* Whiplash
Title sequence design for the film Whiplash.
Concept
Throughout the creative process, we asked ourselves, what would Whiplash look like if it was a music score? We decided to use graphic music notations as our framing device to portray the chaotic environment that the characters endure throughout the film.
Graphic music notations are the representation of music through the use of visual symbols, an art in and of itself.
Throughout the creative process, we asked ourselves, what would Whiplash look like if it was a music score? We decided to use graphic music notations as our framing device to portray the chaotic environment that the characters endure throughout the film.
Graphic music notations are the representation of music through the use of visual symbols, an art in and of itself.
Moodboard
We used graphic music notations to sketch out the plot of the film and capture its emotional impact.
We used graphic music notations to sketch out the plot of the film and capture its emotional impact.
Frames
Modeling
We moved onto Cinema 4D to build the notations in a three dimensional space. We modeled each individual shape and combined them onto one structure within a spiral. We used the structure to portray the escalating chaos of both the film’s narrative and the music.
Animation
Music was key. When we moved onto animation, the movements were choreographed and dictated by the song. We used camera movement to illustrate the more dramatic moments and animated each individual shape to be more dynamic. One of the main goals of this piece was for music and visuals to act as one.
Music was key. When we moved onto animation, the movements were choreographed and dictated by the song. We used camera movement to illustrate the more dramatic moments and animated each individual shape to be more dynamic. One of the main goals of this piece was for music and visuals to act as one.
Texture & Lighting
One of the biggest challenges throughout the process was to figure out which lighting to use and how to keep it interesting. We customized the textures for each shape and used volumetric light to have a consistent look throughout the whole sequence, as secondary lights that focused on individual shapes.
One of the biggest challenges throughout the process was to figure out which lighting to use and how to keep it interesting. We customized the textures for each shape and used volumetric light to have a consistent look throughout the whole sequence, as secondary lights that focused on individual shapes.
Type Treatment
For the type choice, we thought a condensed typeface would be appropriate to portray the tension between the two main characters. For the treatment, we applied a luminescent effect on the typography as a reference to the last scene of the film, where the cymbals and snares from the drum reflect the stage lights and shine.
For the type choice, we thought a condensed typeface would be appropriate to portray the tension between the two main characters. For the treatment, we applied a luminescent effect on the typography as a reference to the last scene of the film, where the cymbals and snares from the drum reflect the stage lights and shine.
Collaborators
This project was done in collaboration with designers Abby Ra and Konosuke Matsushita.
This project was done in collaboration with designers Abby Ra and Konosuke Matsushita.