is something, with a bit of work, we could definitely re-create.
5 December 2009
Yo
Ok, this is Pink's video for 'You and Your Hand' (the remix as the actual one isn't allowed to be embeded or whatever the word is) I'm not into the song but the 'typography-ness' is pretty damn good. I came on here and did this because I thought it was about time I did. Probably reflects my PDP lol. Anywho...blah blah... love the way they've got the type to look like smoke. Ummm blahhh....Does anyone actually read these? I know I don't, lol. Love the idea of the words coming out of the page hmmmm.... may steal that idea. I called it first!! xD
4 December 2009
Title Sequence
Hey folks! I know the weekend ahead will contain plenty of title sequence filled heads!! I thought this may help:
http://www.imdb.com/chart/top
It is IMDB's top 250 films. It may just give you some ideas you have not thought of.
Go enjoy.
http://www.imdb.com/chart/top
It is IMDB's top 250 films. It may just give you some ideas you have not thought of.
Go enjoy.
2 December 2009
School of Satchi Review
School of Satchi
Review
School of Satchi is a TV series in which aims to find new artistic talent. I find this programme hugely inspirational for me as a designer. The programme explores different artists, from painters to sculptors and installation artists.
The series is over 4 programmes, and follows the journey of cutting down thousands of artists to one winner. They use professional artists and critics throughout the programme to judge the amateurs, this makes the programme very professional and engaging. You want to hear what they have to say about the work, and as a designer get hints and tips for yourself. Even though the programme is one hour long, it does keep the attention of the audience very well because you want to see the final product, for e.g. in the latest show they had to produce a piece of modern large scale art for the Hastings sea front.
Art and Design is a career which is highly competitive and very difficult to get your foot through the door. Therefore, this series would appeal to a large audience as not many people get the chance to get this far within art. It gives the audience an insight into what is possible which is very motivational and inspirational. It definitely makes the audience feel good about themselves, and therefore is successful as a programme because people will want to watch the next show. People will also want to see the next show because they feel they have got to know the participants throughout the first few programmes, and want to know who makes it further in the competition.
Series within this genre, in which you watch other people is very appealing. It puts the audience in a voyeuristic position. This means, we are watching what they are doing without them seeing. If they make mistakes, even though it is sometimes awkward to watch when they get upset, an audience still likes to view this because it allows us to experience strong emotions with people we wouldn't normally. Therefore allowing us to escape.
The general post production work for this series, i.e. the film edit, is quite simple and sophisticated. The transitions between the shots are simple cuts, to make the show seem believable and not edited. This is an important factor because it allows the audience to feel trust towards the show and not think that we are been restricted with what we are viewing. The title sequence however, is a bit more impressive. It includes paint splatter across the screen, resulting in the title ‘School of Satchi’. Again, it isn't too complicated, but still effective enough to look modern.
As a series, I think School of Satchi is a big success because there hasn’t been a programme similar to this for artists/designers apart from the recent show ‘Design for Life’. However, it is still popular because the genre and set up is similar to other well known shows, for e.g X Factor. Therefore it isn't too daring or unusual for people to not want to watch. As a designer, I would definitely recommend this series to other visual artists.
Review
School of Satchi is a TV series in which aims to find new artistic talent. I find this programme hugely inspirational for me as a designer. The programme explores different artists, from painters to sculptors and installation artists.
The series is over 4 programmes, and follows the journey of cutting down thousands of artists to one winner. They use professional artists and critics throughout the programme to judge the amateurs, this makes the programme very professional and engaging. You want to hear what they have to say about the work, and as a designer get hints and tips for yourself. Even though the programme is one hour long, it does keep the attention of the audience very well because you want to see the final product, for e.g. in the latest show they had to produce a piece of modern large scale art for the Hastings sea front.
Art and Design is a career which is highly competitive and very difficult to get your foot through the door. Therefore, this series would appeal to a large audience as not many people get the chance to get this far within art. It gives the audience an insight into what is possible which is very motivational and inspirational. It definitely makes the audience feel good about themselves, and therefore is successful as a programme because people will want to watch the next show. People will also want to see the next show because they feel they have got to know the participants throughout the first few programmes, and want to know who makes it further in the competition.
Series within this genre, in which you watch other people is very appealing. It puts the audience in a voyeuristic position. This means, we are watching what they are doing without them seeing. If they make mistakes, even though it is sometimes awkward to watch when they get upset, an audience still likes to view this because it allows us to experience strong emotions with people we wouldn't normally. Therefore allowing us to escape.
The general post production work for this series, i.e. the film edit, is quite simple and sophisticated. The transitions between the shots are simple cuts, to make the show seem believable and not edited. This is an important factor because it allows the audience to feel trust towards the show and not think that we are been restricted with what we are viewing. The title sequence however, is a bit more impressive. It includes paint splatter across the screen, resulting in the title ‘School of Satchi’. Again, it isn't too complicated, but still effective enough to look modern.
As a series, I think School of Satchi is a big success because there hasn’t been a programme similar to this for artists/designers apart from the recent show ‘Design for Life’. However, it is still popular because the genre and set up is similar to other well known shows, for e.g X Factor. Therefore it isn't too daring or unusual for people to not want to watch. As a designer, I would definitely recommend this series to other visual artists.
The Girl Who Didnt Dress Bright
This is going to be my second review (yes my second maybe my tenth well be in next ten years or so but...) as I forgot if I can review adverts (pitch folks at the ready...) anyway "The Girl Who Didn't Wear Clothes", or the advert from Think! Road Safety advertisement. We have gone from the days where we have singing hedgehogs teaching the green cross code "Stop, Look and Listen"and now we are in the days where scaring little kids is much better. This animation was made by the company Nexus Production in 2d and 3d computer animation.
The narrative is set out in a poem and told as a tale about the girl who didn't dress bright. The advert reminds me of a Tim Burton animation with use dearm like surreal backgrounds and flash backs of what happened.
This is a simple but I think effective advert as its done a creative way to not terrify a young audience but would make a impact into thinking.
Strange Trees
I went to a book launch last night at Turdis (this is what me and my brother call the Urbis) which was supposed to be accompanied by an art fayre and a live band performance.....
The table where the author was sat with her books was right at the back out of sight, could only see one painting, and the band that was supposed to be performing didn't even show up!
...but some guy did two poetry readings and that was pretty cool. I don't regularly go to any poetry events but every so often in the past when i've been at a gig, there have been some impromptu poetry readings and they are always pretty good.
You should check some out......err, sometime.
Words can be fun kiddies!
The table where the author was sat with her books was right at the back out of sight, could only see one painting, and the band that was supposed to be performing didn't even show up!
...but some guy did two poetry readings and that was pretty cool. I don't regularly go to any poetry events but every so often in the past when i've been at a gig, there have been some impromptu poetry readings and they are always pretty good.
You should check some out......err, sometime.
Words can be fun kiddies!
Arcade Expressionism
Now this is more like it....
...a few more here.
I thought about doing something like this in reference to my old C64 games a while back, the motivation is returning.....GANBATTE!
...a few more here.
I thought about doing something like this in reference to my old C64 games a while back, the motivation is returning.....GANBATTE!
1 December 2009
Electric December '09...
I was reading DesignWeek and came across this.It's called Electric December and is basically a digital advent calendar and each day represents an animation or video made by people between the ages of 14-21.
If you subscribe they send you a link to a video everyday up until Christmas Eve.Some of them are pretty good.
Check it out!(Click on Image)
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