RESEARCH
Before creating my title sequence, it is important that I do research to understand what makes a good title sequence and what makes a bad title sequence so I can avoid making negative additions to my own. I carried out this research in a blog post which you can view by clicking here.
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I also made a spider diagram to help develop some initial ideas and consider what elements should be include in terms of audio and visuals.
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This research will be very useful when creating the title sequence as it will serve as a reference of what details and elements are best to add into the title sequence.
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I plan to create a title sequence for the Netflix adaptation of Our Day Out. As this will be a video, it would be best to format it as an MP4 at 1080p. Taking into consideration the information I obtained from my research, it would be best to make the title sequence between 1 and 2 minutes long as most other title sequences are this long. The title sequence serves as an introduction to the show's themes, characters and locations and because of this I intend to include locations such as the bus, the castle, the zoo etc. I also want to include elements such as a tie, cigarettes and chocolate as they resonate with the characters.
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With all of my research and idea development completed, I had a secure collection of references that I could look back to as I created my title sequence. I used both Illustrator and After Effects to create my title sequence. Illustrator was the best tool to use when it came to efficiently creating illustrations that were inspired by the ideas I developed on my spider diagram. I enjoy using Illustrator because there's something satisfying about the drawing process, however I didn't start off drawing as smooth as I was towards the end of production. I started off by drawing straight lines because I couldn't figure out how to make curves. However through trial and error and practice outside of the project, it became much easier to understand. There is also a website I used called the Bezier Game that helped me become better at making smoother looking illustrations. I transferred these illustrations to After Effects because it is the best tool for creating smooth animations and adding effects such as smoke and fire. Similarly to Illustrator, I struggled at first with animating and keyframing. To help with this, we had sessions in class that taught us the basics of After Effects where we learned how to keyframe, mask and more. Even after improving, I don't really enjoy using After Effects, there a lot of complicated aspects and its hard to find relevant tutorials for things I struggle with because buttons move and functions change seemingly after every small update.
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The title sequence, on the whole, successfully aligns with its intended audience by including vibrant colours and intricate details that capture attention effectively. It provides a brief glimpse into the show's settings and themes. However, feedback suggests a mismatch with the preferences of the 16-24 age group, as it is perceived as overly childish.
To reach the target audience without gender exclusion, I avoided conventional stereotypes in colour and themes. Nevertheless, the prominent use of bright colours and a music selection that leans towards a younger demographic might have been more suitable for a younger audience. I think future projects similar to this could benefit from a balance, opting for sophisticated colours that resonate with the 16-24 age range without being dull.
With a lack of experience, I acknowledge that there's room for improvement in animation quality. I know that with more practice, I can achieve smoother and less jolty animations in future projects.
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Despite efforts to depict relevant themes and locations, feedback indicates that elements such as lemonade or cigarettes are irrelevant. While personal perspectives may differ, seeking client input in the future ensures alignment with the performance. Finding a balance between open-mindedness and staying true to my creative vision is important.
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Reflecting on the process, if I could start again, I would explore the integration of live-action and illustration. This decision stems from the realization that relying solely on illustration and animation posed unexpected challenges. Experimenting with different mediums could potentially enhance the visual appeal and overall effectiveness of the title sequence.