Unit 37 - Visual Effects

The opening title sequence for Catch me if you can is unique in that it is completely animated, while incorporating the cast and crew members into the movements. The characters present in the animation are acting out a story related to the film itself, that being a police inspector after an on the run fugitive. It is also quite simple, and gives the audience a basic idea of the film, if the title didn't give it away in the first place.

This title sequence, from the Netflix show A Series of Unfortunate Events (Based on a book series of thirteen), combines live action with more subtle visual effects, to give it the feeling of a classic detective drama, with a peg board of pictures and clues attached by string overlain by a slightly fuzzy, often monochrome or discoloured sort of screen, giving off a sort of old school vibe. This sequence also warns the audience to "look away" and also gives a quick briefing on the plot of the current episode in song, making the title sequence slightly different for each episode, but keeping the underlying basis of a classic detective show present.

To be able to understand how 2 iconic artists impacted the history and progression of visual effects.

Saul Bass (May 8, 1920 - April 25, 1996)

A graphic designer and filmmaker, best known for his design of film posters and film sequences. Throughout his 40 year career he worked for some of Hollywood's greatest filmmakers, including Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Otto Preminger, Billy Wilder and Martin Scorsese.

Maurice Binder was a film title designer best known for his work on 14 James Bond films including the first one, Dr. No in 1962. He was born in New York City but mostly worked in Britain from the 1950s onwards. Maurice created the signature gun barrel sequence for the opening titles of Dr. No.

Presentation including slides on Bass and Binder:

Motion Tracking (Matchmoving).

Mo-Cap.

Colour Manipulation including changing or leaving specific colours.

Animated 'special' effects.

Compositing - With live action footage, animated footage and background mattes.

I brainstormed two different title sequences and presented them to a few of my peers. They selected the idea that the entire sequence takes place in a police station as a large set of case files (related to the film) being laid one on top of the other until finally a folder is closed with the film title - "Released" stamped on the front. Pictured Below: The brainstorm for the title sequences. It didn't have to be too big, so I kept it simple.

Pictured Above: A more in depth explanation of my first idea, the one that was selected for me to create.

The title sequence itself would have to be filmed live action for the effect I want, and then cleaned up in editing. There will be a few difficulties, since it's not just going to be a static angle watching paper fall. There will be movement, and I'm hoping to have a shot of the camera following the detective into another room holding some of the files. 

Below: The basis for Idea 2, which, while not being chosen, still has the basis for a good opening sequence.

This idea could be either live action or animated, and takes inspiration from the opening sequence for Catch Me If You Can. It would've been filmed along a quieter street, cars driving in front, while giving a good cue for different cast names, does take away form the openings original intention of telling a bit of the story, foreshadowing what may or may not happen in the film.