MOTION GRAPHIC DESIGN
Title Sequences Assignment
The first assignment for this module is to create an alternative title sequence for a film or TV series of our choice. I have chosen the supernatural horror film Final Destination 3 (2006).
Film Synopsis
The film follows the main character foreseeing deaths of their group of friends in a premonition, then they all try to escape or else be killed in bizarre and horrific ways. It was released in 2006 and received mixed reviews due to its strong language and bloodcurdling scenes.
Film Poster
WARNING!
The rest of this post contains strong language and graphic images that some may find disturbing.
The idea is to act out original scenes from the film itself so the correct concept is important to show the horror in them. Inspired by the late Saul Bass, a minimal silhouette concept is chosen. Dark and undetailed appearances helps add that scary and intimidating feeling to viewers. Also, only the colours black, grey and red will be used to highlight the film's supernatural thriller/horror genre.
Alternative Title Sequence Analysis
The introduction begins by slowing presenting the name of the key production in anticipating silence on a dusty wall. Then only the next scene would start with a more upbeat and suspenseful music in the background. Small buildings fade into the scene soon after the coaster tracks, representing the stalls and tents that the characters visited in the amusement park earlier in the film.
A rollercoaster then comes into the frame moving at a fast speed. When its front carriage reaches the end, it crashes and the others behind follow suit. This foreshadows the earliest plot of the film where the rollercoaster the characters rode on crashed and killed everyone.
Third scene begins with the previous buildings. They represent the local tricentennial fair that the characters visited at the end of film. A wave of blood comes pouring through the screen and floods the buildings. This implies that more deaths occurred at the fair as there were more people present.
A total of five transitioned cards float around in this next scene, displaying different images. However, only three are labelled - The Devil, Fate, and Death.
In accordance to the film, “The Devil” can define various things. In the film, it represents the name of the rollercoaster they will later ride on, called the Devil’s Flight. “Fate” means they are bound to a prophecy that has been written for them. That's why Fate has an image of a key; symbolizing that their deaths are locked in. And “Death” primarily means the passing of the characters. Hence, their ‘final destination’.
Incoming graphic images.
A car with a driver moves along and stops in the middle of a fast-food drive-thru called The Devil Wings. Another hint pointing towards the name of rollercoaster. Then a huge fan comes swinging from out of nowhere and slices the driver’s head off and it eventually explodes.
This scene is another foreshadow when a character, Frankie, got killed by an engine motor that sliced his skull and exposed his brain. Where you might ask? Yes, AT A DRIVE-THRU.
The graveyard scene represents the funeral that the characters went to. It has three tombstones to symbolize that this is the third film of the Final Destination franchise. A black pigeon pops above the middle tombstone foreshadowing the dead pigeon in the actual film, before another character was killed.
Two cast members' names were put in the same scene as these women are the ones who played twin sisters Ashley & Ashlyn. In the middle is a a shooting range game from the amusement park that the twins played in the film.
The gun on the stall represents two things:
1. The prop water gun used when they were playing.
2. The nail gun that killed another character, Erin. Hence why the gun cocks and shoots out a big nail.
This scene acts out Erin's accident when she tragically died as a nail gun repeatedly shot at her face. The actress' name, who did play Erin, is presented along.
Background Music
1. Main soundtrack of Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) by Charles Bernstein.
2. Theme song of Halloween by Michael Myers.
Both music were chosen because of their own uniqueness in the song. Charles Bernstein’s has that suspenseful vibe going on, while Michael Myers’ mostly consists of chilling piano sounds. Other than that, various sound effects were added to highlight the eeriness of the storyline such as screaming, swiping knife, speeding rollercoaster and more.
Typography
The font used was Bebas Neue in Regular and Light. Effects were added to make it look blurry and rustic.
As for the colour, black is mainly used to stick with the silhouette concept. However, red is used for the names and the number 3 in the film title. This gives honour to the film’s American director James Wong, who was born in Hong Kong and of Chinese descent. According to their beliefs, the Chinese avoid writing their names in red ink as that would mean a curse for someone to die or the news of that person passing away - which is exactly what Final Destination is all about - Death.
Final Destination 3 (2006) Alternative Title Sequence
***Disclaimer: For educational purposes only.***
