06 | Motion Graphics: Making Babies (Redo)
Project brief:
The brief revolves around the visualisation of information on the topic "I've always wondered". Infomotion uses motion and sequencing to narrate information dynamically. Unlike static media, it's fleeting, offering less time for viewers to interpret visuals. Hence, motion graphics must swiftly convey powerful signs and symbols for effective communication, blending entertainment with intelligence. To succeed, infomotions should focus on singular concepts, simplifying scene-by-scene depictions to present one idea at a time. The topic of "I've always wondered..." relies on sufficient research, strong concepts, an interesting script, powerful design and intriguing animation. Finally, there had to be a South African context present in our final animation.
Project deliverables:
01 Process work
02 Storyboards
03 Thumbnail
04 Final infomotion
Design strategy:
Our initial concept for the video revolved around designer babies which is a theory about genetically modified babies made through CRISPR, which has the potential to alter the genetics of a developing fetus in the earliest stages of development. We gathered that the most interesting way to retrieve insights and research on designer babies was to interview people on what they would do if they could design their baby.
Design Process
The research was mostly retrieved from the insights we gain from in person interviews. We asked the following questions:
What we gained from this information was translated into a narrative arc for the infomotion. The style, tone and mood are set by the way the interviews were filmed, edited and sound engineered. The style of the video is inspired by youtube documentaries and street interviews. The cutting and editing of the style is the mechanism that carries the humour within the video.
Storyboard
Editing Process
We started off by conducting numerous interviews and posing specific questions essential for our narrative. Subsequently, we sifted through the interviews, meticulously selecting the most captivating moments that would entertain while contributing to the development of our narrative
Paired with our fast paced editing and interspersed amusing moments that are highlighted by sound effects, the interview segments captivates the audience attention. As the embryologist and music therapy students shared their professional insights, the music transitioned to a more solemn tone, deliberately setting a distinct tone for their expertise on the technicalities and ethical considerations surrounding designer babies. Mariam's narrations at the video's outset guided viewers through our journey of primary research and storytelling, creating an engaging and exciting approach.
This redo focused on adding a variety to the cutting by using L and J cuts (which is when the audio is played a bit before or after its footage is played). Editing mistakes with timing, colour grading and visual details were fixed as well. We also edited the audio in Mariam's narration clips to have less of an echo caused by the room we recorded in.
Visual style
The individuals in positions of authority are presented against a stylized backdrop. The scenes featuring these authoritative figures unfold on a visually intriguing crumpled paper background, accentuated by tape on the corners. This unique visual aesthetic not only adds a touch of creativity to the video but also serves as a symbolic representation of the complex and nuanced nature of the subject matter. As the video delves into the ethical considerations surrounding the idea of designing an ideal child, the juxtaposition of the professionals against the textured backdrop adds depth and contemplative visual appeal to the thought-provoking narrative.
For the redo, we altered the pink tape colour to better match the scrubs that the embryologist is wearing as well as add more padding to the names text. In terms of editing we also changed the timing of the name captions to only appear once to avoid unnecessary repetitiveness.
Thumbnail
Final Infomotion
