The Walking Dead - Minimal Title Sequence

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2015 Adobe Design Achievement Awards
Motion Graphics Category - Semifinalist

This title sequence takes on a minimal approach to evoke emotions from audience when they relate themselves to the characters in this post-apocalyptic world.

Based on the current opening titles of The Walking Dead series, they all spot a similar visual hierachy. Each character is also introduced with a corresponding object that relates to their individual story within the show. The color grading of all the opening titles are similar too. These 3 observations will ground the visuals for my opening title.

Here is my moodboard.

Very early in the concept phase I knew I wanted the opening title to be monotone, possibly just black and white with a single hint of color. I also wanted it to have a mixture of 3D and 2D assets, or maybe just 2D drawings set in Z-space.

This is my first set of styleframes, which did not work.

I went for the to-go method for treating dark themes - dark background. In this case, together with simple vector drawings and monotone grading, did not compliment well for a zombie apocalypse opening title.

And not just the visuals, the story for this set of styleframes was overwhelming for an opening title. A title sequence should only assist in setting the mood for the show.

The final set of styleframes.

Using a bright background in contrast with dark elements, slow pace, and corresponding characteristic moments, it helps to set a solemn mood for the show.